Checketts takeaway: "I'm sure glad you tax-paying fools were around to bail out my butt."

Seriously, does any one really care? Soccer is for little girls and boys. When they grow up, they turn to a more manly sport, Football. Come on, even the French play soccer. Now Rugby.....

Alpha Male - you bore me...

I have to agree with Alpha Male, who really cares. Checketts pulled the wool over the eyes of the Gov and his cronies and now we are all paying for a stadium for a team that sucks and a sport so boring they should be paying the spectator to come and watch. As for me and my family, we will NEVER set foot in that stadium for anything, soccer, concert, etc., and it will be a great white elephant when the team skips town in a few more years. Our tax dollar at work!

I really am looking forward to this season. It should be a good one.

You gotta love the jeoulously of the moronic soccer haters who's politicians are obviously smarter than they are. We don't need, or want your kind. You're more than welcome to go watch boring college football in half-empty Rice Stadium. Enjoy. Have fun paying for the stadium via the tax you'll pay staying in a hotel in your own city.

Well I am pleased with what has happened in the off-season, I really hope it translates onto the field.

That record line makes me cringe. I hope it changes, I don't want us to become the LA Clippers of soccer.

soccer haters will never understand. the problem is they are mostly former has been high school footbal jocks who now work for jiffy lube and re live their pathetic high school career by watching espn all day long. pathetic.

I am looking forward to this season and support what Checketts and Kreis have done this off season. Dave Checketts brought another professional team to Utah, and I will always support RSL regardless of record.

I cannot wait to get the season under way. The overhaul of the roster will hopefully work out. I hope the team meshes together and can make a run at the playoffs. It will be interesting to see how they come together. Good luck and I can't wait for the Madrid game on August9. Already got my seats reserved.

Thank heavens for the re-vamp of the team. Checketts spent the first three years trying to put fans in the seats... but no team on the field to cheer for. I like that he's going with a "team" that can play together now, rather than a bunch of big name ball hogs.

What really upsets me; is that each time I stay in a hotel in my own state, I have to pay an extra $1.50 to help pay for Energy Solutions Arena, Franklin Covey, and now a new Theater in SLC. What are our politicians thinking? Why do they want to increase entertainment and real-estate values in the state? Why can't we be more like Wyoming or New Mexico and not have any entertainment besides cow-tipping and lighting sacks of cow patties on fire and puttin' em on people's doorsteps?

Seriously though, I'm excited to be able to cheer on both the Jazz and RSL (both brought to Utah by Checketts). And I won't complain too much about the new theater that I'll never go to cause I don't hug trees.

Why is it that anyone who hates soccer is accused of being jealouse? What exactly do they envy? And why such hate towards people who don't like soccer? I don't hear the same venom being said about people who hate baseball. Soccer lovers...GET OVER YOURSELVES!

I'm excited to see all 15+ games for RSL this year. I've played all American sports and nothing speaks to me like Soccer. I'm also enchanted by the reality of the new stadium that will exist there for years to come. A jewel for the valley to behold and a testament to the cosmopolitan destination that Utah continues to strive to become.

That stadium will be a big boost to Jordan Commons, I think.

People can hate a sport but not have to spill it out on a random blog for those who love the sport to read...that is classless. Grow up you people who put it down. I too think soccer is boring, because scoring is so seldom, and all I ever see is a ball being kicked around and they always seem to have 0 strategy and are always just kicking it wherever. I like sports where they score a lot, like basketball and football, not baseball and soccer.

Also, government will never be run perfectly, so don't not go to some hotel because you think you're paying for some sport you don't like. Taxes help you have roads to drive on and send your kids to school. Don't freak out about taxes, because they're everywhere, and who knows where they all go. It's a part of life, so learn to deal with it.

If people love soccer in SLC then let them. Not all of us enjoy the same things, which is why the world is so great!

As a Chicago Fire fan I have read two or three blogs regarding the RSL stadium over the last six months and it amazes me the ease with which people on each side of the stadium issue make such spiteful comments. If you haven't been to a game get someone that understands the sport to take you so you can make an educated decision. If you are a supporter, offer to take a newbie, buy them a beer, and explain the sport to them. Best of luck RSL, the stadium looks beautiful, and I will gladly pay an extra $1.50 when I come out to go skiing or catch a game.

Explaine to Me: "I don't hear the same venom being said about people who hate baseball."

