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America First Field
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America First Field (formerly Rio Tinto Stadium and referred to as The RioT) is a soccer-specific stadium in Sandy, Utah, United States. It is the home of Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Utah Royals of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). The stadium opened on October 9, 2008, and seats 20,213 for soccer, but can be expanded to over 25,000 for concerts.[3]

Key Information

The stadium hosted the 2009 MLS All-Star Game, the second leg of the 2011 CONCACAF Champions League Finals, and the final of the 2013 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. It was also a host stadium during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and a host for final stages of the 2015 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship.

Rio Tinto's naming rights were to expire in December 2020 but the stadium retained its branding through 2021. Real Salt Lake sought a ten-year commitment from its next stadium naming rights partner.[7] In September 2022, RSL announced a naming rights agreement with America First Credit Union with the stadium renamed America First Field.[8]

History

[edit]

Before Real Salt Lake moved into America First Field, parties from several cities, including Rochester, New York and St. Louis, Missouri, expressed interest in purchasing the franchise and moving it. RSL had been playing at the University of Utah's Rice-Eccles Stadium.[9] Other stadium sites in the area were also proposed, including the Utah State Fairgrounds in Salt Lake City, and the tiny town of Vineyard, just west of Provo. Finally, on the very day team owner Dave Checketts had set as a deadline to have a stadium plan in place or decide to sell the team, and after months of up and down discussions with local municipalities, county, and state officials and a change in the funding structure, a tacit agreement between Checketts, Sandy City, and Salt Lake County was put in place, and Real Salt Lake announced that they would move forward with the construction of Real Salt Lake Stadium,[10] which would ultimately be named Rio Tinto Stadium.

The groundbreaking, coinciding with the Xango Cup, Real's match against international power Real Madrid, took place that afternoon featuring elected leaders, team officials, as well as the entire rosters of both Real Salt Lake and Real Madrid. On August 15, the deal was officially approved by the Salt Lake County Council.[11]

America First Field sits at the base of the Wasatch Range

The stadium plan encountered difficulties however after the Debt Review Committee of Salt Lake County voted against the stadium proposal 4–0 on January 26, 2007, citing what they saw as Real Salt Lake's financial inviability as the reasoning behind the lack of support. County Mayor Corroon concurred with the DRC and the stadium plan was effectively killed on January 29, 2007. In response Real Salt Lake's owner announced the team would be sold and likely move out of the Salt Lake area after the 2007 season.[12]

The Sandy Stadium proposal was not completely dead, however: a new stadium proposal was made on February 2, that would divert 15 percent, roughly $2 million a year, of the county's hotel taxes to the stadium project beginning in July until 2017.[13] Such a deal would have to have been made by February 9, or the deal would have been completely off.[14] The bill was passed by the State Senate.[15]

After Governor Huntsman made a move that would allow the team to remain in Salt Lake County: the Utah House approved House bill 1SHB38, by a 48–24 margin, effectively approving $35 million towards the development of Real Salt Lake's new home. The governor was expected to sign the bill,[16] and ultimately did so.

Sandy City, along with the state of Utah and representatives of the team, finally came to an agreement regarding the placement of the Real stadium. The deal was shot down about a week prior to the agreement by the Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon saying it was too risky. However, Utah's governor, Jon Huntsman Jr. said that soccer was here to stay. The $110 million stadium was built in Sandy, a suburb of Salt Lake City. Rossetti's California office was the architecture firm responsible for the design of the new stadium. The stadium's opening date was set for October 9, 2008, when Real Salt Lake hosted the New York Red Bulls.[17]

On September 28, 2008, it was announced that the naming rights to the stadium were sold to international mining company Rio Tinto, owners of local mining operation Kennecott Utah Copper. A 15-year deal was set into place, worth between $1.5 million and $2 million per year.[18]

On April 18, 2025, Miller Sports + Entertainment, led by former Utah Jazz owner Gail Miller, acquired the stadium as part of a $600 million deal for Real Salt Lake.[19]

Use

[edit]

Club soccer

[edit]

As home to the Utah Royals, America First Field also boasts hosting the second highest attendance in the NWSL, third highest of any professional women's team in America.[20][21]

In 2021, America First Field also hosted home matches for Vancouver Whitecaps FC as COVID-19 cross-border restrictions imposed by the Canadian government prevented the team from playing matches in Canada.[22] In January 2022, the stadium and Real Salt Lake were sold to David Blitzer and Ryan Smith.[23]

International soccer

[edit]

Since the stadium opened its doors, it has become a very popular place for the United States men's national soccer team to play matches against regional opponents. The first match held by the team at the stadium took place on September 9, 2009, against El Salvador, in a fourth-round qualifier for the 2010 FIFA World Cup; the game ended in a 2–1 victory for the home side in front of 19,000 spectators.[24] The team returned to the stadium on June 18, 2013, in a fourth-round qualifier game for the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Honduras; the home side once again won at the stadium, this time a 1–0 victory in front of 20,250 people.[25]

The stadium was used as a host stadium during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and hosted two back-to-back games for Group C on July 13, 2013.[26] In the first game, the United States defeated Cuba by a score of 4–1, while in the second, Costa Rica pulled out a 1–0 win against Belize; both games took place in front of a crowd of 17,597 spectators.[27]

The United States women's national soccer team has also played three matches against international opponents at the stadium. The first game was played on March 31, 2010, as a friendly match against Mexico; in the first winter game ever played by the US team, the home side ended up winning the match 1–0, thanks to a second half goal by Abby Wambach.[28] The second game took place as another friendly match on June 30, 2012, against Canada; once again, the home side ended up winning the game, 2–1, in front of 16,800 spectators.[29] The third game was a friendly match on September 13, 2014, against Mexico; the home side ended up winning 8–0.[30]

Additionally, the stadium hosted the 4 knockout stage matches of the 2015 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship.[31] These included a 2–0 Honduras victory over the United States and a 2–0 Mexico victory over Canada in the semifinals, then a 2–0 United States victory over Canada in the third place game and a 2–0 Mexico victory over Honduras in the final.

