A Murray hockey fan is getting a once-in-a-lifetime blend of sports and science after winning a statewide sweepstakes tied to the Utah Mammoth’s new identity.

Bradley B., of Murray, was selected as the grand prize winner of the Utah Mammoth Museum Quest, a partnership between the Natural History Museum of Utah and the newly rebranded Utah Mammoth.

Natural History Museum of Utah’s Mark Johnston said, “Since November, we’ve been partnering with the newly rebranded Utah Mammoth NHL team to host their statewide Museum Quest, which is introducing their fans to the science and history of mammoths in Utah.”

The Museum Quest encouraged hockey fans to visit museums across the state and learn about real mammoth fossils discovered in Utah. According to the museum, NHMU “recruited 10 museums and one mammoth discovery site (National Forest Service) to participate in the Museum Quest, resulting in a checklist that shows fans where they can see real mammoth fossils and learn mammoth facts across Utah.”

The program bundled several incentives in one place: discounted admission at participating stops (supported by a grant through the SEG Foundation), a free Utah Mammoth gift at each location while supplies lasted, and a sweepstakes entry connected to the campaign. NHMU and the team framed it as an “interactive, educational experience” linking sports, science, discovery sites and museum learning across the state.

The campaign also included “free Utah Mammoth pins distributed at participating museums, discounted admission, and a sweepstakes that concluded on Jan. 4, which Bradley won.”

In total, 3,305 people from across Utah entered the sweepstakes. The grand prize winner was chosen through random number generation and notified by email.

Woolly Mammoth skull. (Photo courtesy of NHMU)

Bradley’s prize package centered on the Utah Mammoth’s game against the Seattle Kraken. The museum said the grand prize included “lower bowl tickets to a Utah Mammoth game on Jan.17 with food provided at the game, team merchandise delivered by Tusky the team mascot during the game, two nights hotel stay downtown Salt Lake City, a VIP behind-the-scenes tour of NHMU’s collections and paleo prep lab, and NHMU merchandise.”

The following day, Bradley and his family visited the museum for a private tour not typically available to the public.

“The tour was led by paleontologist Carrie Levitt-Bussian, NHMU’s paleontology collections manager,” Johnston said. “Bradley and his family enjoyed the tour. The tour included a private, behind-the-scenes look at NHMU’s paleontology collections and paleontology prep lab, where Carrie showed real mammoth fossils found in Utah, including a skull, tusks, teeth and more.”

Museum officials said the partnership grew out of excitement over the hockey team’s new name and branding.

“Staff at NHMU celebrated when Utah’s NHL team rebranded as the Mammoth,” Johnston said. “As the state’s official museum of natural history, NHMU is home to real mammoth fossils found in Utah, and our scientists are actively involved in research on the megafauna that once roamed this landscape.”

He added, “We knew a partnership could provide strong reciprocal benefits: hockey fans could turn to NHMU to learn more about the inspiration behind their team mascot, and the Utah Mammoth would gain a long-term educational partner in the museum.”

Originally developed by the museum’s marketing team as the “Utah Mammoth Tour,” the idea was later adopted and expanded by the NHL franchise to reach fans statewide.

Beyond the prizes and promotions, museum leaders say the effort is about connecting residents to Utah’s deep past.

“We hope that Utahns learn that towering Columbian mammoths once roamed these very landscapes we now call home and that mammoth make a relevant and powerful mascot for our new NHL team,” Johnston said.

While the sweepstakes and ticket discounts have ended, the museum says the Museum Quest concept will continue encouraging families to explore participating museums and learn more about prehistoric life in Utah.