Vancouver Whitecaps Officially Makes Utah Home To Begin 2021 MLS Season

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – As expected, the Vancouver Whitecaps have officially announced that Utah will be home for them to start the 2021 MLS season.

Utah Welcomes Whitecaps

Due to the travel restrictions currently in place between the U.S. and Canada because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Canadian club will train at America First Field in Sandy and play home matches at Rio Tinto Stadium.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused everyone around the world to open their arms to their neighbors in a time of need. As such, we are proud to welcome Vancouver Whitecaps FC to Utah for the start of the 2021 season,” Real Salt Lake Interim President John Kimball said.

Canadian yutes take Utah ✈️#VWFC #ItTakesAVillage

— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) March 10, 2021

“We are fortunate to have the facilities and infrastructure in place to successfully host the club and look forward to the opportunity to ensure that the Whitecaps can feel at home in our city and our stadium. Utah is the State of Sport and this is another in a long list of great examples of how our community is such a great place for athletes – even when they are our direct competitors – to put their feats on display. It is a privilege that another Major League Soccer team can call Salt Lake City home, even if only temporarily and we are prepared to host Whitecaps FC as long as is necessary,” Kimball added.

Safety First

Vancouver will occupy a locker room at Rio Tinto Stadium that has become vacant following the departure of the Utah Royals. They will have their own entrance to the stadium. The Whitecaps will train at America First Field while occupying their own parking lot at the stadium.

Real Salt Lake will remain in Herriman and train at Zions Bank Real Academy.

These Rocky Mountains should do, aye @WhitecapsFC?

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) March 10, 2021

“We are very thankful to John Kimball and the entire Real Salt Lake organization for welcoming us into their family, their facilities, and providing a home away from home,” said Axel Schuster, Whitecaps FC CEO and sporting director. “We will have a first-class set-up in Utah including an exclusive training pitch, gym and locker room.”

Fellow Canadian clubs Toronto FC will train in Orlando and play home games in Orlando and Tampa, while CF Montreal will train in Fort Lauderdale and play home games at Inter Miami CF Stadium.

Real Salt Lake Season Start Dates

RSL kicks off the 2021 season on the road against Minnesota United FC on Saturday, April 23, and will play its home opener on Saturday, May 1 at Rio Tinto Stadium against rival Sporting Kansas City.