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(KSL Sports) This could possibly be the biggest night for soccer fans ever here in Utah. Real Salt Lake opens the doors to its new Rio Tinto Stadium tonight. They host the New York Red Bulls in their inaugural game at the stadium many of the RSL players say is the best in Major League Soccer.
Team President Bill Manning gave Tom Kirkland a tour of the stadium. Manning says he's nervous for tonight. "I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I think it's going to be a great event," he says. "It's really surreal for me. Because you know what's going to happen but it kind of creeps up on you. It's exciting."
Manning expects 20,000 fans at tonight's opening game. He calls Rio Tinto Stadium "a small, intimate venue." He thinks "that's going to lend to people enjoying themselves, and you know just providing a great event for fans." Much like LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo and Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, the Rio Tinto stadium will have an incredible backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains.
Manning showed off the home locker room and a unique element coach Jason Kreis endorses.
It is a mini field in the floor of the locker room.
Manning says Kreis has little cones that he's going to use to show how he wants formations and how he wants the team to move.
"It'll actually add some character to the locker room," Manning added.
Manning also mentioned of all the teams to open a stadium in MLS, all but two of them have lost their inaugural game. Something Manning doesn't want or expect to happen tonight.
All the fan fare kicks off at 8 p.m. between RSL and New York. Both teams are tied for one of the final playoffs spots.