You're right. And that's almost the point in its entirety. If people hate baseball, they just ignore it. If people don't like football, they don't watch it. But people here who hate soccer go to all lengths to try and dismiss, belittle, and get rid of it. There has been anger and frustration on both sides. I'm not sure why someone feels the need to come into a pro soccer article and say "I never plan on going to the stadium for soccer or for concerts." Honestly, what's the point? We don't care. We know that soon that stadium will be filled out and it will be a great place to watch OUR sport, a sport that we love. I guess someone needs to "explain to me" why thats asking too much.

I believe, Horrace, that we already are the LA Clippers of the MLS.

Let's hope that changes this year or next. Those rosy attendance projections for the new stadium will be tough to meet with a losing product on the field.

Here's to no big-name signings but just talented guys who love the game and will work their tails off to win!

AMEN to Crash! If you don't like soccer, ignore it, don't stay in a hotel and you won't pay for the stadium.

We don't hate you. What we can't understand is why you people go out of your way to criticize a soccer article when you don't like the sport in the first place. Maybe you can explain something to me.

can that soccer stadium be converted into a MLB stadium?? I give the soccer experiment 2 more years and Checketts pulls out. Unfortunatly, I also think that the success of this team will determine how quickly we get MLB. Which is what we are all waiting for, right??

With all of that said Real Salt Lake will soon rival the Jazz for the favorite sports team in Utah. And why not? Real has a lot of things going for them right now. New team, new stadium, and one of the best owners in sports! Keep it up Real! You have a lot of support. Can't wait for Saturday!

Explain to me: The issue is that people who dislike soccer come read soccer articles and spit their venom. I have not yet read a football, baseball, or basketball blog where a soccer fan is dissing that sport. Contrary, some of the jerks that are only "pro-american sports" come read the articles about our sport, soccer, and then write some serious trash. In return, we comment here in our soccer blog. We do not need to get over ourselves because we have a right to defend soccer from those who trash it here on our soccer blog. We do not go to the other sports blogs and trash them or promote soccer.

You obviously don't know the whole story.

If you post something that trashes soccer on a soccer blog, we will respond here in our soccer blog.

but I hate that public money, OUR MONEY, was transfered to Dave Checketts bank account. We need our money much more than Dave needs our money. Have you seen his house?

Thanks for nothing King John, I mean Gov. Huntsman. The people voted to not spend their money on Dave's whim and you over-road them. What kind of public service is that?

I am still very worried that the team will be gone in a few years and the stadium will be "what do we do with it" structure.

Looking at league history shows many failed teams. Some in what could be called soccer hotbeds arounds the country.

If the team doesn't start winning the fan base will not increase, most likely decline. So far the team has been unable to win. Something better change.

Ya right, why would we want a Baseball team here? A sport that teaches kids its ok to use drugs, be fat and lazy, and be overpaid to walk around the bases.

No thanks, lets stick to sports that require athleticism.

I too love soccer but "I love soccer..." continues to spew the ignorance without regard for the above well-informed comments. Out of towners' money is only 'our' money if the legislature declares it to be so and they come and stay in a SL County hotel. I hardly see investments in land and infrastructure as money going directly into Dave Chekett's bank account. And when was this vote? Did I miss my chance to exercise my democratic right? Because as I recall no one signed the petition.

As for "explain it to me" all that needs to be said is s/he enjoys a comfortable place in the majority and will never understand our plight...that and ignorance is bliss.

Oh, and...I'm super-psyched for Saturday and for soccer in Utah for many years to come.

Soccer actually has a pretty good track record for teams. The NBA/NHL/NFL all watched many of their teams have to relocate when the leagues were beginning. I also disagree with calling Miami/Tampa Bay soccer "hotbeds" as evidenced by the turnout at the recent olympic qualifiers. (Nashville had better attendance) Sometimes certain markets just don't work, but Salt Lake has worked. It has had great attendance despite poor results for 3 years, so things can only go up. I just don't see the team folding anytime soon with that kind of support.

I would think after a year of being educated and informed about how the stadium is being funded that people would start getting over themselves and realize that this really doesn't effect them at all. How hard is it to understand that Checketts and co. are paying for the stadium directly, and the so called "tax payers" money is paying for the infrastructure for the land. Now this money isn't even directly paid out by Utah citizens unless like so many informed people have explained you are staying in a hotel. It's not increasing taxes, its just extending an already existing tax, and it can't be used for anything else other than jobs geared towards the tourist industry. If the teams folds County citizens will not be stuck with the bill, the government added a clause to the bill to make sure that wouldn't happen. But the team or the stadium won't fold so there is nothing to worry about. Right now is the best time to own an MLS franchise, cities and owners are fighting all over to get a new team, so with peaking interest and better quality = more money.

