Dear Utah:
Two and a half years ago, we embarked on a dream to celebrate and grow the burgeoning soccer culture in our State, bringing Major League Soccer - America's top-flight division for the sport - to the Intermountain West. During our short history, fans from across the globe have many memories related to Real Salt Lake. Off the field, our players are twice as impressive, providing great role models for families across the Wasatch Front.
Thanks to the leadership and vision of the Governor's office and numerous civic leaders, all of whom stood firm, resolute in their belief and understanding of the role public-private partnerships play in our community's growth, we have taken an enormous step forward.
For generations to come, Real Salt Lake and its players, staff, management and ownership - whose collective determination and commitment have already established RSL as one of the preeminent MLS franchises - will call the Sandy Stadium home, with the Real Madrid-RSL Soccer Academy prominently placed in Salt Lake.
These venues will serve the entire State as world-class entertainment, recreation and youth-development destinations. Youth from our region will one day play in this League, for this team and showcase their talents on these stages. They will become the future heroes, the future visionaries and leaders of our society.
From the beginning, this was to be a jewel, a shining star that all Utahns could be proud of. This stadium will be a great unifier, a gathering place for all facets of our community. The world's eyes will once again be upon us when Real Madrid returns to Utah to open the venue.
On behalf of Real Salt Lake, I want to personally thank our passionate fan base, which has sung loudly for this team, and to our blue-chip sponsors, whose commitment has broadened the sports fabric in our community. This is now a dream come true.
As the great Vince Lombardi once said: "I firmly believe that any man's finest hour, his greatest fulfillment of all he holds dear, is the moment when he has worked his heart out in a good cause and lies exhausted on the field of battle - victorious."
Sincerely,
David W. Checketts
Chairman
Real Salt Lake
