After much controversy and debate, the franchise finally secured a guarantee for a state-of-the-art, soccer-specific stadium to be built in Sandy – a suburb of Salt Lake City.

The team broke ground for the structure on the morning of August 12, with representatives from soccer giant Real Madrid present.

That evening, RSL faced its namesake in front of a sellout crowd of 45,511 fans at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Salt Lake made a good showing, but Real Madrid won the exhibition match, 2–0.

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.