But that plan was killed by County Mayor Peter Carroon. An alternate plan was devised, but that too was rejected Tuesday.

As council member Jim Bradley told KSL-TV, "As stewards of the public's money, we are obligated to look at the financial package and say, 'This is a good deal.' "

Apparently it wasn't. Sandy had proposed to have the stadium anchor a 136-acre, $650 million project that would have dwarfed the already existing Gateway downtown development. It was also supposed to have produced several thousand jobs and multi-millions in annual tax revenue.

The trouble with all of this planning is that it's based on RSL being a success. But so far it isn't. Primary sources of team revenue are broadcast rights, advertising, luxury suites and ticket sales. None of those will flourish if the team reeks.

Sandy's original stadium proposal was based on drawing 20,000 fans a game — 5,000 more than the team is averaging this year and 4,000 more than RSL's league-best a year ago. Those are highly optimistic numbers.

If RSL ownership still plans to ask for public tax dollars to build a stadium, it should stay at Rice-Eccles Stadium until it can provide a product people want to see. Then worry about a new stadium. What's that phrase? If they come, you will build it.

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E-mail: rock@desnews.com