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John Daley Reporting Most Salt Lake County residents still disapprove of using public funds for a pro soccer stadium, but that opposition seems to be shrinking. That's according to a new KSL-TV/Deseret Morning News poll by Dan Jones and Associates.
We've taken four polls on this issue this year. In each, those opposed to the stadium deal were a solid majority. But the trend shows Salt Lake County residents seem to be warming to the idea a bit.
After a year and a half of struggles, things are looking up for Real Salt Lake. The team won four games in a row and scored Salt Lake County Council approval last week to use a total of 40 million dollars in taxpayer money for parking and infrastructure for a new stadium to be built on this site in Sandy.
People we spoke with today have a mix of views.
Hayley Bowser: "Most of the people aren't even going to that stadium. I don't know why they'd want to use the taxpayer money if most of them aren't even going to go."
Will Estell: "I think it's a good idea. I mean, I'm a big fan of soccer and I would like to see ReAL stay."
In a KSL-TV/Deseret Morning News poll by Dan Jones, we asked 152 Salt Lake County residents what they think of the Council vote.
40% approve. 54% disapprove, and the number that sticks out is the 40% of those polled who disapprove strongly.
Ron Davis: "Anybody that voted for that ought to be voted out of office next time."
Jason Healy: "I'm not against it. I think it's a great thing. Hopefully ReAL can stay here long enough and get some wins and we can have a good home team here for them."
We tracked soccer stadium numbers back to three previous Dan Jones polls, and the trend seems to show opposition skrinking, although it is still the clear majority opinion.
In February 66% opposed while 23% supported using taxpayer money for building the new stadium.
In May the percentage against dropped to 59% with 30% in favor.
In July, after county officials turned down the first stadium deal, percentages were similar with 58% opposing public stadium funding and 35% supporting.
Now it's 54% disapproving and 40% approving.
If all goes according to plan, ReAL will replace Rice-Eccles and be running around the Sandy stadium in 2008.
I spoke with our pollster Dan Jones this afternoon about these results. He agrees that there is a clear trend, but wants to see where the numbers are when the dust settles a bit.
