SANDY, Utah (Tuesday, February 28, 2017) –Audi of America today announced its commitment to Real Salt Lake as the official naming partner of the organization’s new business development and networking club, the Audi Executive Club at Rio Tinto Stadium.
“We are very excited to expand our relationship with Real Salt Lake and to continue our support of soccer in America as well the communities of Utah and the InterMountain West,” said Jana MacWilliams, Area Director – Rocky Mountains, Audi of America. “This commitment helps Audi connect influential business leaders with the passion of soccer as a backdrop to elevate community integration for America's fastest-growing sport."
The Audi Executive Club is designed specificallyto meet the needs of Utah’s business leaders. Last month, Real Salt Lake Owner Dell Loy Hansen unveiled renderings for the groundbreaking space on Rio Tinto Stadium’s East Side, opening on March 4 in conjunction with the team’s 2017 Major League Soccer season opener. View the Audi Executive Club’s updated page on www.RSL.com/ExecutiveClub or the “showcase” page on RSL’s LinkedIn profile.
New for the 2017 season, the Audi Executive Club presents a unique and exceptionalbusiness development opportunity at a full season of annual events to combine an excitingsports and entertainment atmosphere with exclusive access to Utah’s elite innovators. Fewer than 20 memberships remain, as leading companies from each business sector are invitedto participate. Interested parties should contact Kathy Nelson, Executive Club Manager, at (801) 727.2784 or knelson@RSL.com.
“Thank you to the respected, elite and pioneering Audi brand and the local Utah Audi dealers for embracing this vision,” said Hansen, entering his fifth full season as RSL’s sole owner. “In my decades of building businesses and connecting people across Utah and the Intermountain West, I’ve been amazed at the power of networking; nothing is more thrilling for methan when my associates and friends connect with each other to create great opportunities.”
AUDI EXECUTIVE CLUB AMENITIES:
• Valet parking and private parking lot available withVIP private entrance
• Pre-game access to the Audi Executive Club
• Member Recognition Plaque
• Exceptional Gourmet Buffet
• Bar service with alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialtydrinks available
• Midfield padded stadium seats
• Personalized name on stadium seat
• Pre-game field access once per year with on-fieldseating available
• Audi Executive Club lapel pin and scarf
• Use of the Executive Club for company events onnon-game days
Audi has long been a champion of soccer and the progress of the sport. In 2015, Audi of America became the official automotive sponsor of Major League Soccer in the U.S. The league sponsorship helps Audi reach a diverse, passionate and fast-growing audience that has supported the brand’s strategy of reaching the next generation of Audi buyers. Through this partnership Audi of America continues to fuel the enthusiasm of soccer stateside and help drive participation of the sport in a new way such as the 2016 introduction of the Audi Player Index. Last week, Audi announced its partnership of D.C. United’s future home, Audi Field in Washington, D.C., opening in 2018.
In addition to its U.S.-based relationships, Audi Germany has sponsored FC Bayern München since 2002. Highlights of the partnership include the Audi Cup held every two years since 2009 and the Audi Summer Tour abroad. Last summer, the brand accompanied Bayern’s training camp to the U.S. where the team played AC Milan, Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi Group is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. In 2016, AUDI AG delivered about 1.871 million Audi automobiles and broke all-time company sales records for the seventh straight year in the U.S. Visitwww.audiusa.comormedia.audiusa.com for more information regarding Audi vehicles and business topics.
ABOUT REAL SALT LAKE
Real Salt Lake kicks off its 13th Major League Soccer season this Saturday, March 4, the Utah side buoyed by a passionate fan base boasting nearly 14,000 season ticket holders at its Rio Tinto Stadium home in Sandy, where the “Claret-and-Cobalt” has enjoyed a most pronounced home-field advantage in Major League Soccer, posting an impressive 97-21-38 mark in the building since its opening in October, 2008.
RSL returns 9 of 11 starters from last season – including its co-leading scorers, FW Yura Movsisyan and FW Joao Plata, among 16 players overall – as Head Coach Jeff Cassar’s locker room is guided by iconic Captain Kyle Beckerman and GK Nick Rimando. Two of MLS’ most decorated players, Beckerman and Rimando are perennial All-Stars who have achieved individual glory and international recognition through team success – each now enter their 11th seasons in Utah, joined by DF Tony Beltran and Chris Wingert in their 10th MLS seasons on the Wasatch Front, the quartet representative of the Club’s long-tenured core.