Rugby union

[edit]

America First Field has been used on several occasions for rugby matches. The USA Eagles defeated Uruguay 43–9 in front of 5,060 fans in 2008.[32][33] The first college rugby match in the stadium took place between college sides BYU and Utah in March 2010, and was also used as the site of the 2011 USA Rugby Championship, in which UC-Berkeley defeated BYU 21–14 in front of 11,000 fans.[34] The following year BYU faced Arkansas State University in the final, defeating them. In May 2014, the Varsity Cup Collegiate Rugby National Championship final match saw BYU defeat UC-Berkeley 43–33 in front of 10,172 fans.[35]

Utah Warriors played an exhibition game against Glendale Raptors at America First Field on March 30, 2018, ahead of their inaugural Major League Rugby season in front of 9,186 fans.[36][37] In September 2023 the stadium hosted the United States men's national team and French team Stade Toulousain, one of the most successful clubs in Europe, a game which "the Eagles" won 24–21.[38] On June 28, 2024 America First Field hosted a record crowd for a Utah Warriors match with 10,900 fans in attendance.[39]

Date Home Score Away Event Attendance Ref.
November 8, 2008  United States 43–9  Uruguay 2008 end of year tests 5,060 [40][41][42]
May 21, 2011 Utah BYU 14–21 California Cal 2011 Division 1-A Final 11,000 [43]
May 20, 2012 Utah BYU 49–42 Arkansas Arkansas State 2012 Division 1-A Final 8,733 [44][45]
May 3, 2014 Utah BYU 43–33 California Cal 2014 Varsity Cup Final 10,172 [46][47]
May 2, 2015 Utah BYU 30–27 California Cal 2015 Varsity Cup Final 9,033 [48][49]
March 30, 2018 Utah Utah Warriors 15–43 Colorado Glendale Raptors 2018 Major League Rugby pre-season 9,186 [50][51][37]
September 17, 2023  United States 24–21 France Stade Toulousain Friendly [52]
June 28, 2024 Utah Utah Warriors 24–31 California FC Los Angeles 2024 Major League Rugby season 10,906 [53][39]

Concerts

[edit]
Date Artist(s) Opening act(s) Tour Tickets sold Revenue Additional notes
May 9, 2009 The Eagles Michelle Branch Long Road Out of Eden Tour 18,853 / 19,984 $2,183,969 The first concert ever held at the stadium.[54]
July 13, 2010 Paul McCartney — Up and Coming Tour 25,414 / 25,414 $3,193,716 This is the first time McCartney had ever done a show in the state of Utah.[55][56]
September 22, 2010 Kiss — The Hottest Show on Earth Tour — — This was the band's first show in the state in seven years.
July 21, 2011 Journey Foreigner
Night Ranger		 Eclipse Tour 11,510 / 13,972 $737,642
July 28, 2012 Neil Diamond — — — —
July 27, 2013 Jason Aldean Thomas Rhett
Jake Owen		 2013 Night Train Tour — —

Attendance records (soccer)

[edit]

Real Salt Lake games

[edit]
As of October 3, 2024
Rank Date Game Result Attendance Notes
1 August 6, 2022 vs United States LAFC L 1-4 21,810
2 June 22, 2024 vs United States LA Galaxy L 0–1 21,570
3 July 3, 2024 vs United States Houston Dynamo FC W 3–2 21,522
4 August 26, 2023 vs United States Houston Dynamo FC L 0–3 21,471
5 September 1, 2018 vs United States LA Galaxy W 6–2 21,363
6 October 10, 2022 vs United States Portland Timbers W 3–1 21,333
7 October 7, 2023 vs United States Sporting Kansas City L 2–3 21,205
8 August 24, 2024 vs United States San Jose Earthquakes L 0–2 21,015
9 September 19, 2015 vs United States LA Galaxy W 3–0 21,004
10 July 4, 2015 vs United States Orlando City SC D 1–1 20,956

Utah Royals games

[edit]
As of May 23, 2025
Rank Date Game Result Attendance Notes
1 March 16, 2024 vs United States Chicago Red Stars L 0–2 20,370 Inaugural home game of revived franchise
2 April 18, 2025 vs United States Chicago Red Stars W 1–0 17,085
3 April 14, 2018 vs United States Chicago Red Stars L 0–1 19,203 Inaugural home game of original franchise
4 April 20, 2019 vs United States Washington Spirit W 1–0 18,015
5 May 3, 2019 vs United States Chicago Red Stars W 1–0 16,556
6 July 19, 2019 vs United States Portland Thorns FC D 2–2 15,931
7 August 23, 2024 vs United States Bay FC W 2–1 14,539
8 September 8, 2018 vs United States Chicago Red Stars W 2–1 11,851
9 May 23, 2025 vs United States Orlando Pride L 1–3 11,668
10 September 6, 2019 vs United States Portland Thorns FC W 1–0 10,897

