Salt Lake getting June 4th WCQ vs Costa Rica (variety of sources)

[jmeissen0]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_2582977

It is the biggest international sporting event to come to Utah since the Winter Olympics, and it will be played on a temporary sod field at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
The U.S. men's national soccer team will play host to Costa Rica in a World Cup Qualifying game June 4. The contest will be part of a doubleheader: Utah's expansion team, Real Salt Lake, will also play a Major League Soccer game against F.C. Dallas that day.
RSL officials declined to comment, but a variety of sources confirmed to The Salt Lake Tribune that it is a done deal.

[KGDG2005]

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/ci_2582977

Tremendous news for MLS fans for the following reason:

"...Because U.S. Soccer refuses to play qualifying matches on an artificial surface, the field at Rice-Eccles will have to be covered over with sod at least a month in advance. The sod probably will remain in place for a few more of Real's games before being removed for the Utah football season..."

At least a good chunk of the season holds out the possibility of being played on a real field!

Anyone know off-hand what the capacity of this stadium is? If they brought in 23K for the women, it would be nice to sell out the place.

KGDG

[jmeissen0]

45,634... but that's for football... dunno if that changes for soccer

[St. Patrick]

Interesting choice of venue....wouldn't have thought of SLC for a game this year, but it has the same advantage as Birmingham, Columbus, Kansas City, and other cities of that ilk, one which will be help the Nats while still remaining within the letter and spirit of the law. Seems like the Fed is getting serious about home-field advantage and I have no doubt now that Mexico will end up in Columbus (T&T/Panama could be placed anywhere I am reckoning).

[FoxBoro 143]

Foxboro better get a game or I will be very upset with my lying ticket rep.

[onefineesq]

This is absolutely fabulous news. I'm glad to see that the fed is willing to try places other than the same old spots ........ and this is coming from someone who lives in the DC metro area.

[Scottt1115]

This RSL season ticket holder is thrilled! I will definitely be getting seats for this qualifier, hopefully I will get some sort of prequalification for being an RSL season ticket holder? Anyone know the normal details on this?

The 45,000 figure is accurate as I don't believe there is much ability to alter Rice-Eccles.

The 23,000 or so number for the supporters at the women's game is also accurate. There was a lot of effort put behind the ticket push for that game and I'm sure this will be no different. I remember a bigwig at our adult soccer association saying that the women's game was somewhat of a "tryout" for any potential future WCQs, women's or men's....so apparently we passed the initial test.

A very exciting day for Salt Lake City national team supporters, and people in other cities not normally scheduled for WCQs. I agree that giving numerous cities the opportunity to host can only mean the furthering of this sport in our Country. Go US!

[pasoccerdave]

This RSL season ticket holder is thrilled! I will definitely be getting seats for this qualifier, hopefully I will get some sort of prequalification for being an RSL season ticket holder? Anyone know the normal details on this?

The article says it's a doubleheader with an RSL Game:

The contest will be part of a doubleheader: Utah's expansion team, Real Salt Lake, will also play a Major League Soccer game against F.C. Dallas that day.

I assume that means you're already in, and I assume in your same seats.

[galaxyfan03]

Not a bad choice, in terms of spreading the WCQs around the country & using an MLS city (albeit, an expansion city) to full advantage. Not to mention, that it'll be a short flight from LAX to SLC, for me & other USMNT fans in L.A.

However:

1) ONCE AGAIN, Seattle & Portland get screwed out of a WCQ.

2) The thought of a "temporary sod field" doesn't thrill me.

3) What are the chances of some "major partying" in Salt Lake, given the Mormons' distain for "drinking"

Regardless, if this is does become official (hasn't been posted on US soccer's website), I'm SOOOOO there!!

[Bob Morocco]

As long as any summer job my brother and I may or may not have permits we will be there.

[MT mojo]

ONCE AGAIN, Seattle & Portland get screwed out of a WCQ.

Seattle is already getting 2 Nats games this year. I think it's good to spread the wealth a little.

[galaxyfan03]

Seattle is already getting 2 Nats games this year. I think it's good to spread the wealth a little.

Yes, but there are Gold Cup games & not a WCQ.

I'm sure Seattle fans would rather have 1 WCQ than 2 GC games.

