I just got back from a presentation by Dave Checkett’s which he made at Utah Valley State College (UVSC) on leadership and business. I think I was the only Loyalist there because when they were introducing Dave and got to RSL, I started whooping and hollering and then realized I was the only one causing a ruckus. A couple of interesting points: Dave said that before selecting a name for the team, he went to Madrid and established a long-term relationship with the team and asked for their blessing to name the Utah club Real. After his presentation I asked him for the latest on the stadium. He said that Murray and downtown are both racing to secure a deal with RSL. The downtown site would be either next to the Gateway or close to Main street. But when he talked about the Murray location, he said (with a twinkle in his eye) that they have a sweet site/deal in the works. I interpreted that to mean that he favors the Murray site.
Giddy Up. Thanks for the info and way to cheer for RSL. I have to admit that I've bounced back and forth with regard to the stadium location and which one I would prefer. Now all I care about is first, that it get done for the 2007 season, that it looks as good as what Chicago is going to build, and finally that it be near a TRAX stop. If Murray can help make it all come true, good on 'em.
Dave said that before selecting a name for the team, he went to Madrid and established a long-term relationship with the team and asked for their blessing to name the Utah club Real. So this is the long-term relationship - simply using the Real name?
I wanted to call the supporters' club, "Fans On The Verge Of A Nervous Breakdown", but I was outvoted.
I had wondered if this was the case... I noticed that since the team was announced only Murray was sending reps to RSL events. Salt Lake was well represented when the franchise was announced, but since then have been quite absent. I have to addmitt that I like the Murray site the best. It would be nice to have it near the downtown area, but I like the idea of it being a suburban (somewhat) stadium.
You may have to trust me on this one as I am not able to reveal my source...RSL is in very servious discussions with the Salt Lake City Counsel and the mayor's office to get something done downtown. The team wants to be downtown and the city wants them, the issue is how good of a package the city can put together. Think of the Murray proposal as the "bird in hand"...now RSL wants to see if they can do better in what they consider to be the more desirable location.