Long-delayed soccer complex moving toward construction

SALT LAKE CITY — Can Jordan River restoration peacefully cohabit with soccer competition?

Backers of the long-delayed new Regional Athletic Complex say yes.

Dave Spatafore, a Salt Lake City resident and lobbyist, says the new soccer facilities "will do wonders for our competitive youth leagues here in the city."

"Some (recreation) leagues will play there, but it will be a great economic engine for tournaments coming into the Salt Lake Valley," Spatafore said.

Last month, the Salt Lake City Council voted to move forward with the $22.8 million project, authorizing the city administration to begin entering into construction contracts for the 160-acre complex east of I-215 near 2200 North.

In 2003, voters approved a $15.3 million bond issue for a sports complex to accommodate soccer, baseball, rugby and lacrosse. The vote was contingent upon $7.5 million from private sources — a sum Real Salt Lake has kicked in.

City leaders expect to hold a groundbreaking later this month or in early November in anticipation of a fall 2011 opening.

Construction will happen in two phases, with 16 multi-purpose fields going in first, half with lighting and one with all-season sport turf, plus a championship pitch with seats for 2,000.

"I think this is going to be huge," Spatafore said.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from residents and environmental activists who want the land to remain open space.

City officials say 23 acres along the river will be restored and preserved, with a 100- to 400-foot buffer between the river and the fields. That work could end up costing the city as much as $1 million.

"There are probably people who are not satisfied," said Emy Maloutas, Salt Lake City's Open Space Lands Program manager. "But I would say that this plan really strives — more than any other project that's happened on the river — to strike a balance."

A spokesman for Real Salt Lake says the project will provide a big boost for soccer in the state.

If all goes according to plan, the facility could host its first event, perhaps a cross-country running race, in about a year.

Most fields are expected to open in the spring of 2012.

The City Council still must approve the sale of the bonds for the project. That decision could happen as soon as Nov. 9.

Contributing: Jared Page

e-mail: jdaley@desnews.com