MLS Real Salt Lake Will Open New Stadium On October 9

Real Salt Lake's Stadium To Open Three Weeks Earlier Than Expected

MLS Real Salt Lake (RSL) yesterday announced that the team will open its new soccer-specific stadium in Sandy, Utah, on October 9, "three weeks earlier" than its expected opening date, according to Sunnie Redhouse of the SALT LAKE TRIBUNE. RSL Owner Dave Checketts said that the team and partner Layton-Turner Construction "have finalized an agreement to finish the stadium just in time for RSL's two last regular-season games." RSL is scheduled to host the Red Bulls on October 9, which will be broadcast live on ESPN2. RSL will host FC Dallas on October 18, which will be broadcast live on the Fox Soccer Channel. Construction of the stadium began in April '07, and "was scheduled for completion in fall 2008" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 8/6). RSL President Bill Manning said that the team "has decided how to relocate its 2008 season-ticket holders from their old seats at Rice-Eccles Stadium to their new seats" in Sandy. All '08 season-ticket holders "who have already renewed for 2009 will be given tickets for both matches in their new seats, while 2008 season-ticket holders who have not yet renewed will be given tickets in a 'comparable location'" (DESERET NEWS, 8/6).