How a near-death stadium project became a cornerstone of Utah professional sports

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: America First Field in Sandy, Utah, nearly never existed. After local officials rejected funding in 2007, the project faced cancellation and the potential relocation of Real Salt Lake. A last-minute legislative rescue and creative tax diversion saved the stadium, which now serves as a major hub for soccer and rugby.

The path to building the stadium was fraught with political instability. In early 2007, the Salt Lake County Debt Review Committee voted unanimously against the proposal, citing concerns over the financial viability of Real Salt Lake. With the project effectively dead, team owner Dave Checketts prepared to sell the franchise and move it out of the area. The situation only shifted when state leaders intervened, with Governor Jon Huntsman Jr. championing the sport and the Utah House approving a $35 million development package.

A crucial breakthrough occurred when a new proposal diverted 15 percent of county hotel taxes to the project. This funding structure, combined with the support of Sandy City, allowed construction to proceed on the $110 million facility. Designed by the California office of Rossetti, the stadium opened on October 9, 2008, with a match against the New York Red Bulls. Originally branded as Rio Tinto Stadium, it transitioned to its current name in 2022 after America First Credit Union acquired the naming rights.

Beyond its primary role as home to Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals, the venue has become a versatile site for international competition. It has hosted CONCACAF tournaments, U.S. national team qualifiers, and high-profile rugby matches. The stadium's ownership has also evolved significantly; in 2022, it was sold to David Blitzer and Ryan Smith, and by 2025, Miller Sports + Entertainment, led by Gail Miller, secured the stadium as part of a broader $600 million acquisition of the franchise.

The stadium's capacity is 20,213 for soccer, though it can accommodate over 25,000 for concerts. Its cultural footprint extends to the NWSL, where it boasts the second-highest attendance in the league. As of late 2026, the venue is also slated to host a UFL football expansion team, marking the next chapter in its role as a central pillar of Utah's professional sports landscape.

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