However, I did foresee this happening when the Gold Cup venues were announced. Just like the Home Depot Center will, most likely, not be getting a WCQ (IMHO T&T would've been a great choice) because of the Gold Cup games.

Nevertheless, you're right...it's good to spread the wealth a little & KUDOS to Salt Lake!!

[billreeves]

Regardless, if this is does become official (hasn't been posted on US soccer's website), I'm SOOOOO there!!

Gonna skip the Galaxy game that's scheduled for that night? (Metros @ Galaxy, 6/4 7:00 PM)

We have a game in SJ that night so I'm torn -- this will probably be the closest WCQ to the west coast this year (unless they put the T&T game at the HDC) but I already have my tickets to the Quakes game...

[guamster]

Gonna skip the Galaxy game that's scheduled for that night? (Metros @ Galaxy, 6/4 7:00 PM)

We have a game in SJ that night so I'm torn -- this will probably be the closest WCQ to the west coast this year (unless they put the T&T game at the HDC) but I already have my tickets to the Quakes game...

Yep, I am also torn. I went to my first US WCQ last year (US v El Salvador @NE) and I am anxious to go to another one. The game is relatively close to the west coast and it's on a weekend. That's going to be hard to resist.

I've already priced a trip to SLC through Yahoo!Travel (an MLS sponsor ;) ). Airfare and hotel: $220.

[FearM9]

I'm soooo there!!! I was at the Winter Olys in 2001 and the women's game in 2003 and had a blast. I'm loading up my rig with my mountain bike and heading east on Interstate 84 and six hours later I'm in SLC!!!

[TeamUSA]

So is this match going to be a BYOB?

[Delta Blues]

Plus (as a former travel agent) SLC is one of the best values from anywhere. I think it's a GREAT choice! It seems maybe USSF is finally realizing that games outside of NE, Columbus and DC might actually be beneficial for the growth of the game. The ABQ friendly and Birmingham qualifier also get very high marks from me. I have been ruthless in my criticism of USSF, but I'll give credit where it's due. Kudos for the choice of Gold Cup, friendly, and qualifying matches so far.

P.s. galaxyfan03, I'm sure SLC has more than it's share of imbibers. I live in the "Bible Belt" remember? ;) Besides, a bit 'o social fun is only forbidden by the complete maniacs of any belief system. Didn't Jesus turn water to wine? (and GOOD stuff mind you!) I doubt they simply bathed in it amigo...

[Delta Blues]

Foxboro better get a game or I will be very upset with my lying ticket rep.

Cry me a river.

Seriously.

[Brushes Sand]

Lots of interesting upshots to discuss from this news, but most
importantly, let's get down to business with the most pressing
concerns....

1. ok, people coming in from Denver, Vegas or Phoenix, we need to
begin preparations for trucking in quality beverages. I drink Snakebites,
1/2 Harp, 1/2 Ace Pear Cider. The last time I tried to find EITHER
of these libations in Salt Lake City, it was IMPOSSIBLE. I will be
funding $100 for the acquisition of kegs of both of my brews.
If you're willing to truck them in, you drink free.

2. a pub, or some facsimilie of a pub, where we don't have to pay
$20 for a membership, and we don't have to know someone to
get sponsored in, and where a couple of hundred patriotically
dressed USians won't be harrassed by the local swine for having
the audacity to act like citizens of the planet.

3. i will be leading a superfast friday afternoon pilgrimage to
Farnsworth's birthplace and gravesite. 6 hours roundrip from
SLC (the airport) departing upon arrival friday afternoon.
i'll take 3 others at no cost to you. hope to arrive back at
whereever everyone is gathered just in time to begin drinking.

4. sunday morning, i'm going to Corinne, the spikesite, and
will try to find Barnard's Fort before my 4pm flight.

-bs

[galaxyfan03]

Gonna skip the Galaxy game that's scheduled for that night? (Metros @ Galaxy, 6/4 7:00 PM)

We have a game in SJ that night so I'm torn -- this will probably be the closest WCQ to the west coast this year (unless they put the T&T game at the HDC) but I already have my tickets to the Quakes game...

1) don't have a full-season ticket package
2) I have plenty of Galaxy games to choose from. Missing one won't be a "huge deal"
3) It's a WCQ & it's the USMNT!!
4) Never been to Salt Lake. May never have a "reason" to go back.