Dave Checkett’s presentation

Arelius · 12-02-2004, 01:22 PM

I just got back from a presentation by Dave Checkett’s which he made at Utah Valley State College (UVSC) on leadership and business. I think I was the only Loyalist there because when they were introducing Dave and got to RSL, I started whooping and hollering and then realized I was the only one causing a ruckus.

A couple of interesting points:

Dave said that before selecting a name for the team, he went to Madrid and established a long-term relationship with the team and asked for their blessing to name the Utah club Real.

After his presentation I asked him for the latest on the stadium. He said that Murray and downtown are both racing to secure a deal with RSL. The downtown site would be either next to the Gateway or close to Main street. But when he talked about the Murray location, he said (with a twinkle in his eye) that they have a sweet site/deal in the works. I interpreted that to mean that he favors the Murray site.

SoccerPrime · 12-02-2004, 01:40 PM

Nice and thanks for looking like a dork in college for the RSL cause.

Seriously, thats cool that you spoke to Checketts. I would imagine that Murray has done more and put up less hurdles, which always sounds good to a business man looking for gov't help for his private business.

As a non-Utahn, I am indifferent to the stadium location. Although downtown would be nice, I don't think a Murray SSS is a bad thing.

Czar Jake · 12-02-2004, 01:48 PM

Yeah nice job Arelius. Good info. I am kind of pulling for the downtown stadium, but regardless it is "rad" that cities are competing for our stadium instead of laughing at us like in most MLS cities.

montgjules · 12-02-2004, 01:48 PM

Yes! Good work, Arelius! I wish I could have been there, but I didn't even know it was happening.

colinkun · 12-02-2004, 03:32 PM

Hooray for my hometown of Murray!!! While I agree that a downtown stadium would be pretty cool, the best thing Murray has going for them is the central location. For those who don't know Salt Lake valley, Murray is almost the dead middle of the valley, with I-15, 2-15, TRAX, State Street access, and a few good areas for a stadium (development around 5400 S. and State).

Go Murray!!!

montgjules · 12-02-2004, 08:00 PM

Okay, I've tried to stay neutral because so many people were in favor of the downtown idea, but I'm going to openly admit the truth now: I'm all in favor of the Murray location! Go Murray!

Hiddnfox · 12-02-2004, 08:03 PM

yea, inasmuch as i love the downtown area and all, i still think economically and for the publics benefit that the murray location would be best. they alreay have had a banner on a building just before the Humane society heading N bound on I-15. anyone else seen it?

montgjules · 12-02-2004, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hiddnfox

yea, inasmuch as i love the downtown area and all, i still think economically and for the publics benefit that the murray location would be best. they alreay have had a banner on a building just before the Humane society heading N bound on I-15. anyone else seen it?

Czar Jake pointed it out when we were carpooling up to the Expansion Draft event. It was great to see! I didn't notice that it was in Murray.

Jose Luis Luviano · 12-02-2004, 09:20 PM

Yeah, I saw that banner, too.

It's on top of the Soccer Locker, some kind of indoor soccer facility.

Good report, Arelius!

StarsOnSunday · 12-03-2004, 10:30 AM

I don't give a hoot about economics, deals, hurdles, red tape, or any sort of beuracracy regarding the new stadium. I would prefer a downtown stadium over a suburban stadium for the sole reason that downtown is more exciting to me as a fan. I can take the train and not have to worry about parking. I can feed my face before or after a match at my choice of restaurants without paying $10 for stadium food. We are after all Real Salt Lake, not Real Murray.