Sandy, Utah (Thursday, April 11, 2019) – The 2019 Governor’s State of Sport Awards gala celebrated the growth of soccer in Utah and the tremendous impact of Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC Owner Dell Loy Hansen’s contributions to the sport and community, as well as the influence of the Real Salt Lake and Utah Royals FC organizations.
Among those in attendance at the 8th Annual Governor’s State of Sport Awards were Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber, National Women’s Soccer League President Amanda Duffy and FOX Analyst and U.S. National Team legend Alexi Lalas, along with RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando. During the festivities, Mr. Hansen was honored as the 2018 Partner of the Year while the Utah Royals FC inaugural home opener received recognition for the 2018 Event of the Year.
“I like to think we have the right vision. It’s nice that people affirm our model and give us the recognition that we’re on the right path. I really appreciate that they are affirming that we’re doing something right,” Mr. Hansen said. “It’s an honor to get the recognition for what we are doing on and off the field to enhance the community, because that’s the most important part to me.”
Over the last 10 years, Mr. Hansen has become a prominent figure in the realm of Utah’s sports scene. After initially joining the Real Salt Lake ownership group as a minority partner in October of 2009, he has since acquired full ownership of the club in 2013 and has expanded into the USL with Real Monarchs SLC and built state-of-the-art training facilities in Herriman and North Logan all before expanding into the women’s game in 2017 when he founded Utah Royals FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.
On April 14, 2018, Utah Royals FC opened its 2018 home schedule against the Chicago Red Stars in front of a sell-out crowd of 19,203 fans. The all-day event included appearances from Real Salt Lake and Real Monarchs players, and a post-game concert to conclude the festive day.
“As a club, we are honored to win this award. It truly shows the engagement and support this community has provided to us in the past year,” URFC General Manager Stephanie Lee said. “The Inaugural home opener for Utah Royals FC was absolutely a group effort, and huge congratulations go to the ticketing, marketing, partnership, facility and event operations teams,” Lee said. “This event would not have been possible without their hard work and dedication to this club.”
The Governor’s State of Sport Awards have honored Utah athletes each week throughout March, with URFC reaching the prestigious list. Utah’s finest athletes and coaches of 2018 will be honored on April 10 by the Utah Sports Commission. The Utah Sports Commission is a non-profit organization established by all-volunteered Board of Trustees members across statewide sports, business, community, and government leaders.
Utah Royals FC opens the 2019 season on Saturday, April 20, at Rio Tinto Stadium against the Washington Spirit. Season tickets and individual tickets for URFC’s 2019 home opener are available now at www.UtahRoyalsFC.com or by calling 844.REAL.TIX.
