Sports make the world go ’round. That’s a fact. If you find yourself bored of the flatscreen and craving some live action games, these are some of the best sporting venue experiences in the state of Utah.
1. Rio Tinto Stadium
Have you ever heard someone beat a drum for 90 straight minutes? At Real Salt Lake matches, you certainly have. It’s nonstop action from the first touch to the final whistle at the RioT. Each time RSL scores a goal, you get to stand with 20,000 fans and sing a battle hymn. Don’t forget the local beers that can be found all throughout the stadium.
2. Energy Solutions Arena
When the Jazz are playing well, the environment is electric. But even last year when they struggled, ESA crowds ranked 12th in the NBA in attendance. The promotions team for the Jazz are the best in the state when it comes to having something for everyone. From the Kiss Cam to trivia questions to the newly installed Simba Cam, it’s great for adults and families. Plus, the Jazz Bear is the best mascot in the NBA. ESA even renovated their arena with some stellar improvements a few years ago. Each level now has pubs throughout the concourse that feature multiple options for food and drink.
3. Marriott Center
The student section at BYU basketball games is, in a word, enormous. Students have been known to line up for days to get into the biggest games and it makes for an outstanding atmosphere in the largest arena Utah has to offer. Make sure to snag a famous Cougar Tail maple bar that is nearly as big as the aforementioned student section.
4. Rice-Eccles Stadium
One of the smallest stadiums in the Pac-12, RES can be one of the toughest places to play in the West. The student section, or MUSS, is sold out every year and makes it difficult for the opposing teams to hear themselves. Utah fans have been known to start tailgating a few days before each Ute home game. And while alcohol isn’t sold inside the stadium, there is plenty to go around outside.
5. Lavell Edwards Stadium
BYU football games certainly have a different feel than most universities, but that doesn’t mean games aren’t fun to attend. 65,000 Cougar fans routinely fill LES each week to support their team. It’s a family-friendly environment that gets just as loud as any stadium in the country. Like the aforementioned Marriott Center, the student section isn’t too bad, either.
6. UCCU Center
Home to the UVU Wolverines basketball team, the UCCU Center is a nice alternative if you can’t make it to some of the bigger venues. UVU typically has a pretty good basketball team, and maybe you’ll catch something exciting like the video below. Concerts aren’t too bad at the UCCU center, either.
7. Smiths Ballpark
|@slbees & @SmithsBallpark nominated for photo of year in Minor League Baseball. Vote here: http://t.co/nCdJ8G3Y7k pic.twitter.com/v2P5lROxvM
— FOX 13 NOW (@fox13now) October 10, 2014
In the summer months, it’s sometimes hard to find events to attend. Smiths Ballpark offers a great family environment to take your family to during the lull of June, July and August. Grass seats in the outfield provide an opportunity for kids to run around throughout the nine-innings. The Salt Lake Bees are the AAA affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and sometimes feature Major League Baseball players in their lineup. Firework shows are an added bonus to celebrate events such as the Fourth of July and the 24th of July.
8. Maverik Center
Gearing up for @UtahGrizz hockey on My Utah TV! Home final at the Maverik Center!.. pic.twitter.com/SukcwNyFeZ
— Adam Mikulich (@AdamMikulich) April 13, 2014
Venture out to West Valley to catch the minor league hockey team the Utah Grizzlies. Games might not always be full, but hockey games are typically fun to attend. You’ll be close to the action and it’s the only place to see high-level hockey in the state.
9. Brent Brown Ballpark
Brent Brown Ballpark – Orem Owlz pic.twitter.com/ge2RSAJnz4
— Stadium Journey (@StadiumJourney) February 2, 2014
Similar to the Salt Lake Bees, the Orem Owlz are the rookie-level baseball team for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Bring the family and enjoy the picturesque backdrop of the Wasatch Mountains. The Owlz play in the late summer months, and the UVU Wolverines feature a solid baseball team in the spring through June months.
10. Lindquist Field
Posted by Ogden Raptors on Friday, September 13, 2013
Lindquist Field is home to the Ogden Raptors, a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
11. Dee Events Center Arena
Another sports venue at the top of Utah is the Dee Events Center Arena, which is home to the Weber State University Wildcats teams.
Comments
comments
