Nevin If you’re a soccer fan in Salt Lake City, you’re probably familiar with the Rio Tinto Stadium.
This world-class stadium has been home to Major League Soccer (MLS) team Real Salt Lake since 2008 and has hosted numerous other sporting events and concerts.
But have you ever wondered why the stadium is called Rio Tinto?
In this article, we’ll explore the history behind the name and what it represents.
The Origins of the Name “Rio Tinto”
The Rio Tinto Stadium is named after the Rio Tinto Group, a global mining company based in the United Kingdom.
The company acquired the naming rights to the stadium in 2008 in a ten-year deal worth $30 million.
The Rio Tinto Group is one of the world’s leading mining companies and has operations in over 40 countries. The company’s primary focus is on copper, but it also produces aluminium, diamonds, gold, and iron ore.
The Connection Between Rio Tinto and Salt Lake City
You might be wondering what a mining company based in the UK has to do with a soccer stadium in Salt Lake City. The answer lies in the state of Utah’s rich mining history.
Utah has a long history of mining, and the state’s economy has been shaped by the industry for over a century. The Rio Tinto Group has a significant presence in Utah, with several mining operations throughout the state.
The company’s Kennecott Utah Copper mine, located in Bingham Canyon, is one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the world and has been in operation since 1906.
The Rio Tinto Group’s sponsorship of the stadium not only provided Real Salt Lake with a state-of-the-art home, but it also helped to promote the company’s brand in the United States.
FAQs
Why did Rio Tinto Group decide to sponsor a soccer stadium in Salt Lake City?
Rio Tinto Group has a significant presence in Utah due to its mining operations in the state, and the company saw the sponsorship as an opportunity to promote its brand in the United States.
How much did Rio Tinto Group pay for the naming rights to the stadium?
Rio Tinto Group acquired the naming rights to the stadium in 2008 in a ten-year deal worth $30 million.
Does Rio Tinto Group have any other sports sponsorships?
Yes, Rio Tinto Group is also the main sponsor of the Australian national rugby union team, the Wallabies.
What other events are held at the Rio Tinto Stadium besides soccer games?
The stadium has hosted numerous other sporting events, including rugby matches, lacrosse games, and high school football games. It has also hosted concerts by popular artists such as Taylor Swift and One Direction.
How many seats does the Rio Tinto Stadium have?
The stadium has a seating capacity of 20,213 for soccer games.
Has the Rio Tinto Group faced any controversy in recent years?
Yes, the company has faced criticism and protests from indigenous communities in Australia and Canada for its mining operations on their land.
Conclusion
The Rio Tinto Stadium is an impressive sporting venue in Salt Lake City, home to one of the most successful MLS teams in recent history.
The stadium’s name is a nod to the state’s rich mining history and the Rio Tinto Group’s significant presence in Utah.
As a global mining company, Rio Tinto Group saw the sponsorship as an opportunity to promote its brand in the United States, and the deal provided Real Salt Lake with a world-class home.
While the company has faced controversy and criticism in recent years, the Rio Tinto Stadium remains a beloved landmark in Salt Lake City and a testament to the city’s passion for soccer.
