After a good deal of uncertainty, approval has been granted for alcohol sales during Real Monarchs (USL) matches at Zions Bank Stadium.
Starting during the 2018 USL season, the Monarchs will play their home games at Zions Bank Stadium–a new 5,000-seat venue that is one of the main features of the Zions Bank Real Academy in Herriman, UT. The academy includes a charter school, and its proximity to Zions Bank Stadium factored into the complications officials had in granting a liquor license for the venue.
Zions Bank Stadium’s main entrance was originally slated to be located 100 feet from the charter school. That was deemed too close under state law, prompting concerns that Zions Bank Stadium would not be able to offer alcohol. After the entrance was moved and additional discussion unfolded, however, the liquor license was approved, clearing the way for beer sales at matches. More from The Salt Lake Tribune:
Alcohol licenses cannot be granted to businesses if the patron entrance is within 600 feet (by pedestrian travel) of a church, school, park, public playground or library.
The Monarchs spent nearly $250,000 to move the main entrance to meet the 600-foot requirement.
Despite the move, the liquor commission still was hesitant to grant the liquor license in February, saying it still had concerns about the distance. The DABC consulted with Rep. Brad Wilson, R-Kaysville — who oversees much of Utah’s liquor law legislation.
Their concerns were answered and the license was granted, said DABC spokesman Terry Wood.
It was announced last week that the Monarchs’ first regular-season match at Zions Bank Stadium will be played on April 30. The club’s first home game of the 2018 season is on March 31, but it is now scheduled to take place at Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium. According to a club announcement, the move of the March 31 match “was made to provide the best possible fan experience with the safety and comfort of the fans held in the club’s highest priority as the construction of the world-class Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman enters its final phase.”