Real Salt Lake and JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU) are proud to jointly announce JetBlue as the Official and Exclusive Airline for both Real Salt Lake (RLSL) and its state-of-the-art Rio Tinto Stadium home. The multi-year partnership is the New York-based airline's first with a Major League Soccer team.
"We are proud to be the first Major League Soccer team that JetBlue Airways has chosen for this strategic connection," said Real Salt Lake and Rio Tinto Stadium President Bill Manning. "JetBlue Airways' commitment to providing the best and most affordable travel option out of Salt Lake International Airport meshes with our dedication to providing the best fan experience for everyone that enters Rio Tinto Stadium."
As the Official and Exclusive Airline for Real Salt Lake and Rio Tinto Stadium, JetBlue's partnership will include joint marketing promotions and advertising through the 2011 season. Elements will include print and online visibility, e-mail marketing, in-stadium and marquee features, television and radio broadcasts, as well as contests, giveaways and special offers on JetBlue flights for RSL fans. The airline will also receive lower sideline visibility at Rio Tinto Stadium, named in 2008 by Forbes.com as one of 10 new "Super-Stadiums" worldwide.
"We are excited to partner with Real Salt Lake, supporting the players and their loyal and diverse fans," said Robin Hayes, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for JetBlue Airways. "We continue to look for opportunities to support the community and our more than 2,000 crewmembers based here in Salt Lake City. Real Salt Lake's local, regional and national impact on 'The Beautiful Game' is a perfect synergy for the JetBlue brand."
Real Salt Lake's 2009 slate kicks off with the team's MLS opener on Saturday, March 28, when the Claret-and-Cobalt will travel to the Pacific Northwest for its first-ever contest against Seattle Sounders FC at 8:30 p.m. MT. In celebration of the team's first full season at Rio Tinto Stadium and of JetBlue's ongoing expansion in the Western U.S., the team will also host a "JetBlue Day" at Rio Tinto Stadium during an upcoming game. On JetBlue Day, two lucky fans will be selected to win a JetBlue prize pack that will include JetBlue and team merchandise as well as travel to any of the award-winning carrier's more than 50 destinations.
JetBlue has served Salt Lake City International Airport since November 2000 and currently offers non-stop service to San Diego as well as Major League Soccer cities Los Angeles (Long Beach) and New York (JFK). Other MLS cities accessible via connecting service from Salt Lake include Boston, Chicago, San Jose, Calif. and Washington, D.C. Salt Lake City customers have convenient connecting service to more than 28 additional destinations on JetBlue.
About JetBlue Airways
New York-based JetBlue Airways has created a new airline category based on value, service and style. Known for its award-winning service and free TV as much as its low fares, JetBlue is now pleased to offer customers Lots of Legroom and super-spacious Even More Legroom seats. JetBlue introduced complimentary in-flight e-mail and instant messaging services on aircraft "BetaBlue," a first among U.S. domestic airlines. JetBlue is also America's first and only airline to offer its own Customer Bill of Rights, with meaningful and specific compensation for customers inconvenienced by service disruptions within JetBlue's control. Visit www.jetblue.com/promise for details. JetBlue currently serves 52 cities with 600 daily flights. With JetBlue, all seats are assigned, all travel is ticketless, all fares are one-way, and an overnight stay is never required. For information or reservations call 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583) or visit www.jetblue.com.
About Rio Tinto Stadium Rio Tinto Stadium is a state-of-the-art, sports and entertainment facility in Utah, providing a stunning new home for world-class events, one with breathtaking views of both the Oquirrh and Wasatch Mountain ranges. Rio Tinto Stadium opened its doors for the first time on Thursday, October 9, 2008, with Real Salt Lake Major League Soccer action televised before an international audience. The venue's first-ever concert event features legendary rockers the Eagles on May 9, 2009, with entertainment continuing along the classic rock theme May 30 with REO Speedwagon, Styx and .38 Special. Friday, July 23 welcomes country music icon Kenny Chesney.
The Stadium, host of the 2009 MLS All-Star Game in late July and a United States Men's National Team FIFA World Cup Qualifier in early September, 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 sports and entertainment destination. The diversity of events attracted to Rio Tinto Stadium brings significant media attention, positively impacts tourism efforts and creates numerous job opportunities on both permanent and seasonal bases. In March, 2008, the Stadium was recognized by Forbes.com as one of "10 New Super-Stadiums" in development worldwide.
Located in Sandy, Utah, at the heart of the Wasatch Front, Rio Tinto Stadium is conveniently accessed from major transportation arteries Interstate-15 as well State Street, between 9000 South and 9400 South. The venue resides just 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City and 25 minutes from SLC International Airport. The venue seats 20,008 people for various sporting events, including Real Salt Lake games, with capacity rising to 25,000 for concerts and other events. Stadium amenities include 32 luxury suites, a 2,000-square foot Stadium Club, 1,000 club seats, five locker rooms, a 60-foot Video Board, and ribbon LED boards on both the east and west fascia.
