The Rice-Eccles Stadium

Re-built to host the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the Salt Lake City 2002, the Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium continues to play a major role in the sporting and cultural life of the city.

The Rice-Eccles Stadium
© 2002 / International Olympic Committee / QUINNEY, David / The Opening and Closing Ceremonies venue of the Salt Lake City 2002, the Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium.

From 2005 to 2008, the stadium was the home of Major League Soccer team Real Salt Lake. As of 2018, it continues to be the home of college American football team Utah Utes and is owned and run by the University of Utah. 

The stadium also hosts American Motorcyclist Association Supercross, music concerts – featuring bands such as U2 and the Rolling Stones – as well as numerous action sports events.

The stadium is named after  health club pioneer Robert L. Rice and  prominent financier and philanthropist in Salt Lake City, Spencer Eccles. In order to host the ceremonies, the grass field was paved over with asphalt and a stage was constructed, scoreboards were removed, flags and Olympic livery were installed and temporary seating was brought in to accommodate more than 50,000 spectators.