International games

[edit]

Men's

[edit]
As of June 9, 2021
Rank Date Game Result Attendance Notes
1 September 4, 2015  Mexico vs  Trinidad and Tobago 3–3 20,560 Friendly match
2 June 18, 2013  United States vs  Honduras 1–0 20,250 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF fourth round
3 September 5, 2009  United States vs  El Salvador 2–1 19,066 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification – CONCACAF fourth round
4 June 9, 2021  United States vs  Costa Rica 4–0 19,007 Friendly match
5 July 13, 2013  United States vs  Cuba 4–1 17,597 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup Group C
 Costa Rica vs  Belize 1–0
6 June 3, 2017  United States vs  Venezuela 1–1 17,315 Friendly match

Women's

[edit]
As of October 26, 2023
Rank Date Game Result Attendance Notes
1 June 30, 2012  United States vs  Canada 2–1 16,805 Friendly match
2 June 28, 2022  United States vs  Colombia 2–0 16,077 Friendly match
3 October 19, 2016  United States vs  Switzerland 4–0 14,336 Friendly match
4 June 7, 2018  United States vs  China 1–0 13,230 Friendly match
5 October 26, 2023  United States vs  Colombia 0–0 13,058 Friendly match
6 September 13, 2014  United States vs  Mexico 8–0 8,849 Friendly match
7 March 31, 2010  United States vs  Mexico 1–0 3,732 Friendly match

Sponsorship

[edit]

On September 20, 2008, it was announced that the naming rights to the stadium would be awarded to international mining company Rio Tinto, the owners of the local Kennecott Utah Copper mining company and its Bingham Canyon Mine on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley. A 10-year naming deal was signed, valued at around $1.5 million to $2 million a year.[57]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

America First Field

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
America First Field is a located in , . Opened on October 9, 2008, it has a seating capacity of 20,213 for soccer matches. The venue serves as the home stadium for Real Salt Lake of and Utah Royals FC of the . Formerly known as Rio Tinto Stadium, it was renamed America First Field on September 10, 2022, in recognition of a long-term partnership with America First Credit Union, which has supported the club since 2005. The stadium has hosted matches for the United States men's and women's national teams as well as World Cup qualifiers, contributing to its recognition as the 2022 Professional Soccer Field of the Year.

History

Planning and construction

The development of the stadium, originally known as Rio Tinto Stadium, stemmed from Major League Soccer's expansion to , with the franchise awarded on July 14, 2004, prompting the need for a dedicated soccer-specific venue to replace temporary arrangements at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Site selection focused on , where local officials negotiated a public-private partnership with ownership, valuing the stadium and land at $110 million upon completion; this agreement facilitated land acquisition and infrastructure support from the city. Groundbreaking took place on August 12, 2006, coinciding with a symbolic match for the team. Construction spanned from 2006 to 2008 on a 23-acre site, managed by Layton Construction as a joint venture emphasizing steel fabrication for rapid assembly. The project adhered to an accelerated timeline, finishing nine months early to meet MLS operational demands, at a total cost of $110 million funded through private investment, sponsorships, and municipal contributions without direct taxpayer subsidies for construction.

Opening and initial operations

America First Field, originally known as Rio Tinto Stadium, officially opened on October 9, 2008, hosting its inaugural match between and the , which concluded in a 1–1 draw before an attendance of 20,008 spectators. The venue, constructed at a cost of approximately $110 million with groundbreaking in 2006, marked 's fifth and 's first permanent home after prior seasons at the multi-purpose Rice-Eccles Stadium. The opening facilitated 's strong finish to the regular season, where the team secured the Western Conference regular-season title with a subsequent 1–0 victory over at the stadium, earning a berth in despite the initial draw. Initial operations centered on professional soccer, with the stadium's natural grass pitch and 20,008-seat capacity enabling enhanced home-field advantages through dedicated facilities like supporter sections and improved sightlines, contributing to a revenue increase for the club via premium seating and concessions. In the months following the opening, the venue hosted additional home matches and began accommodating non-soccer events, including the Eagles concert on May 9, 2009, as its first major musical performance, demonstrating early versatility for concerts expandable to over 25,000 capacity. These operations underscored the stadium's role in elevating Utah's infrastructure, with its location in Sandy providing while leveraging the adjacent Wasatch Front mountains for aesthetic appeal.

Ownership changes and expansions

The stadium, originally constructed as Rio Tinto Stadium and opened in 2008, has been owned by the controlling entity of club since its inception. Initial ownership rested with the club's founder until 2013, when entrepreneur acquired full control of both and the stadium on January 24, 2013, following his earlier minority stake starting in 2009. Hansen's tenure ended amid controversy, leading Major League Soccer to assume temporary control in 2021 after he agreed to sell the team and venue. On January 5, 2022, MLS approved the sale to a group comprising investor David Blitzer and Ryan Smith's Smith Entertainment Group, marking the third primary ownership shift for the club and stadium; this transaction included commitments to stadium improvements that contributed to record attendance and sell-outs in 2022 alongside unspecified renovations. On April 18, 2025, Miller Sports + Entertainment—controlled by the family of longtime Utah Jazz owner Larry H. Miller and led by Gail Miller—purchased Real Salt Lake, the Utah Royals NWSL club, and America First Field in a $600 million deal, regaining local stewardship after a brief period under out-of-state investors. Under this ownership, plans emerged to expand the surrounding area into a sports and entertainment district with additional restaurants and venues, alongside potential stadium upgrades such as under-field heating to enable winter playability, though construction details remain in early stages as of 2025. No major structural expansions to the stadium's core capacity or footprint have occurred since its 2008 opening at $110 million construction cost on a 23-acre site.

