"This is our house! This is our house!" chanted fans in the south end zone when the New York Red Bulls approached the goal.
"I like to call it Riot Into Stadium," said Colin Coker, founder of fan club Frank Castle's Brigade. He waved an RSL flag and "victory-or-death" scarf.
RSL's opening game in the $110 million stadium ran fairly smooth, with 20,000 people arriving by TRAX, foot or car. Businesses near 9256 S. State Street, including the Flower Patch and two banks, sold their parking spots for $5.
An extra right-turn lane was added temporarily on 9000 South at State Street and traffic stopped four ways after the game at 9400 South and State Street so pedestrians could scramble in all directions.
"The good thing about having two games this year is we get to learn," said Sandy Mayor Tom Dolan. He watched the game from a suite with Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. and other public officials who helped push a $45 million public funding deal that got the $110 million stadium built.
"I like soccer crowds," Dolan said. "They're really positive. They make a lot of noise." Jared Stark of Pleasant Grove wished there were more signs directing visitors where to park. He was confused by the pre-paid lot at South Towne Expo Center, where the RSL sells 1,000 slots online prior to the game.
"Where in the world do I pre-pay?" he said, leaving a concessions stand. He gave the food an average rating.
"That's eight bucks right there," he said, pointing to a pretzel, bottle of water and a foil-wrapped hot dog.
For other fans, visiting RSL's new home was an emotional experience.
"I cried when I saw the [television] commercial showing the stadium," said Laurie Ramirez, who rode TRAX from South Salt Lake to the game. "It is absolutely beautiful." Kristin Harrison surprised her sons Colton, 12, and Billy, 14, by buying them tickets to the opener. She's thinking about buying season tickets because the stadium is so close to her Sandy home.
Billy would be pleased. He watched his favorite player, Kyle Beckerman, take the field and said with a grin, "This is the best night of my life."
