SANDY, Utah — When one of the world's greatest soccer players makes a rare visit to Salt Lake City, the possibility of traffic nightmares is something that no fan wants to deal with.
Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami club are set to take on Real Salt Lake at America First Field on Wednesday, marking one of the biggest sporting events in Utah history. While the action on the pitch will be fast and furious, progress outside may be slow-going.
The Sandy Police Department shared how it's looking forward to a "high-energy night," but wants fans to know of traffic closures around the stadium to make getting to the game a bit easier.
“Getting into the game, getting into the stadium, and then for getting people out of the stadium is going to be very similar. We’re just going to have more officers on scene," explained Sgt. Michael Olsen.
Before the much-hyped game, the far right southbound lane on South Street will be closed at 3:30 p.m. between 9126 South and 9320 South, while the left-hand turn lane from northbound State Street onto Romano Way will also be closed at the same time.
Once the game is over, northbound Monroe Boulevard will be closed to all traffic from Town Ridge Parkway to 9400 South, and 9400 South will be closed for westbound traffic at State Street.
Rimando Way will be fully closed to any traffic trying to get into the stadium.
"Just to make sure that we are able to get traffic out of the parking lots as fast as possible and as safe as possible for all the pedestrians that will be in the area," said Sgt. Olsen.
To make matters possibly worse, multiple performances at the nearby Hale Centre Theatre may end at the same time as the Real Salt Lake game. Those attending the theater shows are urged to exit south on Monroe Boulevard.
While America First Field is expected to be filled, others in the area hope to see foot traffic come their way, too.
“Traffic out there is going to be a traffic jam, pretty sure about that. Hopefully, we have a lot of business in here buying up all of the Messi and RSL stuff we have," said Shawn Breeland at nearby Team Gear.
A soccer fan himself, Breeland is repping the GOAT, Messi, now, but might switch it back to his home team by game time.
“Going to the games, my favorite thing about it is the crowd, the chanting, the screaming," he said.
As Sandy gears up for more traffic on wheels and on foot, their excitement all stems from number 10.
“I’m very excited to see him," said Jose at Tacos Pariente near the stadium.
“I know there’s a lot of hype for this game," said Sgt. Olsen. "Hopefully, RSL comes out on top.”
