Rio Tinto Stadium, Real Monarchs SLC To Host First Sporting Event With Fans In U.S. Since March 11

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Monarchs SLC will play at Rio Tinto Stadium on July 11 in what will be the “first professional team sporting event played in the U.S with fans in attendance since March 11,” according to a team statement.

The Monarchs are scheduled to play against San Diego Loyal SC on Saturday, July 11 at Rio Tinto Stadium, the home of MLS club Real Salt Lake, in Sandy, Utah.

According to the USL club, 5,300 fans will be allowed to attend the soccer match after the Monarchs received authorization from the state of Utah, local health authorities, and the USL.

Social distancing protocols will be implemented and in effect for those in attendance.

“Our staff has worked diligently to develop a comprehensive plan that ensures that we have a safe, healthy and fun environment for our fans while experiencing a great match at Rio Tinto Stadium,” Real Salt Lake Chief business officer Andy Carroll said. “The health and safety of our players, fans, staff and community has been the top priority throughout our process in seeking creative solutions to safely open our stadium to fans.  With safe distances between seats and other safety measures in place, we are proud and excited to welcome our fans back as the Monarchs return to the field in defense of their USL Championship title.  We are very grateful to the thoughtful and steady leadership that we have in Salt Lake County and throughout Utah state government in providing this opportunity.”

Real Monarchs to open Rio Tinto Stadium on July 11 for first match with fans in attendance

Details ➡️ https://t.co/MFBSvDhi8L pic.twitter.com/789qsqNNu3

— Real Monarchs (@RealMonarchs) July 2, 2020

Prior to the scheduled match between Real Monarchs and San Diego Loyal SC, the last professional sporting event to take place with fans in attendance was an NBA game between the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday, March 11. In March, the coronavirus pandemic caused the sporting world to come to a halt.

According to the Real Monarchs, tickets for the match “will first be made available to season ticket members with Real Salt Lake, Real Monarchs SLC and Utah Royals FC.  Remaining tickets will be made available to the general public.”

The match will kick-off a defense of a championship for the Monarchs. The Real Monarchs won the USL Championship in 2019.

San Diego Loyal SC vs. Real Monarchs will be televised on ESPN Deportes.