On Monday, April 30, The Real Monarchs welcomed 4,065 fans to the new Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah, to play against Las Vegas Lights FC. Although the game ended in a scoreless draw, it was far from boring. Multiple supporter’s groups marched to the stadium, beating drums, waving flags, and chanting—all to support the 2017 USL Season Champs in the newest chapter of their story.
The crowd went wild in the first twenty minutes after LV defender Marcelo Alatorre took out Monarch goal-scorer Sebastian Valasquez on top of the box, resulting in a red card for the Lights. The painted two-poles and standing spectators continued to cheer until the last second of the match, upholding their reputation for being some of the best fans in the USL.
Here’s what some of the fans had to say about watching the Monarch’s first home game at Zions Bank Stadium:
Rick Walker (Wasatch Legion)
“I like how close we are to the pitch, and that we are on the goal end of the pitch where supporter group sections should be. I love the bleachers—we don’t need chairs—we shouldn’t be sitting any way! We can still stand near each other but far enough apart where we still wear each other, but we can still all wave our flags…I love how our bench is nearest us, and I love interacting with the reserves as they are warming up—it makes us feel like we are getting to know them even more than we already do.”
Megan Webb (Supporter from Section 5)
“The new facilities Dell Loy Hansen has built are incredible to see. Living out in Herriman, I got to watch the stadium get built—and finally getting to go in was awesome! All in all, I love what we are able to have for our Monarchs now, and I can’t wait to watch them here. The vibes here are of family feelings.”
Chiqui Pelaez (RioT Brigade)
“The Monarchs game was great! Being closer to the field makes the supporters groups a little bit more intimidating for the away players. The stadium carries noise everywhere in the field, and hopefully, people will join in on the chants in the future! The best thing about Monarchs games is that you see younger and younger people coming—also, the players are approachable, and that helps the team have a strong fan base for many years. Seeing the academy players in the stands or jumping with the supporter’s groups can help them focus on their future goals. Overall, the stadium is beautiful, the fans were great, and seeing young people enjoying the game was amazing! We have a lot to be thankful for – to Dell Loy Hansen and RSL – for the future to come in Utah.”
Ryan Kelly (Supporter from Section 35)
“I loved the stadium, and the way the crowd feels so big and everything is so close to the field. The views are amazing, and I think that’s going to be a great thing for the Monarchs to continue that idea that you earn your way. Plus, it’s unique to them [Monarchs] and they can create their own environment with their own fans.
Up next:
The Monarchs will get a second chance this Friday, May 4, against Orange County SC at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, UT. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. MT, as head coach Mark Briggs and the boys look to continue their best start in club history.