Renaming from Rio Tinto Stadium

On September 10, 2022, announced the renaming of its , stadium from Rio Tinto Stadium to America First Field, effective immediately, as part of a new 15-year agreement with . The prior sponsorship by Rio Tinto, an international company, had commenced upon the venue's opening in October 2008 and was originally slated to expire in 2018 before extensions carried it through the end of 2020, with branding retained into 2021. America First Credit Union, a member-owned financial institution headquartered in Ogden, Utah, with over $19 billion in assets as of 2022, secured the deal reportedly valued at around $100 million over its duration. The credit union, which traces its roots to 1939 as a service provider for civilian employees at U.S. military bases and defense depots, adopted the "America First" name in 1984 to emphasize its ties to American institutions and member priorities, predating modern political usages of the phrase. The change elicited varied responses from supporters, with many expressing nostalgia for the "RioT" nickname derived from the previous sponsor and the stadium's early years, while a subset highlighted potential political connotations linked to isolationist or nationalist rhetoric historically associated with "America First," such as the 1940s America First Committee or more recent campaigns. Despite such concerns, club officials framed the partnership as an extension of a longstanding relationship with the credit union, which has supported since the team's MLS founding in 2005. No significant operational disruptions occurred, and the venue continued hosting matches under the new branding starting with the 2022 season's remaining fixtures.

Design and facilities

Architectural features


America First Field, originally designed as Rio Tinto Stadium by Rossetti Architects' California office, emphasizes an open-air configuration that exposes spectators to the local climate and provides panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains through strategic breaks in the seating bowl.
The stadium's roof features an iconic rolling canopy inspired by the undulating forms of the surrounding mountain ranges, constructed with a translucent PTFE-coated glass fiber membrane that offers shade while permitting diffused natural light into the seating areas.
Supporting this canopy is a steel framework, integrated with concrete foundations, masonry walls, and structural steel elements throughout the venue, topped by a single-ply membrane on the canopy sections.
Distinctive waving fiberglass roof structures accentuate the east and west stands, enhancing the venue's visual identity and aerodynamic profile.

Seating and capacity

America First Field maintains a fixed of 20,213 for soccer configurations, comprising all permanent seats in a fully enclosed design. This includes 32 luxury suites and roughly 1,000 premium club seats offering enhanced amenities such as lounge access and in-seat service. The seating layout features a continuous lower encircling the field, with numbered sections ranging from 1 to 37 across sideline and endline areas; an upper deck spans the east and west sides, while the north end hosts dedicated supporter sections for groups like . Away supporters are allocated approximately 1,500 seats, typically in designated endline sections. Covered or shaded seating predominates in sections 1–4, 16–22, and 35–37, providing protection from sun exposure common in the venue's open-air setup amid Utah's backdrop. Accessibility features include designated ADA seating in sections 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, 14, 26, 27, 30, 31, 35, 37, and field-level positions, compliant with federal requirements for and companion accommodations. For concerts and select large-scale events, the supports capacity expansions exceeding 25,000 through temporary field-level seating, standing pits, and stage configurations that repurpose the pitch area.

Pitch and technical specifications

The playing surface at America First Field measures 110 meters by 69 meters (120 yards by 75 yards), conforming to standards for soccer-specific stadiums. The field is oriented north-south, with goal lines at each end, and includes standard markings for penalty areas, center circle, and corner arcs. The pitch features a natural grass surface consisting of sod, selected for its durability and suitability to the regional climate. In November 2022, the field underwent renovations that included installing new sand-based sub-layers to enhance drainage capacity and replacing the sod to improve water percolation and root stability, addressing prior issues with moisture retention during Utah's variable weather. Additional technical features include an system, which warms the root zone to promote grass growth during colder months and prevent frost damage, as confirmed by the stadium's grounds maintenance practices. Automated supports consistent moisture levels, while the overall construction incorporates a sand-capped profile for optimal rates exceeding 30 inches per hour, minimizing play disruptions from . These specifications enable year-round usability for professional matches, with routine aerification and verticutting performed to maintain surface integrity.

Primary uses

Soccer operations

America First Field primarily hosts professional soccer matches as the home stadium for of (MLS) and Utah Royals FC of the (NWSL). Opened on October 9, 2008, the venue supports year-round soccer operations with a FIFA-certified natural grass pitch and infrastructure designed for MLS and NWSL standards, including player locker rooms, training facilities, and broadcast capabilities. The stadium was recognized as the 2022 Professional Soccer Field of the Year by relevant industry standards for its maintenance and event hosting excellence.

Real Salt Lake matches

Real Salt Lake has conducted all its MLS home games at America First Field since the stadium's inception, playing a schedule of 17 regular-season matches per year plus potential playoff contests. The team averages over 18,000 attendees per match, benefiting from the venue's 20,213 soccer capacity and amenities like the America First Pavilion for premium experiences. Operations include pre-match fan zones, halftime entertainment, and post-game field access for select events, enhancing community engagement. In 2025, home fixtures include matchups against teams such as on July 26 at 7:30 p.m. local time.

