Kreilach’s Corner To Host Underprivileged Youth Throughout 2022 Season, Stadium Receives Facelift

Mar 4, 2022, 3:14 PM | Updated: 3:29 pm

Photo courtesy: Tom Hackett of KSL Sports

KSL Sports

SALT LAKE CITY- Real Salt Lake’s new ownership group has emphasized the importance of growing the fan experience as a new era of soccer kicks off this weekend at Rio Tinto Stadium.

“When we come to a sporting event there is that passion, that enthusiasm, and we’re hoping to lift everybody’s spirits. To give them something that is exciting for them to root for, to entertain, and to have something for kids and families to come out and enjoy and this is that opportunity,” Real Salt Lake President John Kimball said when asked about his hope for the fans response to the changes within the stadium.

Kreilach’s Corner

Immediately east of the upgraded supporter’s section is the Kreilach Corner. Earlier in the year, Kreilach approached the Real Salt Lake ticketing office and asked to purchase 100 tickets for every game that will be used to bring underprivileged youth from Utah to Real Salt Lake home games. Depending on seat availability, a large majority of those children will be present in Kreilach’s Corner.

Changes that you will notice entering the #RioT tomorrow.

New mural (with more to come) next to supporters section!
300 flags for fans to use free of charge!!
Kreilach’s corner will house hundreds of underprivileged youth throughout the season. @realsaltlake #RSL #DaleRSL pic.twitter.com/EXqgF9lwcC

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 4, 2022

When news started to spread around the club that Kreilach had made such a generous donation to the community owners David Blitzer and Scott Krase immediately matched Kreilach’s donation and sponsors also added contributions. The total number of underprivileged children that will attend every home match throughout 2022 will be 430 per game.

Sound System Rental

Firstly, the club is in the midst of upgrading the sound system and although the project will likely take a year to complete, in the meantime, they have rented equipment for the 2022 season that will drastically impact the fan experience.

A lot of work has occurred around the ground to provide the fans with a sense of belonging.

Supporters Section

The south endzone, otherwise known as the supporter’s section, has had multiple banners placed throughout. All of the creative elements done in the south endzone have a matching color and theme. Also accompanying the new theme in the south endzone is a mural plastered on the brick next to where the players enter the stadium. All visiting and home players, alongside the fans, will bask in the beauty of a gigantic mural signifying the important relationship the club has with its supporters.

Grab A Flag!

There are over 300 flags positioned in buckets all around the stadium for fans to utilize during games. Fans are welcome to grab a flag and take it to their seats to use throughout the game. The club asks that the flags be returned following the conclusion of the match.

.@realsaltlake President John Kimball shares his thoughts on Stadium upgrades and life under new ownership. #RSL #RSLDale pic.twitter.com/R4bV7IDCNw

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 4, 2022

As Real Salt Lake’s ownership group travels Europe and follows its existing soccer investments, the use of flags in the European game has attracted the attention of Blitzer and his partners. The hope is that the Real Salt Lake faithful can utilize the flags in an effort to create an even more daunting environment for away teams.

RSL Colors Everywhere

The club has put attention into the finer details. For example, as fans peruse the boardwalk and purchase food and beverage they will notice a lot more color around them. The food options are covered in Real Salt Lake themed colors with even the beams plastered in Real Salt Lake banners.

The large banners that are hanging from the roof and can be seen for miles on the east side of the stadium have all been replaced.

The color around the stadium is noticeable and adds a refreshing element to the facelift.

More To Come

Real Salt Lake’s Vice President of Marketing and Game Presentation Tyler Gibbons was stated saying that the stadium is 60 percent complete. A lot more work is still to be had at Rio Tinto Stadium but due to a lack of time, the club will continue to work on the upgrades throughout the course of the season.