There's no better way to defend an argument than by tossing out hateful stereotypes. You have to love fans in Utah (in general).

I love soccer 10:44 - No money went to Checketts. All tax money went into land and infrastructure (roads, parking lots). The public STILL owns that land and infrastructure. Checketts actually pays a lease on the land his stadium sits on. He leases it from the people (ironically, he pays it to people - Utahns - who didn't pay the tax in the first place. That tax was paid by visitors.)

alternate 10:52 - Don't worry about Checketts leaving. Now that he's spent $150M on a stadium, he's got too much money tied up here to leave. The whole amount would be a writeoff.

Also, there are only two failed teams in MLS history, both in Florida. San Jose moved because they didn't have a stadium deal - that's no longer a problem here. Now they have a stadium deal and they got a new team that starts play this year. The percentage of failures is actually lower than the percentage in all the other major sports (Los Angeles Rams, Houston Expos, New Orleans Jazz anyone?)

RE: Alternate

MLS has only lost 2 teams: Miami and Tampa Bay. They also lost San Jose for one year, but they are returning this year.

The NBA has folded at least 4 teams and had 18+ move to other cities because it simply didn't work out. The Jazz moving from New Orleans is an example. Seattle Supersonics are going to leave Seattle soon. Vancouver Grizzlies moved to Memphis a few years ago.

So does this mean that the NBA is going to fold too?

NFL has had at least 39 teams fold and countless teams have moved to other states/cities because it didn't work out.

I'd say having lost only 2 teams and have 1 team move away for 1 season is a pretty decent track record for the MLS.

ChicagoJim: Can't buy a beer. This is Utah, dude. Bring a flask.

Unless the legislature says so, Checketts will be getting no more of my money.

Yes I have been to a Real game, and it was just like every other soccer game I have been to. BORING.

Not to mention that MLS is expanding twice more in the next two years, to Seattle and Philadelphia. Doesn't sound like the league is on the cusp of folding to me.

And, it's been said already, but allow me to say it again for the benefit of those who still haven't gotten the point:

IT'S NOT YOUR MONEY. It's not your money. You continually say "our tax dollars" "our money" "my money" BUT IT'S NOT. The stadium is being funded by Dave Checketts, and TRANSIENT ROOM TAXES, collected from out of towners staying in hotels. Unless you fall into that category, IT'S NOT YOUR MONEY. Nor can it be used for any other purposes other than boosting tourism in the state. Not education, not roads. Tourism. Look it up. Thank you.

More like "insecure." Amazingly, neurologically, achingly insecure.

Everyone knows soccer is nowhere near as popular as the big sports leagues in this country, us soccer fans included. How much touching insecurity does it take to need soccer not to exist at all, and to come into soccer articles OVER AND OVER AGAIN to try to make that come about (comical thing is that all it does is bump these articles further up the "most commented" list).

Here's a hint, if you find yourself agreeing with a guy who goes around calling himself "Alpha Male" on the internet, maybe you've got the problem.

Personally I'm very thankful for soccer. The rules are simple and anyone can play. Not every one is man enough or smart enough to play and understand football. When you weren't able to make to high school football team, it was good to have a sport that even little girls could play. It's also nice to know that if you get an owie, they can spray you with the magic spray and you can jump right up and run again. Not only that, when they do score a goal, it's nice to see the elation as they throw their hands up in the air, rip the jersey from their body and go running around the field. You don't have to worry about offense and defense, illegal procedures, illegal shifts, pass interference illegal blocks, late hits, or any of the other rules of football. Just kick the ball and run around.
Yes, thank goodness for a simple game for us simple minded people.

To the several people who want to thank Checketts for bringing two sports franchises to Utah, I have a question: when's he bringing the second one?

You need to go back and review the Jazz history. Sam Battistone moved the Jazz here in 1979, and only after a few years did Checketts get involved (1984). He was back east working as a consultant for the NBA when David Stern hooked him up with Battistone, who then hired Checketts as GM.

Your just jealous of our magic spray.

Anonymous | 11:58 a.m: I think I heard that they plan on selling beer at the New Stadium, not 100% but pretty sure I heard that. But I guess you'll just have to go to find out. Party on saturday, around 6:00 pm at Rice Eccles.