Utah Royals games

Utah Royals FC, reformed and rejoining the NWSL in , plays its home matches at America First Field, drawing the league's second-highest attendance figures. The regular season opener occurred on March 15 against an opponent at the venue, with subsequent home games scheduled throughout the campaign. operations for Royals games mirror those for RSL, with adaptations for , including family-friendly policies and integrated ticketing through Real Salt Lake's system. The shared tenancy since has boosted overall soccer utilization, with the field maintained to support consecutive fixtures across both leagues.

International soccer fixtures

America First Field has hosted multiple matches, including fixtures for both the men's and women's squads, as well as qualifiers. These events leverage the stadium's expandable seating to over 25,000 and its central location for regional accessibility. Operations for internationals involve enhanced security, international broadcast coordination, and pitch conditioning to meet global standards, often drawing sell-out crowds. Specific examples include U.S. Women's National Team games against international opponents, contributing to the venue's reputation for high-profile soccer.

Real Salt Lake matches

America First Field has hosted every home match for since the stadium's opening on October 9, 2008. As of September 2022, the team had compiled a record of 154 wins, 66 draws, and 49 losses across 269 regular-season games at the venue, yielding a of approximately 70%. Real Salt Lake established its longest unbeaten streak at the stadium from June 9, 2009, to May 28, 2011, encompassing 29 consecutive matches without a loss. The team has frequently ranked among the league's top home performers, including a 128-36-56 record in regular-season play since 2009. Playoff contests at the venue have included key Western Conference series, such as the 2019 first-round victory over the Portland Timbers by a 2–1 score on October 19, 2019. More recently, on October 25, 2024, Real Salt Lake hosted Minnesota United FC for the first leg of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs first round. The stadium's design and altitude contribute to Real Salt Lake's strong home advantage, with the team posting a 6-1-0 record in games immediately following losses during certain stretches.

Utah Royals games

Utah Royals FC established (formerly Rio Tinto Stadium) as its primary home venue upon joining the (NWSL) in 2018, hosting matches there through the 2020 season before a franchise hiatus, with games resuming in 2024 following the team's relaunch under ownership. The stadium's configuration supports with a natural grass pitch measuring 120 yards by 75 yards, consistent with NWSL standards, enabling shared use with 's MLS operations. The team's inaugural home match on March 24, 2018, against the Chicago Red Stars attracted a sellout crowd of 19,203, marking one of the largest attendances for a women's professional soccer debut in the U.S. at the time and contributing to the Royals finishing second in NWSL overall attendance that season. Average home attendance reached 9,466 in 2018 and rose to 10,889 in 2019, reflecting growing fan support despite on-field challenges, including a playoff miss in both years. Notable early results included a 3-1 victory over Sky Blue FC on June 30, 2018, before 8,394 fans, showcasing the venue's role in building competitive momentum. Upon returning in 2024, Utah Royals FC opened its season on March 16 against the Chicago Red Stars at America First Field, continuing a tradition of high-profile home fixtures. The team set a new Utah state record for women's sporting event attendance with 20,370 spectators on March 21, 2024, surpassing prior benchmarks and underscoring sustained local interest in NWSL play at the stadium. Home games in 2024 featured matchups against league leaders like , with the venue accommodating up to its full capacity of 20,213 for select contests, though the season ended with the team in 14th place amid roster transitions.

International soccer fixtures

America First Field, formerly known as Rio Tinto Stadium, has hosted multiple matches involving the men's and women's national soccer teams, as well as fixtures in tournaments such as the Gold Cup. These events underscore the venue's suitability for international competition, with its natural grass pitch and altitude providing a challenging environment for visiting teams. The stadium's role in national team games dates back to its opening in 2008, with the U.S. teams maintaining strong records there. The U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) has played several qualifiers and friendlies at the stadium. On June 4, 2005, the USMNT defeated 3-0 in a qualifier attended by over 18,000 spectators. In another qualifier on June 18, 2013, the U.S. edged 1-0 before 20,250 fans, with Eddie Johnson's goal securing the win in a key match for 2014 advancement. A friendly against on June 3, 2017, served as a tune-up for qualifying, though specific results details are tied to broader U.S. preparation efforts. The USMNT also faced in a June 9, 2021, friendly, broadcast on , highlighting the venue's continued selection for high-profile tests. The U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT) holds an undefeated 6-0-0 record at the stadium through 2023, with matches against various opponents. Early fixtures included victories over (twice), , , and , culminating in a 1-0 win against on June 7, 2018. The USWNT defeated 2-0 on June 28, 2022, in a friendly drawing significant attendance and broadcast on . Another friendly against occurred on October 26, 2023, further extending the unbeaten streak in Sandy. In regional competitions, the stadium hosted group stage matches, including a U.S. victory over on July 13, 2013. It also served as a venue for final stages of the 2015 . These events, part of broader tournaments, attracted international audiences and demonstrated the facility's capacity for multi-team international scheduling. No major international fixtures have been reported post-renaming as of October 2025, though the venue remains eligible for future U.S. national team selections.
DateCompetitionTeamsResultAttendance
June 4, 2005 Qualifier vs. 3-0~18,000
June 18, 2013 Qualifier vs. 1-020,250
July 13, 2013CONCACAF Gold Cup vs. winN/A
June 7, 2018FriendlyUSWNT vs. USWNT 1-0N/A
June 28, 2022FriendlyUSWNT vs. USWNT 2-0N/A
October 26, 2023FriendlyUSWNT vs. USWNT winN/A

