2009 MLS All-Star Game Goes to Utah

NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Major League Soccer announced Wednesday that Real Salt Lake Stadium will be the site of the 2009 All-Star Game. The new 20,000-seat stadium in Sandy, Utah, is expected to open in October. The 2009 showcase will mark the sixth time MLS All-Stars will take on a high-profile international club.

"When we broke ground on that fateful August day in 2006, we knew that this stadium would bring spectacular events to this community, and I cannot think of another event that exemplifies that idea more than this one," Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts said. "The eyes of the world will focus on the majestic Wasatch Mountains and stare in wide wonder." The date and opponent for the 2009 game will be announced by early next year. "We are excited to bring the 2009 MLS All-Star Game to Utah and Major League Soccer's newest world-class venue," MLS president Mark Abbott said.

The All-Star Game continues the list of high-profile soccer matches in Utah over the past few years, which include a 2006 World Cup qualifier between the United States and Costa Rica and exhibition matches featuring clubs such as Real Madrid, Boca Juniors and Everton.