Wonder what it feels like to stand where champions have battled and history has been made? That’s Rice-Eccles Stadium. This is not just a stadium. It’s a landmark at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. Let’s dive into the story of this iconic venue.
Originally, there was Rice Stadium built in 1927. By the mid-1990s, Salt Lake City won the bid for the 2002 Winter Olympics. The old stadium wasn’t fit for the grand stage. So, a major overhaul was needed.
In 1997, the transformation began. Spencer Eccles and the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Foundation donated $10 million. In honor of this contribution, George Eccles’s name was added to the stadium. It became Rice-Eccles Stadium. Robert L. Rice had funded an earlier renovation in 1972. Before that it was called Ute Stadium.
After the final home game in 1997, Rice Stadium was almost completely demolished. Only the south end zone stands from 1982 remained. The construction was quick. The new stadium opened in September 1998. The Utah Utes celebrated a 45–22 victory over Louisville. The stadium initially seated 45,017 fans.
Rice-Eccles Stadium played a huge role in the 2002 Winter Olympics. The opening and closing ceremonies were held here. The field was covered with asphalt. Temporary seating was added to accommodate over 50,000 spectators. During the games, it was temporarily named Rice-Eccles Olympic Stadium. An estimated 3.5 billion people worldwide watched the ceremonies. The stadium will reprise this role for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
The stadium has seen several upgrades over the years. In 2014, 790 new seats were added increasing the capacity to 45,807. In 2021, the Ken Garff Red Zone was completed. This $80 million project added 5,637 seats, luxury suites, and a restaurant. The Ken Garff family donated $17.5 million for this renovation.
The field itself has evolved. It was natural grass and AstroTurf before converting to SportGrass. Since 2002, Rice-Eccles Stadium has used FieldTurf. It was most recently replaced in 2015.
Rice-Eccles Stadium is not just for football. It has hosted concerts by NSYNC, U2, Garth Brooks, and Luke Combs. From 2005 to 2008, it was home to Real Salt Lake, a Major League Soccer team. It also hosts Supercross and Monster Jam events.
Today, Rice-Eccles Stadium has a seating capacity of 51,444. It boasts 39 suites and 2,391 premium seats. The stadium’s design blends seamlessly with the mountain backdrop. It provides panoramic views. With its rich history and modern amenities, Rice-Eccles Stadium remains a vibrant hub for sports and entertainment in Salt Lake City. It is considered one of the toughest stadiums in the country for opposing teams. The Utes have a strong home record.