Another Dose of Perspective

[Stucki]

There has been a great deal of talk lately about where fans want the new stadium to be built. As many are aware, Dave Checketts would prefer to build the stadium in downtown Salt Lake City. As much as the owner and most fans would like the stadium in SLC, multiple factors are most likely going to prevent RSL from realizing the dream of a downtown stadium. Between the reticence of Earl Holding to sell the most optimal locations and the reluctance of Utah’s legislative leaders to work with Mayor Anderson, downtown is probably not going to happen. None of this should be a shock to anyone. Holding has gotten rich sitting on valuable properties and Rocky seems to delight in adversarial politics. As disappointing as that is, it really isn’t that unusual as stadiums go. Many sports franchises have built stadiums in the suburbs and it usually hasn’t affected how fans view the team.

Several RSL fans have complained vehemently about the possibility of a suburban stadium, with comments such as “ the team is Real Salt Lake, not Sandy”. While it is true Salt Lake appears in the name, does anyone outside of the Wasatch Front recognize the difference between Salt Lake City and Sandy? The Salt Lake in Real Salt Lake can just as easily refer to the entire metropolitan area. I haven’t yet noticed any moves to rename teams to State Fairpark Crew, FC Frisco, Harrison MetroStars, Carson Galaxy, Bridgeport Fire, or Commerce City Rapids. Nobody in New York seems to mind that the Giants and Jets play in New Jersey or in Detroit that the Pistons play in Auburn Hills. The Cowboys haven’t played in Dallas for decades, and I don’t recall a huge outcry about that.

We as RSL fans are spoiled. We get media coverage that is the envy of the entire league. We have a front office that truly values our participation and goes out of their way, at times, to support us. We have a stadium in the works before we have even finished our inaugural season. We have games staffed by security not employed by CSC. We have an owner who seems willing to do whatever it takes to make this thing work. All in all we should be looking forward to Thanksgiving this year, because compared to the rest of the league, we don’t have anything to complain about, well except for the league table.

[Scilaci]

Originally Posted by Stucki

There has been a great deal of talk lately about where fans want the new stadium to be built....

Great summary and points. Just let it be known... wherever it is built the RSL fans will follow. GO RSL!

[DadOf8]

Originally Posted by Scilaci

Great summary and points. Just let it be known... wherever it is built the RSL fans will follow. GO RSL!

Uh, I'm not driving out to Wendover, UT for a game. 🙂 I agree, we are too spoiled, just as long as it's on the Wasatch Front I'll be fine. I'd even drive down to Spanish Fork (here's to you Jim Umber) to see a game.

[luvmyboys]

Originally Posted by Stucki

There has been a great deal of talk lately about where fans want the new stadium to be built. As many are aware, Dave Checketts would prefer to build the stadium in downtown Salt Lake City. As much as the owner and most fans would like the stadium in SLC, multiple factors are most likely going to prevent RSL from realizing the dream of a downtown stadium. Between the reticence of Earl Holding to sell the most optimal locations and the reluctance of Utah’s legislative leaders to work with Mayor Anderson, downtown is probably not going to happen. None of this should be a shock to anyone. Holding has gotten rich sitting on valuable properties and Rocky seems to delight in adversarial politics. As disappointing as that is, it really isn’t that unusual as stadiums go. Many sports franchises have built stadiums in the suburbs and it usually hasn’t affected how fans view the team.

Several RSL fans have complained vehemently about the possibility of a suburban stadium, with comments such as “ the team is Real Salt Lake, not Sandy”. While it is true Salt Lake appears in the name, does anyone outside of the Wasatch Front recognize the difference between Salt Lake City and Sandy? The Salt Lake in Real Salt Lake can just as easily refer to the entire metropolitan area. I haven’t yet noticed any moves to rename teams to State Fairpark Crew, FC Frisco, Harrison MetroStars, Carson Galaxy, Bridgeport Fire, or Commerce City Rapids. Nobody in New York seems to mind that the Giants and Jets play in New Jersey or in Detroit that the Pistons play in Auburn Hills. The Cowboys haven’t played in Dallas for decades, and I don’t recall a huge outcry about that.

We as RSL fans are spoiled. We get media coverage that is the envy of the entire league. We have a front office that truly values our participation and goes out of their way, at times, to support us. We have a stadium in the works before we have even finished our inaugural season. We have games staffed by security not employed by CSC. We have an owner who seems willing to do whatever it takes to make this thing work. All in all we should be looking forward to Thanksgiving this year, because compared to the rest of the league, we don’t have anything to complain about, well except for the league table.

yes very good points, Stucki............I STILL DON"T WANT TO DRIVE TO SANDY! I will...I just won't like it. That is, until I get there...and until I have to drive home!

[SoccerPrime]

Thats just brilliant Stucki. Good post.
I absolutely agree on all points.

RSL could still become Real State Fairgrounds if they so desire. 😉

[bigwilly087]

Originally Posted by Stucki

Nobody in New York seems to mind that the Giants and Jets play in New Jersey

I wouldnt go that far, im from jersey so its cool with me, but new yorkers are still VERY bitter about that.

[Phathead]

I just want a stadium.

[SoccerPrime]

Originally Posted by bigwilly087

I wouldnt go that far, im from jersey so its cool with me, but new yorkers are still VERY bitter about that.

Doesn't seem to effect the Jets and the Giants attendance though.