SALT LAKE CITY - KZNS 1280 AM The Zone, "First with Sports" across Utah's Wasatch Front and the home of Utah's highest-rated sports radio programming, today was named the English-language radio home for Real Salt Lake during the team's inaugural 2005 Major League Soccer season.
The partnership kicks off Saturday night live at 4:45 p.m. MT from Giants Stadium in the Meadowlands, New Jersey, where 1280's own Ryan Hatch calls the play-by-play action and Utah Youth Soccer Association technical director Greg Maas provides the color commentary. The two-hour game broadcast is supplemented by 15-minute pre- and post-game shows.
"We are excited that 1280 The Zone and the Simmons Media Group understand what Real Salt Lake is all about," said RSL General Manager Steve Pastorino. "The prospect of having nearly 40 games during our first-ever season on Utah's sports radio leader delivers exactly what our organization and our fans are looking for. Hatch brings a ton of excitement to every event he covers and Maas will provide the soccer-specific insight."
Real Salt Lake and 1280 AM The Zone continue on the road in Week Two, as RSL travels to The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., to face the Galaxy before returning to Salt Lake and Rice-Eccles Stadium for the team's home opener on Saturday, April 16, against Rocky Mountain rival Colorado Rapids at 1:00 p.m.
"This is a great opportunity for 1280 AM The Zone to bring the passion and excitement that Real Salt Lake represents to the state of Utah," said Steve Johnson, 1280 AM The Zone General Manager. "Something very special is happening with this sport and this team in our community, and we are excited to be the radio home of Real Salt Lake."
Hatch, Program Director for 1280 AM The Zone, can be heard Monday through Friday from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. during the "Hatch and Hollywood" show, with co-host Dave Fox. In April 2002, Hatch was hired by Simmons Media as an afternoon talk show host on KZNS 1280 AM. The "Hatch and Hollywood" show is the No. 1-rated midday sports talk show in Utah.
Hatch, a regular guest on KUTV Ch. 2's "Talkin' Sports" program on Sunday nights, brings an energy and perspective that is unique to the Utah market, where he is known as one of the most passionate and knowledgeable sports voices. The Salt Lake native has also hosted numerous University of Utah, BYU and Utah Jazz post-game shows for years, bringing nearly a decade of sports radio experience to the RSL English-radio booth.
Utah Youth Soccer Association Technical Director Greg Maas will serve as Hatch's partner in the booth, bringing a candid, knowledgeable and insightful perspective to the game. Additionally, Maas also serves as a national staff coach and instructor with U.S. Soccer and as a goalkeeping academy staff coach with the NSCAA. Maas holds his USSF A License, USSF National Youth License and his NSCAA International Premier Diploma.
Maas is a former collegiate standout from the University of Portland, playing under one of the most respected coaches in U.S. Soccer history - the late Clive Charles. Maas was the first professional goalkeeper to come out of the University of Portland - ahead of his college roommate, U.S. National Team goalkeeper Kasey Keller - and enjoyed a professional career playing with FC Portland of the Western Soccer Alliance (WSA) and the Portland Timbers of the American Professional Soccer League (APSL).
The Simmons Media Group, owner and operator of 1280 The Zone, is one of America's top performing media companies and has earned industry respect and admiration for its reputation of creating exceptional value for client partners, community causes, employee satisfaction, and shareholder value. Since 1977, Simmons has owned or operated radio stations, outdoor media, and associated companies in Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, Texas, and Missouri. Simmons Radio Stations enjoy unique brand identity, developed through extensive local research to generate strong audience appeal and consumer response.
SINGLE-GAME TICKETS NOW ON SALE: Real Salt Lake single-game tickets for its inaugural 2005 season at Rice-Eccles Stadium went on sale Saturday both online and at the University of Utah Ticket Office, located at the Stadium's south end. Individual game prices are $14 for north goal, $18 for corner flag, $25 for premier east and $32 for VIP west. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the Utah Ticket Office at 451 South 1400 East, by logging onto www.utahtickets.com or by contacting the Ticket Office at (801) 581-UTIX.
Season ticket packages for RSL's inaugural 2005 season at Rice-Eccles Stadium are now on sale. The RSL 2005 season ticket package features 21 games, including all 16 MLS regular season games, four special bonus games and the highly-anticipated U.S.-Costa Rica World Cup Qualifier on June 4. Real Salt Lake's season ticket pricing consist of Youth (15 and younger) and Adult in four price levels. Prices for the 2005 season ticket packages are $200 adult ($180 youth) for the North Goal, $300 adult ($240 youth) for the Corner Flag, $400 ($320 youth) for East Sideline and $500 ($400 youth) for VIP seats. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the RSL Ticket Office at 515 South 700 East, #2R, SLC, UT 84102, by logging onto www.RealSaltLake.com or by contacting the Real Salt Lake Ticket Office at (866) 9-SOCCER.
ACCESS REAL: Real fans can now receive up-to-date information on the team by signing up for the RSL Weekly Newsletter at the fans section of RealSaltLake.com.
