MLS Real Salt Lake

Welcome to Rio Tinto Stadium

Published on September 29, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


SALT LAKE CITY (Monday, Sept. 29, 2008) - Utah's premier sports and entertainment facility - Rio Tinto Stadium - officially unveiled its name, the Stadium's owner and operator, SCP Worldwide, announced today. Rio Tinto, the parent company to Kennecott Utah Copper, Kennecott Land Company and Kennecott Exploration, has signed a multi-year naming rights agreement for the state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue located at the heart of the Wasatch Front. The venue is set to open on Thursday, October 9, 2008, as Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake hosts the New York Red Bulls LIVE on ESPN2.

Per company policies for both entities, terms were not disclosed. Rio Tinto Stadium provides a stunning new home for world-class events, one with breathtaking views of both the Oquirrh and Wasatch Mountain ranges. For more information on the building's amenities, slate of events and ticket purchases, please visit the newly-launched www.RioTintoStadium.com website.

"With Rio Tinto, we have found a very special sponsor with deep local ties and one who shares the unique vision for what this Stadium provides," said Dave Checketts, Chairman of SCP Worldwide, Real Salt Lake's ownership group. "Rio Tinto and the Kennecott Utah Companies exemplify that vision with their collective commitment to our Utah community, the perfect match for what Rio Tinto Stadium represents."

"This opportunity helps us tell our story and lets people know who we are on a local and global level," said Bret Clayton, Chief Executive Officer, Rio Tinto Copper. "Soccer transcends cultural and economic boundaries, as it did when Rio Tinto employees introduced soccer to Spain in the late 1800s. This was done to create recreational opportunities for those living in the village and bring people together. Not much has changed since then."

Rio Tinto Stadium, host of the 2009 MLS All-Star Game, is a new class of venue in the Intermountain West, attracting events that would not otherwise visit Utah, bolstering the state's reputation as an international sporting destination. The diversity of events attracted to Rio Tinto Stadium brings significant media attention, positively impacts tourism efforts and creates numerous permanent and seasonal job opportunities.

"This is a tremendous opportunity to work with Real Salt Lake and have Rio Tinto's name on this world-class facility," said Andrew Harding, President, Kennecott Utah Copper. "At Kennecott Utah Copper, we are part of something bigger. We are part of Rio Tinto, and we are part of this community. Through this opportunity, Rio Tinto and Kennecott can continue to educate the public about the importance mining plays in modern life, reach out to local youth through soccer clinics and other community events, and continue our long-standing commitment to Utah."

As the Stadium's sponsor, Rio Tinto and Kennecott will collaborate on the building's events to educate Utahns and visitors from around the world about the company, whose Oquirrh operation is in full view from the Stadium's northwest plaza, which will be called Kennecott Plaza. Inside the Stadium, exhibits, signage and activities will educate people about Kennecott's place in Utah's rich mining and natural history.

"The support Rio Tinto and the Kennecott Utah Companies have provided to the State over the years is legendary," said Real Salt Lake President Bill Manning. "The scope of Rio Tinto's commitment to this community and the vision we share greatly enforces the Stadium's ability to serve as a unifying place through the wide array of events Rio Tinto Stadium will host, and as a critical cornerstone for future development at the heart of the Wasatch Front."

Located in Sandy, Utah, Rio Tinto Stadium is conveniently accessed from major transportation arteries like Interstate-15 and State Street between 9000 South and 9400 South. The venue resides just 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and 25 minutes from the Salt Lake International Airport. Rio Tinto Stadium can expand to concert configurations seating up to 25,000 fans.

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Major League Soccer Stories from September 29, 2008


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