Utah's urban capital lost out to its suburban rival when the team decided last year to build a stadium near 9400 S. State St. But with a large chunk of funding not in play - County Mayor Peter Corroon won't let the team use $35 million in hotel taxes - RSL may be rethinking its decision.
"We've always thought the best place for the soccer stadium was in downtown Salt Lake City," Councilwoman Jill Remington Love said. "I would hope that Salt Lake City could be a solution to Real as they explore their new options."
RSL may have to seek a property tax hike from county voters for the millions of dollars it says it needs. Plopping a stadium in the capital may be an easier sell, according to a 2005 poll commissioned by The Salt Lake Tribune that found almost 50 percent wanted to see the stadium either in downtown Salt Lake City or at the Utah State Fairpark. (The same poll also showed the public opposes such a tax hike.)
And with new legislation that lifted a prohibition on Redevelopment Agencies funding sports stadiums, Salt Lake City now has the same tool Sandy has planned to use to fund infrastructure for the venue.
However, council members would have the same questions about the team's viability that helped scuttle the hotel-tax deal. And the city doesn't have money to help finance the stadium. The city already is weighing a property tax increase to fund basic services such as police protection and has a list of other high-ticket items to build.
"The question really is a financial question," said Councilman Eric Jergensen, who recently told team owner Dave Checketts that if he was having problems getting a deal done through Salt Lake County, "you can always come back."
Still, Jergensen added, "Right now the deal is with Sandy."
Councilman Carlton Christensen said he wouldn't want to "play the underhanded game" to take the stadium from Sandy.
And, truth be told, Christensen said he would rather see the city gain a downtown arts district than the soccer stadium. He hopes there is a chance the county can use the hotel tax money on the district.
The big question is whether the "Legislature leaves that as an option for us when it's done. Clearly, [House Speaker Greg] Curtis had different intentions there," Christensen said.
The Legislature passed a bill allowing the county to use the hotel tax for the stadium. Curtis, who represents Sandy, said Wednesday the tax money shouldn't be used for anything else.
Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan isn't worried about a Salt Lake City dark horse. He said the team already has bought land in Sandy for the stadium. "They've got such a huge investment here."
As far as council members know, the team and Salt Lake City have had no formal discussions since RSL announced it would build its stadium in Sandy.
Through his spokesman, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson refused to comment Wednesday about the soccer developments.
Murray - which also pitched a stadium site by a TRAX station near 4400 South - is even more unlikely to jump back in the race. That's because a developer is bringing condominiums and movie theaters to the location.
"We've moved on," Mayor Dan Snarr said.
It's not just officials who are talking about the prospect of RSL taking another look at Salt Lake City.
"Maybe it will open up the stadium to other areas," said Glenn Webb, president of The Loyalists, an RSL fan club.
hmay@sltrib.com
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Tribune reporter Jacob Santini contributed to this story.
Previous sites considered
for the soccer stadium:
Between 600 South and 700 South on Main Street in Salt Lake City near the Grand and Little America hotels.
North of The Gateway between 400 West and 500 West and 200 North and 300 North.
Utah State Fairpark.
Near a TRAX stop at 4400 South in Murray.
