It was another spectacular day for Real Salt Lake and soccer in Utah today. MLS Commissioner Don Garber, and many other dignitaries joined Dell Loy Hansen in Herriman today for the grand opening of the Zions Bank Real Academy. With a high school, dorms, 10 indoor and outdoor fields, locker rooms, and weight rooms, the new facility will welcome young, local talent while also serving as the home for the Real Monarchs.
Community has always meant a lot to Real Salt Lake and Dell Loy Hansen. “AsOne” has always been more than just a mantra. Don Garber understands what it means to Hansen saying “it’s about deep connections with the community” and praised Hansen for planting the seeds in Utah. Hansen has high hopes for what this facility can do for Real Salt Lake and soccer, saying it’s already attracted a yet-to-be-named top Bundesliga team who will be coming to the Academy to train this summer.
Dell Loy Hansen doesn’t seem like he’ll be slowing down anytime soon and as a soccer fan, I couldn’t be more excited to see what the future of this organization has in store. As I walked around the Academy, I couldn’t help but think about attending Real Salt Lake’s first ever home match with my dad when I was 13-years old. I thought about my future and taking my kids to Real Salt Lake games. I thought about the possibilities this organization has created for youth in this state. Who could have known back in 2005 what this club would become? That boys and girls now have equal and ample opportunity to accomplish their dreams? Teenage me dreamt of these opportunities, and while part of me is bummed that that time has passed for me, I’m also excited for what Dell Loy Hansen has provided for this state and the future.
Real Salt Lake is one of two MLS teams that also owns USL and NWSL teams, all three of which will use the facilities regularly.
Don Garber and Dell Loy Hansen addressed the media:
MLS Commissioner Don Garber joined The Bill Riley Show
Don Garber and Dell Loy Hansen address the media
The crowd gathers for the grand opening
The crowd watches on during the grand opening
Weight room
Weight room
First team locker room
First team locker room
Cafeteria
Indoor training fields
Zions Bank Real Monarchs Stadium
Zions Bank Real Monarchs Stadium
Zions Bank Real Monarchs Stadium
