Feb. 19, 2015 – In a unanimous decision, the Foothill Cultural District has elected to include The Tower at Rice-Eccles Stadium among its must-see destinations for visitors to the Salt Lake City east bench area.

The Tower is among the University of Utah’s premier venue spaces and is also home to the Utah Utes football team. In addition to The Tower’s public reception and special event spaces, the facility plans to launch a full tour program creating an easier and more informative way for visitors to experience the space.

“The Foothill Cultural District is excited to welcome The Tower at Rice-Eccles and share in its rich history, spectacular views, exciting sports events and diverse event space” said Debbie Tucker, president of the Foothill Cultural District. “Our out-of-state visitors will have a great University of Utah experience as they enjoy The Tower and its breathtaking 360-degree views of the valley and surrounding foothills.”

In 2002, Rice-Eccles Stadium earned international acclaim as host of the Winter Olympic Games’ opening and closing ceremonies. Following the games, the Olympic Cauldron Park was established at the southern end of the Rice-Eccles complex.

The recent relocation of the park’s Olympic museum and associated memorabilia to the Utah Olympic Park near Park City incited a transitional phase at Rice-Eccles Stadium that, in turn, spurred the Foothill Cultural District to reevaluate its affiliation with the venue.

Gordon Wilson, assistant vice president for Auxiliary Services at the University of Utah, is pleased with the Foothill Cultural District’s decision, believing that Rice-Eccles has much more to offer visitors and local residents than simply its unique Olympic heritage.

“We were honored to host the Olympic Cauldron Park in its entirety for well over a decade,” Wilson said. “But, we are glad that visitors to Park City can now see all of the artifacts and heritage of the 2002 games together in one place, ensuring a complete Olympic experience.”

Of the future at Rice-Eccles, Wilson foresees similarly inspiring experiences, now much more accessible to the general public. “Looking ahead, we are excited to again provide a place of interest for visitors and community members alike who we hope will come and enjoy this beautiful, historic place.”

The Foothill Cultural District, a collaboration of eight diverse attractions, seeks to preserve the culture and history of Salt Lake City and believes The Tower at Rice-Eccles Stadium and its environs greatly contribute to the vitality of that history.