You’re planning on traveling to Salt Lake City with the mighty ECS, here’s some things you’ll need to know while visiting one of the driest state in the union. Also, be aware that if you’re in SLC on a Sunday, mostly everything will be closed. It’s worth noting that Real Salt Lake does not play in Salt Lake City, but in the city of Sandy, Utah. Rio Tinto Stadium is located at 9256 South State, Sandy, UT 84070 and is just south of SLC.

GETTING THERE
Air

It’s normally a non-stop flight from Seattle to Salt Lake City (SLC).  If you plan in advance, round trip flights to SLC will run you $150 to $350. Southwest Airlines usually have the cheapest flights, but check fares of other airlines when planning your trip because you’ll never know where you’ll get a good deal.

Driving

If you plan on driving to SLC, the best way to do it is car pool! If you watch the ECS message boards, Twitter, or Facebook, there’s a good chance there are others looking for people to ride down to Utah with. If you’re lucky, you might be able to ride in notable and legendary car pools such as Djimi Rig or the Alonso Mothership.  From Seattle take the 90 south to Ellensburg. From there jump onto the 82 south and switch to the 84 south until you get to Utah. When you get to Utah the 84 will turn into the 15 where you’ll take it south all the way to the greater SLC area. On a side note, watch out for the Utah Highway Patrol, especially from the town of Tremonton all the way down to SLC/Sandy. They are very strict and if you’ve brought booze, make sure it’s in the trunk or back of your vehicle! It’s a boring drive, but it’s as fun as you and others make it!

SLEEP
There are numerous places to stay in the SLC/Sandy area. If you plan on staying in SLC, there’s plenty public transportation available that will take you straight to Rio Tinto. There is a Comfort Inn in Sandy that is popular with ECS travelers. It’s within walking distance of Rio Tinto and shares a parking lot with our typical pre-funk location, Lumpys South. The Comfort Inn is located at 8955 South 255 West, Sandy, UT 84070.  Check the away trip thread to confirm these paces!

If you’re on a budget you can usually watch the ECS message boards for fellow ECS members who live in SLC who are offering their floor, couches, guest rooms, etc. for the travelling crew. There are ECS members from Hill Air Force Base/Layton area, north of SLC, all the way down to Provo, Utah who usually offer free places to stay.

GETTING AROUND
Rental car

If you’re flying into SLC you’ll find all the major (and local) car rental places at the airport. Take your pick! But unless you’re heading outside the city a car is not necessary.

Public Transit
SLC takes pride in their abundant public transportation system (www.rideuta.com). If you’re flying into SLC, you can catch the rail system called Trax, from the airport straight to Salt Lake City and the surrounding areas! Once you’re at your destination you can catch the bus, Trax, or the electric rail line to just about anywhere in the metro area, even down to the stadium. Check the public transportation systems website to plan your routes.

Taxi
Also a viable alternative, but it will end up running about the same as a rental car (if not more).

EAT

In-N-Out Burger There’s one fairly close to Rio Tinto Stadium at 7206 S. Union Park Ave., Midvale, UT 84047

Lucky 13 A local burger joint (that also serves beer), which is really popular with the locals and is one that few tourists get to enjoy. Located at 135 W 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Squatters Pub Brewery Want to taste some local brew and enjoy a bite to eat? 147 W. Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Piper Down Pub A great pub that serves up great food and drinks all day. Brings that old world feel to SLC. 1492 S. State St., Salt Lake City, UT 84115

Blue Plate Diner Vintage vibe and a classic diner menu with a few surprises. It's especially popular for breakfast and is a good choice for groups that include vegans and vegetarians. 2041 S 2100 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Lone Star Taqueria TACOS!!!!! The decor at the Lone Star Taqueria includes hubcaps, old cowboy boots and a decrepit, colorfully painted station wagon with a shark fin. The menu includes at least nine kinds of tacos and burritos! 2265 E. Fort Union Blvd., Salt Lake City, UT 84121

Moochie’s Meatballs and More Great Philly cheesesteaks and meatballs! 232 E 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT

Ruth’s Diner Ruth's Diner up Emigration Canyon has been in business for 80 years. It's a little piece of heaven and a nice escape from the city, serving homemade American classics. 4160 Emigration Canyon Rd., Salt Lake City, UT 84108

Pat’s Barbecue Award-winning barbecue competitor Pat Barber smokes up some of Salt Lake's best brisket, ribs and other favorites in this simple but appealing South Salt Lake BBQ joint. There's live blues music Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. 155 W. Commonwealth Ave., South Salt Lake, UT 84115

SEE / DO
If you plan on staying in SLC longer than just seeing the match, here are some sights to check out.

Capitol Building Visit the capitol building on the top of State St. Just walk in and do a self-guided tour. Especially if you’re an architecture nut.

Mormon Temple You’re in Utah so you might as well get your picture in front of the Mormon Temple. It’s located right downtown and is surrounded by other historical buildings such as the Beehive House, the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, Eagle Gate, and other buildings relating to the Mormon faith. Don’t worry, they won’t try to convert you…too much.

Museums There are a number of museums to check out if you want to get a taste of Utah. Check out the Natural History Museum of Utah, Utah Museum of Fine Arts, Thanksgiving Point, The Leonardo, Pioneer Memorial Museum, plus more.

Energy Solutions Arena If you’re here while it’s basketball season, you can catch a Utah Jazz game or a concert here.

Utah’s Hogle Zoo If you’re an animal lover, it’s worth checking out this zoo!

The Living Planet Aquarium This is a newly built and state of the art aquarium. Check it out if underwater life is your thing.

Matchday
As of late the ECS pre-funks at Lumpys South (8925 Harrison St., Sandy, UT 84070). It shares the parking lot with the Comfort Inn previously mentioned. From there we march to the match as one to Rio Tinto! The general population is very friendly with a few jeers. There are some more ‘active’ supporters, just follow the rules and if any trouble arises Sandy PD and your friendly ECS Security are there to help. Always remember to tie your scarves!

Get Home
With 3 points!

Want more SLC tips? Check out www.yelp.com or  http://wikitravel.org/en/Salt_Lake_City

Love Salt Lake City? Share your travel tips in the comments below!

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