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Rice–Eccles Stadium - home of Utah in Salt Lake City, UT
NCAA FBS

Rice–Eccles StadiumSalt Lake City, Utah

Utah

👥
Capacity
51,444
🏆
Conference
Big 12
📅
Opened
1998
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf CoolPlay

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📖About Rice–Eccles Stadium

Rice-Eccles Stadium holds 51,444 and sits in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains with stunning views. Rebuilt in 1998 after hosting the 2002 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies, it's home to the Utes' "MUSS" student section—one of the best in the country.

🏛️History

Origins

Original stadium opened October 1, 1927. Current stadium opened September 12, 1998 after being rebuilt for the 2002 Olympics. Named for Robert Rice and Spencer Eccles families.

Major Renovations

1998Complete rebuild for 2002 Olympics ($65M)
2002Hosted Olympic opening ceremonies
2021Ken Garff Red Zone expansion; capacity to 51,444

Notable Moments

Feb 8, 2002Hosted 2002 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies
Oct 15, 2022#11 Utah beat #7 USC 43-42—Rose Bowl-clinching
Sep 7, 2024First Big 12 home game

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Ken Garff Red Zone has premium hospitality. Sections 32-38 offer midfield views. South end zone has mountain views. MUSS student section in north end zone.

Parking Tips

Park at University Hospital and walk. Foothill Drive lots with shuttle. Guardian Drive lots are closest. Wasatch Blvd traffic is heavy.

Game Day

The MUSS (Mighty Utah Student Section) is legendary—arrive early! Swoop the mascot. "U-T-A-H" chant. Drum Walk brings team through fans. Post-game, explore 9th & 9th neighborhood. Clear bag policy enforced.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Red Door

$

Classic college bar near campus with a loyal Utes crowd and strong pours.

📍 3.2 miles299 S 200 W

💡 Good late-night option if you want to keep the day going after the game.

Fiddler’s Elbow

$$

Local sports bar with plenty of TVs and a solid beer list.

📍 2.7 miles106 W 2100 S

💡 Grab a table early for big conference matchups.

The Bayou

$$

Well-known beer bar with a massive tap list and Cajun fare.

📍 2.6 miles645 S State St

💡 Perfect for craft-beer fans—ask about the seasonal pours.

Beer Bar

$$

Downtown spot with a deep beer selection and a relaxed pregame vibe.

📍 3.5 miles161 E 200 S

💡 Pair with the adjoining Bar X for a two-stop crawl.

🍽️Restaurants

Red Iguana

$$

Salt Lake City icon known for legendary moles and long wait lines.

📍 4.5 miles736 W North Temple

💡 Arrive early or add your name online—waits are part of the experience.

The Pie Pizzeria

$

Campus-area pizza institution with thick, loaded slices.

📍 2.8 miles1320 E 200 S

💡 Grab a few slices to go for tailgates.

Crown Burgers

$

Local burger classic famous for its pastrami-topped burgers.

📍 3.3 miles377 E 200 S

💡 Order the pastrami burger—signature SLC style.

Ruth's Diner

$$

Canyon-side diner serving comfort-food breakfasts and brunches.

📍 6.6 miles4160 Emigration Canyon Rd

💡 Perfect pregame brunch if you don’t mind a scenic drive.

🏨Hotels

University Guest House & Conference Center

$$$

On-campus hotel with the easiest walk to Rice-Eccles Stadium.

📍 0.7 miles110 S Fort Douglas Blvd

💡 Book early for rivalry games—the location is unbeatable.

Salt Lake Marriott University Park

$$

Comfortable hotel near campus with quick access to the stadium.

📍 1.8 miles480 Wakara Way

💡 Great option if you want a quiet stay away from downtown.

🎭Attractions

Red Butte Garden

$$

Scenic botanical garden with mountain views right by campus.

📍 1.5 miles300 Wakara Way

💡 Perfect for a daytime stroll before heading to the game.

This Is The Place Heritage Park

$$

Utah history park with pioneer exhibits and scenic trails.

📍 2.5 miles2601 E Sunnyside Ave

💡 Family-friendly stop if you’re making a full weekend trip.

🅿️Parking Options

🎉

Guardian Drive Lots

$20-$40
Tailgate📍 0.3 miles

💡 Closest stadium lots—arrive early for tailgate spots.

🏢

University Hospital Garage

$15-$25
Garage📍 0.7 miles

💡 Reliable option with a manageable walk to the stadium.

🚌

TRAX Shuttle (University Medical Center Station)

$5-$10
Shuttle📍 0.8 miles

💡 Ride TRAX to avoid Wasatch Blvd traffic and postgame exits.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Rice–Eccles Stadium? Share it with us.

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🔥Rivals

→

LaVell Edwards Stadium

BYU

Holy War

Provo, UT

→

Folsom Field

Colorado

Rumble in the Rockies

Boulder, CO

→

Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium

Utah State

Battle of the Brothers

Logan, UT

Stadiums Near Rice–Eccles Stadium

→

Stewart Stadium

Weber State Wildcats

Ogden, Utah30 mi
→

LaVell Edwards Stadium

BYU

Provo, UT36 mi
→

Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium

Utah State

Logan, UT69 mi
→

ICCU Dome

Idaho State Bengals

Pocatello, Idaho149 mi
→

Eccles Coliseum

Southern Utah Thunderbirds

Cedar City, Utah223 mi
→

Greater Zion Stadium

Utah Tech Trailblazers

St. George, Utah269 mi

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.