Professional soccer isn't a huge tourist draw. Team officials acknowledge that but counter that the occasional World Cup qualifier, such as last year's game here between the U.S. team and Costa Rica, is. That game attracted 40,586 fans. A study conducted by the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research determined that about 37.6 percent of them were from out of state. Based on what those people told researchers, they spent an average of $821.10 for other things — room and board primarily — during their stay. That calculates to about $12.7 million total, spread out among hotels and restaurants.

That made the game a rousing success. But of course the game was played at Rice-Eccles Stadium. No need to subtract the public cost of construction from the total. Also, team officials estimate the new stadium, when configured for standing-room-only and temporary extra seating, would accommodate only about 30,000 for World Cup games.

But I'll buy the idea that events like these help the economy and could, eventually, cover the cost of construction. That would take a lot of games.

Primarily, though, they will help Sandy's economy. That could be a big sticking point with county leaders.

The TRT proposal is only one of a few floating around the state Capitol these days, but it seems to be the most viable. Still, it doesn't answer what ought to be the overriding question in all this: Why should tourists be forced to pay for soccer?

Lots of businesses bring in jobs and visitors without public funding. The Sundance Film Festival isn't asking the state to build public theaters. The fact that Real Salt Lake can't make this deal work on its own ought to give pause.

But with the goal in sight and nobody raising an offsides flag, Real Salt Lake may be rearing back for its best shot.

---

Jay Evensen is editorial page editor of the Deseret Morning News. E-mail: even@desnews.com