Mixed-use development could eventually surround Rio Tinto Stadium, as Sandy, UT officials continue to discuss a plan for a potential Stadium Village.
Home to MLS’s Real Salt Lake and the NWSL’s Utah Royals FC, Rio Tinto Stadium opened in 2008. Some of the locations surrounding the stadium have not changed much over its years of operation, but a master plan being considered by Sandy officials could provide a road map for future development in the area.
The Stadium Village master plan outlines possible changes to the surrounding area, including mobility improvements, new residences, an entertainment plaza outside Rio Tinto Stadium, and more. Development would take place over a period of years, with Sandy officials envisioning the concept resulting in something of an entertainment destination that produces economic activity on a year-round basis. The plan is set to be discussed at a meeting at city hall on June 25. More from FOX 13:
“This is what we’re looking at to be that entertainment hub,” said Mayor Kurt Bradburn. “We have a lot of corporate headquarters, hotel space on one end. This is going to be our restaurant, retail, our fan experience on game day around the stadium, our nightlife, that sort of thing.”
Within the Stadium Village master plan are hundreds of properties ranging from small businesses to homes. Sandy City recently purchased some land that a nursery sat on.
But the mayor told FOX 13 the city will not exercise eminent domain. Instead, developers would decide when to move forward and purchase properties within the master plan.
“We’ll really see a nice project develop over the next 20, 25 years,” Mayor Bradburn said.
Real Salt Lake has played at Rio Tinto Stadium throughout the venue’s history, with the Royals arriving in 2018. Rio Tinto Stadium also hosted Division II USL action for Real Monarchs until last year, when the club moved into a Zions Bank Stadium, a facility within Real Salt Lake’s Zions Bank Real Academy.
Rendering courtesy Sandy City.