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(KSL News) Real Salt Lake hosts its second playoff game tomorrow night, and it represents a memorable turnaround.
As the team practiced for the Western Conference finals, fans flocked to its Salt Lake offices. One group came to buy 25 tickets for tomorrow's game. "We're so excited and happy, I don't know!" Brenda Arias said.
Other longtime fans were buying gear or new season tickets. "It's been a roller coaster ride, but we're excited. Having a chance to go to the MLS Cup already is pretty impressive after where we've been the past few years, so we're excited," Jeremy Shaw said.
"The stadium, I think, will be full; and it allows us to introduce people to the game that haven't been there yet, and maybe they join up as season ticket holders," said RSL owner Dave Checketts.
After three tough losing seasons, the team now has a chance to celebrate its new stadium with a championship.
It's a rebirth, and players like Argentinian star midfielder Javier Morales, say it's been an exciting ride. "They're making history, and it's a good thing to get to this point," Morales said.
RSL forward Yura Movsisyan said, "The team over here hasn't been that good in the past years. But we've shown everybody, you know, what there is a good soccer team here. There's a team you guys can be proud of, and there's a team you can count on year in and year out."
"It's nice. It's very exciting, not just for the organization, but I think the city as well. Hopefully, we can bring a conference championship here and go on next week to bring an MLS Cup championship here," midfielder-forward Clint Mathis said.
It's a big goal; one that seemed unlikely, but it's now within reach.
Of course, hosting a playoff game is a big boost to any professional team's bottom line. By getting to the playoffs -- and then hosting not just one, but now two home playoff games -- RSL generates plenty of new revenue.
Consider this: Tickets are selling for $20 and up. The stadium seats about 20,000. Plus, if you include concessions, parking and merchandise, the difference in hosting these two games is more than $1 million.
If they win tomorrow, RSL will play for the MLS Cup next weekend in Los Angeles.
E-mail: jdaley@ksl.com
