Rio Tinto Stadium (commonly referred to as simply Rio Tinto or The RioT) is an American soccer-specific stadium in Sandy, Utah, that serves as home stadium for Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake. The stadium opened on October 9, 2008, and seats 20,213 for soccer, but can be expanded to over 25,000 for concerts.
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Where is Rio Tinto Stadium located?
/ 40. 582923; -111. 893156 / 40. 582923; -111. 893156 Rio Tinto Stadium (commonly referred to as simply Rio Tinto or The RioT) is an American soccer-specific stadium in Sandy, Utah, that serves as home stadium for Major League Soccer club Real Salt Lake.
What does Río Tinto mean?
Río Tinto pertenece a la cuenca atlántica andaluza (distrito hidráulico Tinto-Odiel-Chanza), que nace en la sierra de Padre Caro y desemboca en la ría de Huelva donde confluye con el río Odiel. Próxima a su nacimiento se sitúa la corta a cielo abierto de la mina de Peña del Hierro en Nerva, encontrándose algo más adelante Corta Atalaya,.
What is the atmosphere like at Rio Tinto Stadium?
Atmosphere 4 – Commonly referred to as the Riot (RioT for Rio T), Rio Tinto Stadium offers a great atmosphere for Real Salt Lake and Major League Soccer. The exterior of the stadium is not overly intimidating and does not look out of place compared to other soccer specific MLS stadiums.
- The east side of the stadium, along State Street is where most fans enter and there is a large gathering spot complete with inflatable games for the kids and other pre-match activities;
- A large golden soccer globe welcomes fans at State Street with the sign for the stadium and team;
The America First Credit Union Pavilion offers pre-match entertainment and a licensed spot for fans to enjoy food or drink along with some entertainment. Inside the stadium, fans will notice the open nature of the RioT. Walking through the concourses gives fans the opportunity to still see the pitch and not miss the match while moving around the stadium or getting some concessions.
- The seats feature the RSL logo emblazoned in them;
- The pitch is pure green as one would expect and free from advertising and is in a north south configuration;
- With a little exploring, fans will be able to find the Utah Soccer Hall of Fame display;
The seating bowl is fairly simple with a full circle of seats around the pitch, upper deck on the east side and suites above the grandstand on the west side. The east and west seats are covered with a canopy. The north and south ends of the stadium feature very nice video boards, with the larger on the south end.
- The lone honor that can be seen from the interior of the stadium is the retiring of the number 9, belonging to Jason Kreis on the west fascia;
- Kreis was the very first RSL player and also the coach during the team’s strongest stretch;
Although Real Salt Lake won the 2009 MLS Cup and 2010 Supporters Shield evidence of this is not obvious. Although most MLS in-game experiences are pretty generic, Real offers a few unique items. The pre-match concludes with a fan getting the honor of banging the gong.
Leo, Real’s mascot, runs in with the Real Salt Lake flag and is accompanied by a Little Leo, a young fan dressed like a lion, carrying a flag of their own. The officials and both teams enter the stadium in the traditional manner, side-by-side and flanked by young soccer fans.
The other unique item is the official anthem of Real Salt Lake, “Believe. ” It is played over the loud speakers to start the match and the fans take it from there. It is also played after Real Salt Lake goals. A stronger presence of Real Salt Lake history and accomplishments would have given Real a perfect atmosphere score.
Where can I eat near Rio Tinto Stadium?
Neighborhood 3 – Rio Tinto Stadium is located south of Salt Lake City, in the suburb of Sandy. State Street is where fans will find the stadium, along with mostly fast food options. That being said, there are a few unique spots that may interest fans for a pre or post game meal.
Joe’s Crab Shack is very close, just across State Street at Jordan Commons. For fans that are new to Utah, a trip to Crown Burger or Chuck-a-Rama will offer a uniquely Utah dining experience. There are a number of other entertainment options in the Salt Lake City area.
Unfortunately all require a drive out of Sandy. Utah’s Olympic Park is fully functional all year round and offers a variety of activities that fans can participate in. The centerpiece of Salt Lake City is the Temple Square area. The headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is breathtaking and open to all, including those not of the Mormon Faith.
Activities at Temple Square are usually free, including rehearsals and recordings of the famous Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As far as other sporting options go, there are a few within Salt Lake City. The NBA’s Utah Jazz play at Vivint Smart Home Arena and Minor League Baseball is available at Smith’s Ballpark, home of the Salt Lake Bees.
The University of Utah is also in Salt Lake City where the Utes play football at Rice-Eccles Stadium and basketball at the Huntsman Center. For fans that are looking for a place to stay that is close to Rio Tinto Stadium, the Hyatt, Residence Inn and Holiday Inn are all located in the Sandy area.