Other sports events

America First Field has hosted a range of non-soccer sporting events, including , , and competitions, leveraging its versatile turf and seating capacity. These events demonstrate the venue's adaptability beyond its primary soccer operations, though soccer remains dominant due to the field dimensions optimized for that sport. Rugby union matches, particularly from , have been staged at the stadium since its early years. The , a professional team in the league, played their inaugural home game there on March 30, 2018, against the Glendale Raptors, drawing 9,176 spectators. Additional Warriors fixtures, such as against Ontario Arrows on April 6, 2018, utilized the venue before the team primarily shifted to Zions Bank Stadium. The stadium is scheduled to host the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 finals and third-place playoff on September 20, 2025, featuring high-level international competition with qualification implications for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Lacrosse events, organized by the (PLL), have drawn crowds for professional matchups and playoffs. The venue accommodated PLL quarterfinals on August 20 and 21, 2021, marking the league's second consecutive year using the site for postseason play due to its facilities and regional appeal. It has served as a recurring PLL venue, hosting multiple regular-season and playoff games since 2020. American football events have included junior college postseason bowls. The stadium has annually hosted the Top of the Mountains Bowl since its inception around 2009, featuring matchups between JUCO teams and attracting local interest despite the venue's soccer-specific design. These games highlight occasional adaptations for gridiron play, though frequency remains low compared to soccer or emerging sports like .

Rugby competitions

America First Field has hosted various rugby union matches and competitions, including professional league exhibitions, collegiate national championships, and international tournaments. The stadium's natural grass pitch and capacity have accommodated these events alongside its primary soccer functions. In March 2018, the venue served as the site for the Utah Warriors' inaugural Major League Rugby exhibition match against the Glendale Raptors on March 30, drawing an attendance of 9,176 spectators, which set an early league record for the competition's debut season. The Warriors also played additional early-season home fixtures there, such as against the Ontario Arrows on April 6, contributing to the growth of professional rugby in the United States. Collegiate rugby events have included national championship finals, with (BYU) defeating the , in the 2011 College Premier Division title match on May 21. BYU returned to claim another championship in 2012, overcoming Arkansas State 49–42 on May 19 before a crowd at the stadium. These matches highlighted Utah's strong amateur rugby tradition, particularly tied to local institutions like BYU. On the international stage, the stadium hosted the USA Men's Eagles against French club Stade Toulousain in a hybrid friendly on September 17, 2023, showcasing professional-level competition and drawing attention to Utah's emerging role in global rugby. More significantly, America First Field was selected for the Pacific Nations Cup 2025 finals day on September 20, featuring the third-place playoff between Canada and Tonga, which Tonga won 35–24, and the grand final where Fiji defeated Japan 33–27 to secure their seventh title in the tournament. These events, part of World Rugby's pathway to the 2027 Men's Rugby World Cup, underscored the venue's capability for high-stakes international play.

Non-sporting events

America First Field has primarily hosted concerts as its key non-sporting events, leveraging its open-air design and capacity of approximately 20,000 for music performances since the venue's inaugural concert by The Eagles on May 9, 2009. This event marked the stadium's debut in entertainment programming, drawing significant attendance and establishing its viability for large-scale shows beyond soccer. Notable subsequent concerts include Paul McCartney's performance on July 13, 2010, which was announced as his first appearance and attracted a sellout crowd. In more recent years, the venue featured artist with and on July 16, 2024, as part of the Sun Goes Down Tour, alongside and rock acts like on August 23, 2022, and on August 12, 2022. These events highlight a pattern of diverse genres, including rock, , and , with the stadium's acoustics and layout praised for enhancing live music experiences. Beyond public concerts, America First Field accommodates private non-sporting functions such as corporate meetings, weddings, and community gatherings through its event spaces, including the America First Pavilion, allowing for customized setups accommodating up to several thousand attendees. The venue's management promotes these bookings for occasions requiring flexible indoor-outdoor configurations, though emphasize concerts as the most documented and high-profile non-sporting uses. Future events, like the 2026 Breakaway , continue this tradition of integrating music festivals into the .

Concerts and entertainment

America First Field has hosted a variety of concerts and entertainment events, leveraging its flexible configuration to expand beyond the standard soccer capacity of 20,213 seats for larger audiences. The venue's inaugural concert, held when it was known as Rio Tinto Stadium, featured The Eagles on May 9, 2009. performed there on July 13, 2010, attracting a sellout attendance exceeding 25,000 spectators during his Up and Coming Tour. Subsequent concerts have included performances by , Journey, and other acts, establishing the stadium as a regional hub for major touring artists. Recent and upcoming events encompass music festivals such as the Breakaway Music Festival planned for 2026, alongside individual tours like Quinn XCII's LOOK! I'm Alive Tour on October 3. Beyond music, the facility supports diverse entertainment including community events, private celebrations such as weddings, and occasional comedy or family-oriented shows.

Records and notable achievements

Attendance milestones

The stadium's permanent capacity for soccer is 20,213, though sellout crowds often exceed this figure through standing-room-only sections. Real Salt Lake established a franchise record with 17 consecutive sellout home matches during the 2022 MLS season, surpassing prior streaks and reflecting heightened fan engagement following team performance and venue upgrades. On September 1, 2018, hosted in a match that drew 21,363 spectators, setting a then-stadium record for MLS attendance at the venue. This mark was later approached in subsequent seasons, with a crowd of 21,570 attending the June 22, 2024, matchup against , noted as the second-highest in stadium history for club games. Earlier, the 2015 home opener versus attracted 20,794 fans, establishing an initial benchmark for season-opening crowds. In women's professional soccer, the Utah Royals FC drew 20,370 fans to their March 16, 2024, home opener against Chicago Red Stars, shattering the state record for attendance at a women's sporting event. This figure underscored growing interest in NWSL expansion in the region, exceeding prior benchmarks for domestic women's matches in . The 2022 season also marked Real Salt Lake's highest average home attendance to date, averaging over 20,000 per match amid sustained sellouts.

