Sandy to sponsor game for $15,000

Sandy to sponsor game for $15,000

SANDY — The Sandy City Council has agreed to forgive $15,000 of stadium bond debt from Real Salt Lake as sponsorship of the upcoming Major League Soccer All-Star Game.

No actual money will change hands, according to the agreement signed by elected officials Tuesday, but the team will be allowed to pay $15,000 less than planned in its annual bond payment due later this year.

The 20-year, $10 million bond was issued by Sandy to complete the soccer team's $45 million funding package.

Bond payments are being made in lieu of part of the property taxes Real would have paid as the value of its land increased.

"We're very pleased that they're supporting the event," said Bill Manning, Rio Tinto Stadium president. "They're advertising Sandy city as a great place to live, a great place to work — the heart of the Wasatch."

Sandy's name will be graphically represented as 150 countries worldwide watch the MLS All-Star Game, Manning added.

In addition, about one-third of ticket sales for the showcase game come from out of state, said Sandy spokeswoman Trina Duerkson.

"It's a great opportunity to showcase a lot of what's here," Duerkson said.

— Rebecca Palmer