There’s more to soccer culture than the professional game, which is why we’ve put together guides for each of MLS’ 19 markets. Whether you’re just dropping in on vacation or hitting the road with your fellow supporters, here’s the lowdown on what to do and how to do it.
SOCCER CULTURE
Soccer culture in Salt Lake City is thriving, with mass interest and participation across the board. The game is mainstream in SLC, and the locals love to rep RSL: You'll see plenty of jerseys, scarves and flags and gameday, especially if the Claret-and-Cobalt are at home.
WHERE TO PLAY
Looking for an outdoor option? There's usually a game going at gorgeous Liberty Park, conveniently located just minutes from the heart of downtown. You can normally find some run at the recreational fields at the University of Utah, too. Looking for a spot for indoor? Head to Soccer City in nearby Draper, which usually has pickup on Friday evenings.
LOCAL CUISINE
- Red Iguana: Excellent authentic Mexican restaurant, with two locations near downtown Salt Lake. Don’t miss the mole negro.
- Park Café: The spot for breakfast in SLC. Right across the street from gorgeous Liberty Park, get there early or get ready for a long wait.
- Takashi: Sushi in the high desert? Sounds weird, tastes awesome. Excellent, creative rolls.
- Honorable mentions: Caputo’s Deli, Chunga’s, Lucky 13
SOCCER BARS
- Bourbon House: The official bar of the Salt Lake chapter of the American Outlaws, Bourbon House is a fun little basement bar that always has a match on.
- Beer Bar: One of the trendier bars in SLC, Beer Bar projects games right onto the walls. Extensive beer list and excellent grilled sausage and french fry fare that you won’t want to miss out on.
- Dick N’ Dixie’s: With its RSL flag out front and several autographed Claret-and-Cobalt jerseys inside, Dick N’ Dixie’s has long been a good spot to catch a game.
WHERE TO VISIT
- Park City: With plenty to do down on Main St. and even more to see up in the mountains, Park City is a must for any visitor to Salt Lake. If the weather’s cooperative, drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon and over Guardsman’s Pass to get into town. You won’t regret it.
- The Great Salt Lake: Though it occasionally emits a slight stench (you’ll know it if you smell it) a trip out to SLC’s namesake lake is well worth it. Antelope Island is a good spot to take in the scenery – plus, you might even spot a bison out there.
- Temple Square: Located right in the heart of Salt Lake City, Temple Square is the site of the largest of the Mormon church’s temples. The building itself is quite impressive, and there’s plenty of history - and plenty to see - in the square.
- Honorable mentions (for the hikers): The Living Room Trail, Lake Mary Trail, Bell Canyon Trail
MATCHDAY
There’s no better view in MLS than from the stands at Rio Tinto Stadium, with the Wasatch Mountains rising dramatically off the valley floor just a few miles east of RSL’s fortress. That backdrop, plus a spontaneous, stadium-wide version of the club’s “Believe” chant, is enough to give any MLS fan goose bumps.
MATCHDAY TIPS:
- If you want a parking spot, arrive early. Parking is limited at Rio Tinto Stadium, so head over early and snag a spot in one of the lots around the stadium. There’s plenty of tailgating to be had – especially on a nice summer afternoon – and plenty of people more than willing to welcome some potential new friends.
- If you are looking for a rowdier tailgate, head to the stadium’s north lot, just off of 9000 South. Definitely a good time – and a beer or two – to be had by all out there.
- If you want to make sure you see all 90 minutes of the game, head in a bit early. One of the few bad parts about the Rio Tinto Stadium experience is the late-arriving crowd. Many fans tend to slam the entry gates right before the start of the match, meaning there’s more than a few who miss the first 10-15 minutes of action.
