Real Salt Lake: President says crowd in for a treat at sold out stadium

SANDY — It took a little longer than some might've expected, but by the time you read this, it's highly likely that Rio Tinto Stadium will be officially sold out for tonight's stadium-opening match between Real Salt Lake and New York.

As of 6 p.m. Wednesday, fewer than 100 tickets were still available for RSL's first match inside its new 20,000-seat stadium, and all signs point to a boisterous crowd being on hand to usher in a new era for Real Salt Lake when it hosts New York at 8 p.m.

RSL president Bill Manning said that approximately 16,000 tickets have already been sold for Salt Lake's second Rio Tinto Stadium match, which will be against FC Dallas next week, so it's probable that RSL will open its new digs before a pair of sell-out crowds.

Manning couldn't be happier.

"It's a little bit what we planned on, but of course you get a little nervous when tickets are out there," he said. "The (RSL ticket) group has worked incredibly hard, and I'm really happy with the community that they're coming out to support the team."

RSL made it a goal to have everything that the fan touches inside Rio Tinto Stadium ready for the first game, and construction crews have enabled the club to essentially accomplish that goal — and then a little more.

For example, Salt Lake didn't know if its supporters' section at the south end of the stadium would be ready for these two matches, but crews worked tirelessly to make that a reality.

"It's come together more than I thought it would," said Manning. "I'm sure on game day we'll discover some little logistical concerns. I've never been involved with a new stadium that didn't have those. But you deal with it, and you make it better for the next game."

For tonight, Manning said RSL "has a pretty cool pregame show planned," which will involve a video that charts the team's history, a huge American flag for the national anthem and a flyover by the National Guard.

"I wouldn't open this stadium without a flyover," dead-panned Manning.

E-mail: drasmussen@desnews.com

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