SANDY, Utah (Thursday, July 2, 2009) -Real Salt Lake (5-6-4, 19 pts.) will look to provide its fans with fireworks both on and off the field a day early this Independence Day weekend, as the Claret-and-Cobalt will hope to extend its four-game undefeated streak when it brings its Holiday tradition to Rio Tinto Stadium for the first time tomorrow, FRIDAY, JULY 3, against the San Jose Earthquakes (3-8-3, 12 pts.). Kickoff from Sandy is set for 8:00 p.m., with the match and the annual post-game fireworks display both being presented by Les Olson Company. Broadcast coverage on KUTV 2.2. Digital / Comcast 111 will begin with the America First Credit Union Pre-match Report at 7:30 p.m. MT, and fans can also follow the action live via RSL's official radio partners: KALL 700 Sports (America First Credit Union Pre-Match Report begins at 7:00 p.m.) and "Ke Buena" 1600-AM.
Tickets for tomorrow's contest are still available and can be purchased via the internet at www.RioTintoStadium.com or in person at the Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office or the RSL Team Store, both of which will open at 10:00 a.m. MT on Friday morning.
Real Salt Lake will be looking to get revenge against San Jose following a 2-1 road loss to the ‘Quakes at Buck Shaw Stadium on May 30, a result that dropped RSL's ledger in the all-time regular season series to 2-3-3. The Claret-and-Cobalt enter Friday's match with a 1-1-2 home record against San Jose, which includes a pair of point-earning regular season results last season at Rice-Eccles Stadium - a 3-1 victory last May 31 and a scoreless draw on June 18.
Details for Friday's Post-game Fireworks Extravaganza, Presented by Les Olson Company
Friday's post-game fireworks extravaganza, presented by Les Olson Company, will begin approximately 15 minutes after the end of Friday's match. While a countdown clock winds down on the Stadium's videoboard, a mini-concert featuring local artists David Osmond and Macario will entertain the masses leading up to the fireworks display.
Please note that, in accordance with local safety guidelines regarding the display's firing zone, Rio Tinto Stadium officials will close the north side of the Stadium Way ring road beginning in the 75th minute of the match and will re-open the road 10 minutes following the fireworks show.
Due to this closure affecting the northwest Spanish staircase entrance, fans are encouraged to remain in the stadium briefly following the fireworks display. Vehicles parked in the Stadium's North lots including 9000 South and Monroe Way will not be able to access the pedestrian bridge from the 75th minute until the 10-minute post-display window has expired. All remaining entrances/exits will not be impacted by this temporary road closure.
Those needing to wait out the traffic are invited to visit Budweiser's Club Real on the second level of Rio Tinto Stadium, which will be open to all fans for one hour after Friday's match. Fans can take advantage of the free nacho bar provided by Levy Restaurants and chime in with their thoughts on the match to hosts Spencer Checketts and Trey Fitz-Gerald on the KALL 700 Sports' Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers Post-game Show, which will originate from Club Real for the remainder of the season.
Events & Activities for RSL v. San Jose - Friday, July 3
Gates to Rio Tinto Stadium for the contest will open at 7:00 p.m., 60 minutes prior to the 8:00 p.m. event. Media Will Call (west side Box Office) will open at 6:00 p.m. for media members needing to collect day-of-game credentials and parking passes in advance of the contest. The Rio Tinto Stadium Box Office and Ticket Will Call windows will open at 10:00 a.m. In celebration of our nation's birthday, every fan in attendance tomorrow night will receive a miniature United States flag upon arrival at the Rio Tinto Stadium gates, courtesy of Les Olson Company. In an added effort to paint Rio Tinto Stadium Claret-and-Cobalt tomorrow night, the RSL Team Store at Rio Tinto Stadium is extending its "Real Hours" special beginning immediately, with the official adidas/RSL Scarf available now through the end of the match for just $10. While at the game, fans can also stop by the "U-$20 Booth" on the stadium's east concourse (across from Section 37) to pick up all pieces of officially-licensed RSL merchandise priced under $20 - all of which will be slashed by 10% for every goal RSL puts on the board (up to a 40% discount). The popular Carnival Real pre-game festival on the east lawn of Rio Tinto Stadium opens up at 6:00 p.m., featuring local band Mimic, Utah's premier Top-40 cover band, on the Carnival Stage (for a playlist and more information on the band, visit www.mimicrocks.com). While at Carnival, fans can sign up to win a 26" Sharp high-definition television at the Les Olson Company booth, volunteer to become that game's Anheuser-Busch "Designated Driver of the Game," and take part the always-fun carnival area, featuring a 3-v-3 field for pick-up play, inflatable games and sponsor giveaways. KALL 700 Sports will be taking the America First Credit Union Pre-Match Report and Rocky Mountain Chevy Dealers Post-Game Show to the masses, with hosts Spencer Checketts and Trey Fitz-Gerald starting up the festivities at 7:00 p.m. at the KALL 700 Sports booth on the northeast concourse. After the game, the duo will switch sites to Budweiser's Club Real on the second level of Rio Tinto Stadium, where all fans are welcome to join in the post-game fun and give their two cents on the match. Due to the post-game fireworks display, RSL's Autograph Alley will not take place on Friday evening. Weather forecast for kickoff: Partly cloudy and 78 degrees.
MLS Game Guide for RSL v. San Jose Now Available Online
Below is the link to the PDF file for the MLS Game Guide (Media Notes) in advance of tomorrow's Real Salt Lake-San Jose contest at Rio Tinto Stadium. If you have any problems with the link, would like the PDF sent as an attachment, or are seeking more information on the contest, please contact John Koluder in the RSL Communications Department via email at jkoluder@RealSaltLake.com.
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