America First Credit Union replaces Rio Tinto as RSL stadium sponsor

SANDY — The home stadium of Real Salt Lake received a new name on Saturday, going from its original name of Rio Tinto Stadium to America First Field in partnership with the founding club sponsor America First Credit Union.

Rio Tinto Stadium, or the RioT, as it has come to be known, was the name of the Sandy landmark since its opening in Oct. 2008, even becoming part of the team's "Believe" stadium chant.

"The club's ardent fan base will continue to be known collectively as 'The Riot,'" a press release said. "Providing the passionate heartbeat emanating from the south end each game.

Since opening the venue in 2008, RSL has played 269 games there, with a record of 154 wins, 66 draws and just 49 losses, and a home winning percentage of nearly 70%. Two finals have been held at the stadium: the second leg of the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League Final, as well as the 2013 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final.

Representatives from America First — Utah's largest credit union — were present at the announcement, along with RSL and Utah Jazz team owner Ryan Smith and players Justin Meram and Zac MacMath.

"America First Credit Union has been one of our partners literally from the beginning, and we are so grateful to have them as our partner going forward with our naming rights," RSL President John Kimball said after unveiling the new stadium name. "This is a company that has 83 years of history in our community; and with our values and our ideals, they align so extremely well."

The naming rights for the stadium is a 10-year deal, according to team representatives, and both club and league leaders said the partnership represents a deeper commitment to RSL and the Salt Lake community.

"There probably is no MLS without Real Salt Lake," MLS Commissioner Don Garber said after the announcement. "This speaks to what this team means to the community, which is not just about the fans, but it's about partnerships with companies. In this case, America First has been here for 80 years. So that's a commitment that is very worthwhile for me to spend time and lend my support."

RSL was the 11th team to join MLS when it began play in 2005 and represents a foundational piece of what the 28-team league has become, with other "small market" cities like Portland, Cincinnati, Nashville, Austin, and Charlotte following in its footsteps.

In addition to the stadium name at the front entrance, America First Credit Union signage was unveiled on the East Side/State Street Plaza, via 9400 South and at the "Spanish Steps" entry point, among others.

"I remember our discussions back when one of our executives came in and said, 'Hey, there's a new soccer club coming to the Salt Lake Valley and I think it's a good opportunity to sponsor and be partners with them,'" America First President and CEO Thayne Shaffer said. "We saw an opportunity and as we talked to those folks back then, 18 years ago, we saw that they had big ideas and big aspirations and the ability to execute that to act on that, and we were proud to be one of those inaugural partners."

Smith, who became one of two co-owners of the club in January, said he hopes America First members and employees feel "at home" at America First Field.

"This is your home, and I hope every single one of your employees views this as their home, and every one of your customers views this as their home. This is yours. Use it," Smith said. "We couldn't be more excited for your commitment to Utah sports because that's what makes this community stronger. It was our goal when we all came together for 'One Utah.' And to see you wherever we go is the perfect dream. So thanks for being the examples and doing this, and welcome to your new home."

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