Real Salt Lake Opens New Rio Tinto Stadium To Rave Reviews

Rio Tinto Stadium Sells Out First Ever Game

OPENING STATEMENT: In Utah, Michael Black writes RSL and its partners "put on a dazzling opening night." There were "clowns, musicians and even some jugglers for the pregame hoopla," and drummers, flag wavers and "even a set of bagpipes added to the party-like atmosphere." Sandy (UT) Mayor Tom Dolan, whose city hosts the new facility, said, "This stadium surpassed the expectations of almost everyone involved. It is an asset to the community and the state to be able to put something out there like this for the whole country to see. I see nothing but positives coming out of this." RSL Owner Dave Checketts: "The way all the designs turned out are terrific. This is a stadium that everyone can be proud of. From the concessions, I think the concessions are great, you couldn't get any better food at any facility in the country" (DESERET NEWS, 10/10). Also in Utah, Rebecca Palmer reports "careful planning and teamwork between multiple businesses and jurisdictions led to a relatively smooth parking situation" Thursday night (DESERET NEWS, 10/10).

FIELD OF DREAMS: In Salt Lake City, Gordon Monson writes Rio Tinto Stadium "is fantastico." It is "easy to get caught up in the hyperbole of the opening of a new stadium, but this place is more than hype." Checketts: "It is better than I ever envisioned it would be." Monson writes the stadium "turned out much grander and prettier than the ugly thoroughfare -- public debate, backroom backstabbing, name-calling, tug-o-wars in the political sandbox over a prized Tonka truck -- traveled" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 10/10). In Utah, Brad Rock writes, "Gazing across the pitch at Rio Tinto Stadium is like browsing an art gallery -- all graceful lines and pleasant colors" (DESERET NEWS, 10/10). In Salt Lake, Michael Lewis writes though "not every seat was filled" Thursday night, but the game had an "atmosphere befitting a big-time soccer team" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 10/10).

Print This Article