Grateful - awesome use of sarcasm. The way you made soccer seem like it can only be enjoyed by "simple" people was FANTASTIC, and sooooo clever! It was a very complicated bit of combining the lack of knowledge you have about something you have already decided you dislike, and comparing it to something that you know just slightly more about.
My favorite part was where you tossed out football jargon in a little list that totally proved how complicated the sport is. You totally mentioned like seven or eight things! Holy crap!? How is ANYONE supposed to be able to remember so much? Well, I guess not everyone is. Just those beautiful Alpha Males and Adonises that have been kissed by Zeus himself. The rest of the "simple" world (and I mean world, since it is indeed the rest of the world that follows soccer) are stuck playing a game that couldn't possibly have so many "technical terms" to comprehend.

You've obviously never played soccer before. I've played both football and soccer at highly competitive levels. Soccer is easily a more difficult sport to learn and play at a high level. If the only soccer you've ever watched is little-league girls, then I can see why you think it would be easy. Imagine how AWESOME football is to watch when it's a bunch of 8-year old boys who can't even throw the ball.

Who says that more rules makes a sport better? That's like saying that our tax system is awesome because it takes a 10,000 page book just to explain all of the rules.

"Not every one is man enough or smart enough to play and understand football." You're probably right. I'll bet all of those felons and drug pushers playing in the NFL are much more intelligent than soccer players; like Eddie Pope who went to Law School. Or are you referring to the "smart" ones who named the sport football when the actual sport has nothing to do with your feet. Them there football players have to be the dag gum most smartest persons in the whole wide planet!

Grateful = typical ignorant uneducated soccer fan, probably too uncordinated to play the game. True soccer allows anyone when you are a kid to come out and play... but from somebody that played football, and soccer through high school, the truth is that just about any soccer player could go and play football and their athleticism would allow them to play, but if the roles were reversed only the some of the skill position players in football would be able to do the same. I would love to see some of the fatty lineman try and play soccer.. They would be laughed off the field

So taxes collected by the government, regardless of who they are collected from (residents or non-residents), are not public money? These taxes are not collected to benefit the general public? Are these taxes the governors money... or the mayors money... or some other government official's money?

There was a public vote on funding a stadium for Dave Checketts. The people spoke and voted not to use public money to fund Dave's private business. The Salt Lake County Mayor stood up and supported the will of the people. The governor thumbed his nose at the people of Utah and gave the money to Dave.

If you think that public funding of professional sports complexes does not benefit the team owner then you are truly ignorant. Otherwise Dave would have bought the land and the stadium himself.

Money (directly or indirectly) was transfered from public coffers to Dave Checketts bank account with the stroke of the governor's pen.

Boring to watch! Sure there are the intricacies that only a person that has played for many years can pick up and enjoy much like watching the offensive line block in football is fun for those who have played. Maybe if they had more contact like in Hockey. If you enjoy it, fine. If not, let those with Europe envy enjoy their little game.

John Wayne, Ronald Reagan and other "REAL" americans play Football! Let the pansies have their game.

The largest percent of pro soccer players are imports. Football players are mostly home grown in the USA.

Let's just let Brian Urlacher duke it out with any soccer player and see who the last man standing is!
For those of you with your panties in a ruffle that actually take the above comments serious, get a life. Who cares! Soccer is a sport. All sports are good.

Nothing to do with your feet? It would be pretty difficult to play without your feet now wouldn't it? You must be one of the "smart" soccer players.

I know some "fatty linemen" that run a 4.5 forty. Football demands that you build your upper body as well as your legs. Soccer players are great athletes but to compare the athleticism of soccer players to football players is like comparing swimmers to track stars. It just doesn't work.

My but you soccer fans are insecure.

I love those comments towards (grateful) you are clearly an uneducated soccer fan, I have played soccer my whole life and growing up and playing in high school it wasn't dumb players playing around me, they were over on the football field runing around like a bunch of animals, the three dumbest kids in my high school played linebacker they were good cause the coach just said go hit the guy with the ball, yeah do you know how many head injuries they ended up with and now since graduating high school two of those three have achieved a lot ending up in county jail for a year, oh and my senior class of soccer 100% of them have attended college, so yeah were the dumb ones, oh and another thing soccer plays run for 90 straight minutes most of the time they do it with no subs, i might be wrong cause i'm just a dumb soccer player but don't football players take a break after every ball and aren't smart enought to play defense and offense like soccer players, but what do i know i'm a soccer play. GO REAL