Defending MLS Cup Champion Real Salt Lake and new partner American Express proudly introduce the "Heroes Among Us" program, which aims to honor everyday citizens that are making a difference and providing a positive impact on the lives of others throughout Utah. Before the opening kickoff at every home match, the outstanding contributions of these heroes will be heralded via on-field recognition. Recipients will receive complimentary game tickets and a personalized 2010 Real Salt Lake jersey.
"We are pleased that American Express has joined us in recognizing those that make up the fabric of our communities - many of whom are RSL fans and American Express employees," said Real Salt Lake President Bill Manning. "Having strong corporate partners such as American Express become a part of a community initiative like this demonstrates how our franchise is uniquely able to connect Utah's strong corporate sector to our diverse fan base."
The "Heroes Among Us" recognition program seeks to showcase the unselfish pillars of our community that all too often go unnoticed, giving their efforts a chance to be highlighted in Championship fashion in front of Real Salt Lake's faithful fans. Teachers, military personnel, first responders and volunteers are a great example of potential recipients. Anyone is eligible to receive the honor and recognition, as nominations can be made on behalf of any individual.
"For 160 years, service has been the heritage of American Express, and we believe that serving in the communities where we live and work is not only integral to running a business successfully, it is part of our individual responsibilities as citizens of the world," said Tammy Weinbaum, General Manager of American Express - Salt Lake City. "American Express is pleased to partner with Real Salt Lake to help recognize the many Heroes Among Us."
To nominate a "Hero," please visit the "Community" section of www.RealSaltLake.com, and click on the "Heroes Among Us" link, where a downloadable form will be available. Submissions can be returned via email to heroesamongus@RealSaltLake.com, via fax to 801-727-1469, or via mail to the address below:
Rio Tinto Stadium
Attn: Heroes Among Us/Rachel King
9526 State Street
Sandy, Utah 84070
About American Express
American Express Company
(www.americanexpress.com)
is a leading
global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850. The Salt
Lake City Service Center is part of an award-winning global servicing
organization supporting external customers - Cardmembers and Merchants.
For the second consecutive year, American Express is included in
BusinessWeek's annual listing of top servicing companies, ranking 18 out
of 25 "Customer Service Champs." In 2009, for the third consecutive
year, American Express was ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with
Credit Card Companies" by J.D. Power and Associates.
About Real Salt Lake
In July of 2004, Utah native and sports business visionary
Dave
Checketts
announced that the dream of bringing world-class soccer to
the great state of Utah had come to fruition, as Major League Soccer
12th franchise - later known as Real Salt Lake - was born. The mission
was simple: create an internationally-recognized soccer brand, one which
would become the flagship franchise of a growing North American sport.
Real Salt Lake quickly established itself as a leader in its
community, a developer of young soccer talent on the field and one of
Major League Soccer's business leaders. Just five years later, in
slightly more time than a World Cup or Olympic cycle, Real Salt Lake has
shown its Championship pedigree both on and off the field, capturing
its first MLS Cup title on Nov. 22, 2009, by defeating the LA Galaxy at
Seattle's Qwest Field, and in February of 2010 garnering the Salt Lake
Chamber's prestigious "President's Award" for excellence in small
business.
RSL has cultivated a vibrant soccer culture in the InterMountain
West, one which has demonstrated a surprising level of acumen and savvy
regarding the international nature of the sport, and one whose loyalty
and dedication to the RSL shield inspires the organization.
About Rio Tinto Stadium
Rio Tinto Stadium is a state-of-the-art, sports and entertainment
facility in Utah, providing a stunning new home for world-class events,
one with breathtaking views of both the Oquirrh and Wasatch Mountain
ranges. Rio Tinto Stadium opened its doors for the first time on
Thursday, October 9, 2008, with Real Salt Lake Major League Soccer
action televised before an international audience. The venue's
first-ever concert event featured legendary rockers the Eagles on May 9,
2009.
The Stadium, which last summer hosted the 2009 MLS All-Star Game
and the United States Men's National Team's FIFA World Cup Qualifier vs.
El Salvador, is a new class of venue in the Intermountain West,
attracting events that would not otherwise visit Utah and bolstering the
state's reputation as an international sports and entertainment
destination. The diversity of events attracted to Rio Tinto Stadium
brings significant media attention, positively impacts tourism efforts
and creates numerous job opportunities on both permanent and seasonal
bases. In March, 2008, the Stadium was recognized by Forbes.com as one
of "10 New Super-Stadiums" in development worldwide.
Located in Sandy, Utah, at the heart of the Wasatch Front, Rio
Tinto Stadium is conveniently accessed from major transportation
arteries Interstate-15 as well State Street, between 9000 South and 9400
South. The venue resides just 15 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City
and 25 minutes from SLC International Airport. The venue seats 20,008
people for various sporting events, including Real Salt Lake games, with
capacity rising to 25,000 for concerts and other events. Stadium
amenities include 32 luxury suites, a 2,000-square foot Stadium Club,
1,000 club seats, five locker rooms, a 60-foot Video Board, and ribbon
LED boards on both the east and west fascia.
