Salt Lake officials to discuss building soccer stadium at fairpark

With Salt Lake County funding for a Sandy soccer stadium off the table, Salt Lake City officials are hoping they can reawaken interest in Real Salt Lake making its home in the capital city.

The Salt Lake City Council has called for an emergency work-session meeting Wednesday afternoon to "discuss the option of soccer in the Fairpark area."

Real owner Dave Checketts previously has passed over the idea of building the stadium at the Utah State Fairpark, on North Temple and 1000 West, in favor of a Sandy stadium, but Mayor Rocky Anderson and the City Council have been persistent.

"In my view, it makes great sense," Council Chairman Van Turner said. "We think soccer's a good thing for Utah. We think it's a better thing for Salt Lake City."

Real Salt Lake officials declined to comment Tuesday.

The council is not considering any specific funding proposals — none have been officially put forth — but will instead brainstorm ideas Wednesday.

In June 2006, Anderson promoted the Fairpark idea by suggesting a number of incentives, including a share of the city's property taxes, some of the city's portion of hotel taxes from Salt Lake County and a ready fan base within walking distance of the site.

Turner said a Fairpark stadium could be tied in with the Utah State Fair, and the amenities already at the park would complement the stadium.

Since the Fairpark idea was last offered, county leaders have named a light-rail line on North Temple as a top priority, boosting Turner's conviction that a stadium there "would make good business sense."

The council's work session is scheduled for 12:15 p.m. Wednesday in Room 326 of the City-County Building, 451 S. State Street. The discussion is listed as a tentative agenda item, open to the public, with a closed executive session to follow.

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