So, if you believe then just stand up on your feet
and shout it loud “Real”!
Here at The Riot, the battle hymn’s begun.
We’re here for RSL!
The Real Salt Lake faithful belt out these four lines before every home game, creating a foreboding atmosphere for those who oppose the Claret-and-Cobalt. Dubbed “The Riot,” Rio Tinto Stadium is one of the toughest places for visiting teams in MLS. It’s no coincidence that Real Salt Lake owns the longest home winning streak in MLS — 29 games, stretching from June 6, 2009 to May 14, 2011.
For a stadium with that kind of reputation, Rio Tinto didn’t instill the trepidation inside me that the record books would imply. Children of all ages jubilantly milled about outside the east entrance of Rio Tinto, laughing and smiling as they partook in foot mini-golf, slid around a colorful playground area and played small-sided soccer on a mini turf field. Adults, decked out head-to-toe in RSL gear, enjoyed drinks with one another, carefree and relaxed ahead of a hugely important game against Minnesota United.
While part of me wanted to go incognito and blend in with the home crowd, I instead opted for a bold T-shirt bearing a large Minnesota United logo. To my surprise, I was greeted as just another fan looking to support my team and enjoy the upcoming game. An RSL fan even approached me and kindly said, “Welcome to Utah” – a gesture of kinship between supporters of the beautiful game.
As I began to explore the realms of Rio Tinto, I couldn’t quite put a finger on the feeling the stadium gave me. Making my way to the northwest corner, I found myself in front of a large opening in the stadium where I could see an expansive view of the vast Salt Lake Valley. The Kennecott mine — one of the largest mines in the area and owned by stadium sponsor Rio Tinto — was visible from this vantage point.
I began to draw parallels between the design of the Kennecott mine and Rio Tinto, unsure whether they were coincidental or purposeful. Walking through the compact, narrow and dimly lit hallways on the west side of the stadium was reminiscent of the inside of a mine shaft. Making my way to the field through an entrance and down the stairs reminded me of the descent into the depths of a mine. Upon reaching my seat, I gazed at Rio Tinto’s roof on the east side, which initially appeared to slope for no discernible reason. It then hit me that with the snowcapped Rocky Mountains surrounding the Salt Lake Valley, the inclined roofing may be a direct representation of the mountain range that encircled Rio Tinto itself.
Speaking with RSL season ticket holder Dave Gomez, he, too, noted the unique roof design. “I think they went and looked at stadiums around MLS when they were building this one to try and replicate some of them,” said Gomez. “I think that’s where they got that from. To me, it kind of goes along with our mountain range [around the Salt Lake Valley]. It’s very similar to the design of the Colorado Rapids’ stadium roof.”
Gomez and I went on to talk about some of his gameday traditions, what he loves about the club and how he became a fan. Much of what he said resonated with me as it became clear that we shared a passion for the unique traditions that soccer can create. “We’re just glad to have an MLS team here,” Gomez said. “There’s a lot of states that don’t have this. It’s really, truly an honor and not only a men’s team but [also] a women’s team that’s rocking right now.”
Through their own passion, their own shared traditions and their love of the game, supporters at The Riot have created an atmosphere that’s somehow both unique and familiar. It’s a reminder that fans of different MLS teams have more in common than they might think. In a world where hate can divide us, it’s good to be reminded firsthand that soccer can unite us, regardless of where we come from or what team we support.
