Rio Tinto buys naming rights to RSL's soccer stadium
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No comments [ Add Comment ]SANDY -- Mining conglomerate Rio Tinto has bought the naming rights to Real Salt Lake's new soccer stadium.
Rio Tinto Stadium opens Oct. 9 when Real hosts the New York Red Bulls.
Rio Tinto is the parent company for Kennecott Utah Copper. Kennecott's Oquirrh (oh-KURR) operation is visible from the 20,000-seat stadium, which is about 15 miles south of Salt Lake City.
RSL owner Dave Checketts announced the naming rights agreement Monday. Terms were not disclosed.
"With Rio Tinto, we have found a very special sponsor with deep local ties and one who shares the unique vision for what this stadium provides," Checketts said. "Rio Tinto and the Kennecott Utah Companies exemplify that vision with their collective commitment to our Utah community, the perfect match for what Rio Tinto Stadium represents."
"This opportunity helps us tell our story and lets people know who we are on a local and global level," said Bret Clayton, chief executive officer of Rio Tinto Copper. "Soccer transcends cultural and economic boundaries, as it did when Rio Tinto employees introduced soccer to Spain in the late 1800s. This was done to create recreational opportunities for those living in the village and bring people together. Not much has changed since then."
Rio Tinto Stadium, host of the 2009 MLS All-Star Game, is a new class of venue in the Intermountain West, attracting events that would not otherwise visit Utah, bolstering the state's reputation as an international sporting destination. The diversity of events attracted to Rio Tinto Stadium brings significant media attention, positively impacts tourism efforts and creates numerous permanent and seasonal job opportunities.
