SANDY, UT (Monday, November 23, 2009) – Having arrived to a spirited welcome from several hundred fans earlier today at Salt Lake City International Airport, the Real Salt Lake family will rest easy tonight before bringing its celebration to the people of Utah TOMORROW, Tuesday, Nov. 24, when the club will host events stretching from the State Capitol to Sandy in celebration of the Utah side’s MLS Cup 2009 Championship. Real Salt Lake claimed Major League Soccer’s title Sunday evening at Seattle’s Qwest Field by defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy, 5-4, in seven rounds of penalty kicks following a 1-1 draw in regulation and overtime, providing Utah sports fans with their first champion in a major professional league since 1971, when the Utah Stars claimed the American Basketball Association title.
To begin the day, the team will serve as guests of Utah Governor Gary Herbert and the State’s First Lady at a special luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion, which will be followed by a 3:00 p.m. public celebration on the south steps of the Utah State Capitol building. Governor Herbert and other dignitaries will congratulate Utah’s champions before giving way to addresses from RSL Owner Dave Checketts, Head Coach Jason Kreis, and Captain Kyle Beckerman, among others.
“What an amazing day for Real Salt Lake, soccer fans, and the entire State of Utah,” Governor Herbert said earlier today. “Once again, Salt Lake and Utah have been showcased on an international scale. In 2002, it was the Winter Olympics. And now it is Real Salt Lake — the 2009 MLS Cup Champions.”
Following the rally at the Capitol, Real Salt Lake will make the 16-mile trek down State Street via a motorcade procession – fans are encouraged to line either side of State Street downtown from the Capitol to 500 South from 3:30 to 3:45, and State Street in Sandy between 9000 South and 9400 South from 4:00 to 4:15 – to its Rio Tinto Stadium home in Sandy, where the squad invites fans to gather for the MLS Cup 2009 Celebration Rally. Gates at Rio Tinto Stadium will open for fans at 5:00 p.m., with the festivities kicking off at 5:30 p.m. Fans will be able to park on-site at Rio Tinto Stadium’s west and north lots, enjoy free hot chocolate and popcorn at all open Levy Restaurants concession stands, and take pictures with the Phillip F. Anschutz Trophy on the field following addresses from RSL ownership, coaches, and players and local civic dignitaries and a video presentation on the north-end DakTronics Video Board chronicling the Claret-and-Cobalt’s historic 2009 season.
Following the celebration, Real Salt Lake players, coaches, technical staff and ownership will be made available to members of the local media in the RSL locker room from 6:15-6:30 p.m. MT.
Fans that can’t make tomorrow’s celebration events can follow along via RSL’s English radio partner KALL 700 Sports, which will broadcast live from the rallies at the Capitol and Rio Tinto Stadium and will feature interviews with RSL personalities throughout the day.
Real Salt Lake MLS Cup Celebration Timeline for Public & Media – Tuesday, Nov. 23
3:00 p.m. Declaration at the Utah State Capitol, South Steps
· Featuring speakers Utah Governor Gary Herbert; RSL Owner Dave Checketts, Head Coach Jason Kreis, and Captain Kyle Beckerman
3:30 p.m. Motorcade from Capitol down State Street to Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy
5:00 p.m. Gates open to Stadium for fans
· Free parking available in Rio Tinto Stadium North and West lots
5:30 p.m. Real Salt Lake’s MLS Cup 2009 Championship Celebration
· Speeches from RSL ownership, coaches, and players and local civic dignitaries
· Highlight video chronicling Real Salt Lake’s 2009 championship campaign
· Free hot chocolate and popcorn for all fans
· Fans can take photos with Phillip F. Anschutz Trophy on the Rio Tinto Stadium field following formal presentation
