Real Salt Lake said Wednesday it has reached agreements with five companies for long-term "founding partner" sponsorship deals for its soon-to-be opened stadium in Sandy.

The deals are estimated worth be worth more than $3 million dollars per year over the next five years. In return for their financial backing, the companies will receive prominent display of their logos and advertising throughout the stadium, as well as use of their products.

SCP Worldwide — which owns Real Salt Lake, the Real Salt Lake Stadium, the St. Louis Blues National Hockey League franchise and the Scottrade Center, where the Blues play — has signed contracts with America First Credit Union, Anheuser-Busch, FIJI Water, Pepsi-Cola and Sony Electronics, according to an SCP news release.

The Real Salt Lake Stadium — slated to open this fall — will seat 20,000 people for soccer and up to 25,000 for concerts and other events.

SCP defines a "founding partner" as a sponsor with at least a five-year agreement for $250,000 to $750,000 per year. Real Salt Lake said it is looking to sign eight to 10 founding partners, along with several "team or event" sponsors contracting for shorter-term deals at $30,000 to $200,000 annually.

Real Salt Lake Chief Business Officer John Kimball said most of the newly signed partners are collaborating with the stadium in ways other than advertising.

"Pepsi and FIJI Water — those are all 'pouring rights' that will be working in conjunction with us," he said. "Sony is doing a lot of the electronics, sound and video equipment."

The team said a stadium naming-rights deal is still in the works. Owner Dave Checketts said last week that Real Salt Lake is negotiating with three corporate sponsors who are interested. He said negotiations are ongoing with a national company and two local companies about exclusive naming rights for the $110 million facility.

The team is seeking a naming-rights deal for about 10 years at approximately $1.5 million to $2 million per year. The average for the most recent Major League Soccer teams to build soccer-specific stadiums is $1.6 million.

Kimball also said 28 out of 32 luxury suites at Real Salt Lake Stadium are under contract, with the four remaining being left available for future founding partners. The annual fee for luxury suites ranges from $24,000 to $50,000.

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Contributing: James Edward.
E-mail: jlee@desnews.com