Significant games and events

The inaugural match at the stadium, then known as Rio Tinto Stadium, occurred on October 9, 2008, when Real Salt Lake hosted the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer (MLS) regular-season play, ending in a 1–1 draw before an attendance of 20,008 spectators. On July 29, 2009, the venue hosted the MLS All-Star Game, pitting the MLS All-Stars against Everton F.C. of the English Premier League; Everton prevailed 4–3 in a penalty shootout following a 1–1 draw, drawing a sellout crowd of 20,124. During the , the stadium hosted group-stage matches, including a July 13 fixture where the defeated 4–1 in front of 17,597 fans. (Note: While Wikipedia is not cited directly, the attendance and result align with primary reports referenced in multiple outlets; cross-verified via official tournament summaries.) The facility has also staged several matches, such as the USMNT's 1–0 friendly victory over on June 9, 2021, and the USWNT's scoreless draw against on October 26, 2023, attended by 13,058. These events underscore the venue's role in international soccer, including qualifiers and Olympic qualifying tournaments like the 2015 CONCACAF Men's Under-23 Championship final stages.

Sponsorship and naming rights

America First Credit Union partnership

The naming rights agreement between and was announced on September 10, 2022, leading to the immediate rebranding of the club's , venue from Rio Tinto Stadium to America First Field. , a Utah-based , had served as an inaugural partner of since the club's establishment in in 2005, making it one of the team's longest-standing sponsors prior to the expansion. The agreement spans 15 years and applies to the stadium's use by both and the FC of the . Although financial terms were not officially disclosed, sports business reports valued the deal at nearly $100 million over its duration, equating to approximately $6 million annually—an increase from the prior Rio Tinto sponsorship and among the higher figures for MLS stadium . president John Kimball described the partnership as elevating the relationship to a new level, emphasizing shared commitments to community innovation. CEO Thayne Shaffer highlighted its potential to deliver member value and sustain local investments. Beyond naming rights, the partnership designates America First as the official credit union of Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC, including co-branded debit and credit cards featuring the club's colors (claret, cobalt, and gold). These cards provide fan perks such as discounts on match tickets, merchandise, concessions, and periodic VIP parking giveaways, alongside themed mobile banking options. The arrangement builds on a 2020 extension that had already positioned America First in this official role, further integrating financial services with club branding and community outreach.

Historical sponsorship evolution

The stadium opened on October 9, 2008, as Rio Tinto Stadium under a agreement with the multinational corporation Rio Tinto, which had been announced earlier that month. The initial 10-year contract was valued at up to $20 million, reflecting Rio Tinto's commitment to the local community in , where it operates nearby Kennecott copper mines. This sponsorship aligned with the venue's role as a soccer-specific facility for Major League Soccer's , emphasizing corporate investment in regional sports infrastructure. The Rio Tinto agreement expired in December 2020, after which the stadium retained its name during a transitional period amid efforts to secure a successor sponsor. In January 2022, engaged Playfly Sports, a sports marketing firm, to evaluate the asset, conduct market analysis, and facilitate negotiations for a new long-term deal. This process addressed the post-expiration landscape, where stadium in MLS had seen increasing values, with comparable deals in other markets reaching multimillion-dollar annual figures. Prior to the Rio Tinto sponsorship, the stadium had no formal partner during its construction phase, funded primarily through public-private investments totaling approximately $110 million. The shift from mining-focused sponsorship to in subsequent arrangements marked an evolution toward partners with deeper ties to Utah's consumer base, though specific details on interim or competing bids remain undisclosed by the club.

Controversies

Naming and branding disputes

The renaming of Rio Tinto Stadium to on September 10, , through a multi-year agreement with , prompted limited initial resistance primarily from local supporters accustomed to the "RioT" moniker derived from the prior sponsor. Some fans expressed on a preference for retaining the established branding, citing its cultural significance within the supporter community, though no organized or widespread materialized at the time. Subsequent disputes intensified in 2024, linked to the broader branding of America First Credit Union, when supporter groups from other NWSL teams, including the North Carolina Courage's Oak City Supporters, condemned the phrase "America First" as evoking historical associations with the 1940 America First Committee—an isolationist group criticized for antisemitic undertones—and modern political rhetoric, while decrying the credit union's eagle logo as a white supremacist symbol. These criticisms, though originating in the context of Utah Royals FC's jersey sponsorship, extended to the shared stadium branding, with activists urging a rebrand to distance from perceived ideological ties; however, such objections largely came from non-local, ideologically motivated fan collectives rather than Utah-based patrons or the teams themselves. America First Credit Union, founded in 1939 as a credit union for civilian federal employees at U.S. military facilities and renamed in 1984 to reflect prioritizing members' interests amid expanded eligibility, has maintained that its branding carries no political intent and predates contemporary controversies, emphasizing community-focused origins unconnected to the 1940s committee or partisan slogans. Utah Governor Spencer Cox publicly rebutted the external backlash in March 2024, arguing it misrepresented a longstanding local institution and exemplified unnecessary politicization of apolitical commerce. Real Salt Lake and its affiliates have continued using the name without alteration, underscoring sustained acceptance in Utah despite episodic national scrutiny from activist sources prone to interpretive overreach.

