America First Field is new name for Real Salt Lake stadium

Real Salt Lake's Stadium. Photo: Dan S.

SANDY, Utah — Major League Soccer (MLS), along with Real Salt Lake (RSL) and inaugural Club partner America First Credit Union, announced on Saturday that the Club’s Sandy venue will now be known as America First Field.

RSL President John Kimball and America First President and CEO Thayne Shaffer were joined for the announcement by members of the Club’s loyal fan base; local, regional and national sports figures and business dignitaries, including MLS Commissioner Don Garber; RSL Season Ticket holders. America First Credit Union members also attended the event.

“Since our inaugural game back in 2005, America First Credit Union has supported Real Salt Lake’s connection with this community, offering our amazing fans numerous in-stadium, grassroots and digital initiatives,” said RSL President John Kimball in a statement. “This partnership has grown immensely over our 18 seasons, and today’s unveiling of the America First Field signage and nomenclature propels the partnership to an entirely new level.” 

Since opening the Sandy venue on historic State Street in October 2008, RSL has played 269 games, posting a record of 154 wins, 66 draws, and just 49 losses, a home winning percentage of nearly 70%. They have averaged an impressive 1.96 points per game. Two finals have been held at what is now America First Field — the second leg of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League Final as well as the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final. Nearly 50 clubs and national teams from more than a dozen countries have competed on the America First Field pitch across numerous competitions, including MLS, National Women’s Soccer League, the MLS All-Star Game, Olympic qualifying, World Cup qualifying, Gold Cup, USL Championship, MLS NEXT Pro invitational and more.

“We’re elated to expand our relationship with RSL and Major League Soccer by having our name on this elite sports and entertainment venue,” said Thayne Shaffer, America First President and CEO.

As part of its commitment to its 1.2 million members and the communities it serves, America First partners with numerous non-profit organizations and charitable foundations throughout Utah, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.  

The club’s ardent fan base will continue to be known collectively as “The Riot,” providing the passionate heartbeat emanating from the South End each game.