SALT LAKE CITY - Real Salt Lake announced today that tickets to the preseason match against Western Conference foe Colorado Rapids, to take place on Saturday, March 31 at 7:30 p.m. (PT) in Las Vegas, are sold-out. Over 2000 fans are expected at Peter Johann Memorial Field on the campus of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for RSL's final pre-season tune-up prior to their home opener, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 7 at 4:00 p.m. (MT) against FC Dallas at Rice-Eccles Stadium.
More than 60 percent of the tickets sold for this event were purchased by the Las Vegas Premier Invitational Soccer Tournament to distribute among the teams taking part in tournament play, allowing budding soccer stars from around the country to see World Cup veteran Eddie Pope, 2006 MLS Golden Boot winner Jeff Cunningham, and teenage phenom Freddy Adu in action in a very intimate venue.
"The investment made by the Las Vegas Premier Invitational is a testament to their commitment to exposing young players to soccer at it's highest level," said John Kimball, RSL VP of Business Operations. "Their reputation precedes itself as one of the nation's premier soccer tournaments; our organization is honored to have them as a partner."
"In addition to the tournament contingency attending the game, our fans here in Utah will also make up a good portion of the audience, proving once again that RSL supporters are the most passionate, loyal and committed fans in MLS. We are eagerly looking forward to the game and anticipate this to be the beginning of a tradition that will last for many years."
The match is part of a triple-header, which also includes a 2 p.m. (PT). game between the Southern Utah University and UNLV women's teams, and a 4 p.m. (PT) battle between the BYU and UNLV men's soccer teams. Admission to the first two games is complimentary, while those attending the feature match at 7:30 p.m. (PT) must have a ticket. At the end of the Men's BYU vs. UNLV game, all fans in attendance will be required to exit the venue. Those with a ticket to the RSL vs. Rapids match will be able to re-enter the venue at 6:30 p.m. (PT)
RSL FANS INVITED TO JOIN "KFC KARAVAN": The only remaining option for fans to gain entrance to the game is to participate in the "KFC Karavan", the best way for fans to join together for the ride down to Las Vegas. Fans are invited to join RSL staff and Leo the Lion, as the KFC Karavan is sure to provide a memorable experience for all parties involved.
The KFC Karavan will meet at the World's First KFC, located at 3890 S. State Street in Salt Lake City, on Saturday, March 31st beginning at 8:00 a.m. (MT). Breakfast will be provided courtesy of KFC with departure slated for 9:00 a.m. (MT) Every car joining the KFC Karavan will get a limited-edition RSL car flag, and participants will also receive an adidas/RSL t-shirt. Additionally, free food and drinks will be provided along the route at participating KFC Restaurants. Great prizes, including free carwashes, official RSL merchandise, and suite seats for an RSL game at Rice-Eccles Stadium will be given away to fans who participate in the KFC Karavan.
A ticket to the RSL vs. Rapids game in Las Vegas is not required to join the KFC Karavan. However, if you do not have tickets to the sold-out event, a very limited number of tickets are available for KFC Karavan participants, thanks to KFC. For more information on how to obtain one of the special KFC Karavan tickets, please contact JC Perea at 801-924-8560.
PICK IT! TICKET! KICK IT! SET FOR MARCH 10TH: Come join RSL players, coaches and staff for the "Pick It! Ticket! Kick It!" event on March 10th at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The all-day event will provide fans the opportunity to pick up their season tickets, retrieve autographs from selected RSL players, and participate in "SPEED", an on-field competition testing soccer skills and fundamentals.
Doors will open to the public at 2:00 PM, when fans will have the opportunity to pick up their season tickets, purchase additional tickets at a discounted price, get an up close perspective of the field from their actual seats, and purchase discounted RSL merchandise.
From 2:30 - 4:30, RSL's "Autograph Alley" will be in full swing, with featured players Mehdi Ballouchy, Freddy Adu, Jeff Cunningham, Chris Seitz, and Danny Torres signing autographs for all participating RSL fans. It is asked that fans limit their autograph items to one per person. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
"SPEED", an on-field event testing soccer skill and fundamentals sponsored by America First Credit Union, will kick off at 2:00. The event will test players passing, dribbling, and shooting ability. There will be winners selected in both the male and female categories, and both winners will receive an adidas gym bag filled with RSL goodies.
This event also affords the opportunity for any interested parties to try out for a chance to sing the national anthem at an RSL home game! Registration for try outs will begin at 11:00 AM on the west concourse of Rice-Eccles Stadium. Try outs will take place from 11:00 - 2:00, after which five finalists will be selected to sing in front of RSL fans, players, and staff at 3:00. For more information on Anthem tryouts, please contact Jamie Barton at 801-924-8580.
In addition, the annual RSL "Volunteer Orientation" will also take place during this event. The orientation will begin at 5:00 in the VCG, and will conclude at 6:30. For more information on the orientation, please contact Trino Martinez at 801-924-8581.
The Loyalists and the RCB, RSL's two fans clubs, will also be on hand offering fans the chance to join up and experience an RSL game on a whole new level. They both can be found in their respective booths along the west concourse at Rice-Eccles.