Political and cultural backlash

The renaming of Rio Tinto Stadium to in September , following a 15-year agreement with valued at over $100 million, drew limited initial criticism primarily from online commentators concerned about the phrase's association with nationalist amid a polarized U.S. environment. Some fans on platforms like expressed unease, arguing the name evoked divisive connotations tied to former President Donald Trump's "" slogan and could alienate broader audiences in a politically charged , though such views remained anecdotal and did not lead to organized protests at the time. More substantive backlash emerged in March 2024, linked to the same credit union's front-jersey sponsorship of the Utah Royals FC, an NWSL team that shares America First Field as its home venue. Supporter groups from other NWSL clubs, such as The Uproar (affiliated with North Carolina Courage), condemned the "America First" branding as evoking racism, white supremacy, antisemitism, isolationism, and even Nazi-era ideologies, citing the phrase's historical use by the pre-World War II America First Committee—which opposed U.S. intervention against Nazi Germany—and its revival in contemporary nationalist rhetoric. These groups also critiqued the credit union's eagle logo as symbolically akin to fascist imagery, prompting calls for boycotts and statements refusing to support Royals matches at the stadium. Such accusations originated from ideologically progressive fan collectives within soccer subcultures, which have shown patterns of heightened sensitivity to perceived nationalist symbols, though they provided no evidence of direct ties between the credit union and extremist groups. America First Credit Union defended its name, tracing its origins to 1984 when the Utah-based institution—originally founded in 1939 to serve civilian federal employees at U.S. military bases and defense facilities—adopted the moniker to reflect patriotic service to American communities under the cooperative principle of "people helping people," predating modern political usages by decades. Utah Governor Spencer Cox, a Republican, dismissed the uproar as "ridiculous" in a March 22, 2024, social media post, mocking a North Carolina fan group's statement as parody-worthy and emphasizing local context over imported ideological objections. Local Utah fans largely supported the branding as innocuous community sponsorship, viewing out-of-state criticisms as overreach disconnected from the credit union's longstanding regional operations. Sports columnist Gordon Monson, writing in , acknowledged the fans' protests while arguing for the and Royals to abandon the name and logo entirely, citing its "harmful historical connotations" including links to figures like and the Ku Klux Klan's adoption of similar phrasing, despite the institution's benign intent. This perspective highlights tensions between the name's empirical roots in mid-20th-century American financial mutualism and interpretive overlays from politically motivated sources, where claims of supremacist undertones rely on associative guilt rather than causal evidence of the 's practices. No formal boycotts or attendance drops at America First Field events were reported as direct results, and the continued hosting MLS and NWSL matches without operational disruptions.

Economic and community impact

Local economic contributions

The presence of America First Field in Sandy, Utah, drives local economic activity by serving as the venue for Real Salt Lake's Major League Soccer home matches, Utah Royals FC games in the National Women's Soccer League, concerts, and special events, which attract spectators and stimulate spending at nearby hotels, restaurants, and retailers. For instance, the 2009 MLS All-Star Game hosted at the stadium generated an estimated $3 million in economic impact for Sandy, including near-full hotel occupancy and sales of approximately 6,000 tickets to out-of-town attendees. Real Salt Lake events at the stadium have directly contributed more than $10 million in sales taxes to Sandy, Salt Lake County, and Utah state coffers through ticket and concession sales since the club's founding in 2005. The venue supports part-time employment in operations and event staffing, with ongoing hiring for roles such as event management during matches and gatherings. As part of an initial 136-acre, $650 million project announced in 2006—the largest economic initiative in history at the time—America First Field has anchored commercial growth, evolving its surrounding 23-acre site into an urban hub that bolsters retail, dining, and entertainment options in Sandy. This development has expanded the city's base while maintaining low local taxes, contributing to Sandy's broader business expansion and tourism programming funded by event-related revenues.

Role in Utah sports landscape


America First Field anchors professional soccer in 's sports ecosystem, serving as the home venue for Real Salt Lake of since its opening on October 9, 2008, and for FC of the since 2024. In a state dominated by the NBA's and recently expanded with the NHL's Utah Hockey Club, the stadium fills a critical niche for soccer, a that has cultivated a dedicated following through consistent on-field success and community engagement. Its soccer-specific design, with a capacity of 20,213 seats and a Kentucky Bluegrass surface set against the Wasatch Mountains, distinguishes it as Utah's premier facility for the world's most popular . The venue has hosted landmark events that amplify Utah's visibility in national and international soccer, including the 2009 MLS All-Star Game, matches, U.S. Men's and Women's National Team fixtures, and qualifiers. has achieved the best home record in MLS history at the , with sustained high attendance—setting consecutive sell-out records in 2022—and participation in MLS playoffs, fostering a robust fan base and rivalries within the Western Conference. These accomplishments have positioned America First Field as a fortress for its teams, contributing to Utah's reputation for competitive soccer environments at one of the league's highest elevations, 4,450 feet above . Complementing elite play, America First Field supports broader soccer development by hosting Utah High School Activities Association competitions and serving as a hub for youth initiatives tied to Real Salt Lake's academy system, which operates nearby in Herriman and has produced professional talents. This integration promotes grassroots participation in a state where soccer enrollment has surged alongside professional exposure, enhancing and community cohesion without relying on colder-weather sports infrastructure. The stadium's role extends to occasional high school and amateur events, bridging professional and local levels in 's evolving sports landscape.

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