Sen. Howard Stephenson, R-Draper, says opening the taps for soccer - football games would remain dry - may be a way to avoid soaking taxpayers with a $30 million bond for a $60 million stadium.

"I would be willing to sponsor legislation to make a Rice-Eccles contract work," Stephenson said Tuesday, explaining assumed beer sales at a soccer-specific stadium also could work at the U. since both would be taxpayer-funded.

"It's a win-win solution for Real."

Team CEO Dean Howes, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday, will huddle this morning with Salt Lake County Mayor Peter Corroon and County Councilwoman Jenny Wilson to discuss long-term options at

Rice-Eccles.

RSL maintains it needs its own stadium. Short of that, Howes has said the team wants more control of the venue, fan experience and concessions profits - 90 percent of which now go to the U.

Under a Rice-Eccles proposal, natural grass would replace artificial turf for soccer games, and some lower seating would temporarily be removed to widen the field and improve soccer sightlines.

"There is lots you can do if you are creative," Wilson said. "And it's going to be a lot less than $60 million."

A retrofit and contract renegotiation - RSL will play at the U. at least through 2006 - also would buy time to see whether public support for the team is sustainable, Wilson said.

Both she and Stephenson say the idea is gaining traction among legislators.

"It makes a lot of sense," Corroon concurred, voicing support for any proposal that would not burden taxpayers. As for alcohol sales, the mayor says the U. "may have to" for a long-term contract to be digestible.

A percentage of Rice-Eccles' current soccer revenue is helping to pay off the $22 million left on the stadium's $52 million upgrade.

Chris Hill, athletic director at the U., has said the arrangement with Real is fine now, but could pose problems once the football season begins. (RSL plays through mid- October).

But Stephenson is optimistic both schedules can coexist.

"The stadium is already in place," he said. "Why not use it more wisely."

Officials in Salt Lake City, Sandy and Murray continue to court the soccer team. Sandy has a leg up with the willingness of House Speaker Greg Curtis, their representative, to divert millions of dollars from a proposed parking facility for the South Towne Expo Center toward a stadium.

But County Councilman Mark Crockett warns the county has "no appetite" to fund soccer.

A recent Salt Lake Tribune poll showed 68 percent of Wasatch Front residents oppose spending taxpayer money to help build a soccer stadium.

"I don't ever think they can get voter approval now," Stephenson said. "Maybe after five years."

djensen@sltrib.com