The NWSL Utah Royals welcomed 20,370 fans to the America First Field on Saturday in their inaugural game as an expansion team against the Chicago Red Stars. It was the “largest crowd that has ever attended a women’s soccer match -- and seemingly the best attended women’s sporting event period -- in the history of the state.” Co-owner David Blitzer described the milestone as “amazing” during a pregame news conference with co-owner Ryan Smith and new investor Lindsey Dunn. Blitzer said, “That sort of speaks for itself. Those people who come out for this experience today hopefully have an amazing experience and continue to come back and support this club” (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 3/16).
The Royals made their “much-anticipated” return this season after the team left Utah after the NWSL “ceased operations" of the club in 2020 and "transferred the team to Kansas City.” In 2023, the NWSL announced the team would "return this time under new ownership." The Royals made their return “in front a standing-room only crowd” (KSLTV.com, 3/16).
