Utes Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Football

Head Coach: Kyle Whittingham

Team Mascot: Swoop

Year Opened: 1998

Capacity: 51444

City / State: Salt Lake City / Utah

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Holy War

Rival Team: BYU Cougars

The Holy War is the name given to the rivalry between the BYU Cougars and Utah Utes. The rivalry between the two universities stems from the stark contrast between the cultures of these two Utah-based institutions. BYU is a private religious institution while Utah is a public state school. The two schools have been playing since 1896 and the winner of the annual contests walk away with the Beehive Boot. The Utes lead the all-time series 57-34-4 and will look to expand the gap this season.

Battle of Brothers

Rival Team: Utah State Aggies

The rivalry between Utah and Utah state is the twelfth most played rivalry in college football with the two teams having met 111 times. Utah has won 22 of the last 25 meetings and held a 79-29-4 all-time series lead.

Rumble in the Rockies

Rival Team: Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado and Utah played every year from 1903-1962. However, the rivalry remained dormant until conferences realigned in 2011. The rivalry has been reignited since as both teams currently play annually in the Pac-12 South. Colorado leads the all-time series 31-27-3, but the Utes have won 3 of the four meetings since the rivalry was revived.

Utes Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Depending on where you’re from tailgating at Utah may seem a bit subdued compared to what you’re used to, but that doesn’t mean won’t still have a great time. Most importantly though Utah fans will be the first to inform you that their tailgates are way better than BYU tailgates and that’s all that matters to many. Grab a drink and fire up a grill as you’ll surely have a great time tailgating before a Utes game.

For what they may lack in wild drunken escapades, Utes fans make up for it in passion. Utes fans are incredibly passionate in the stadium, so it should be no surprise that the same passion carries over to their tailgates. The tailgates here often start the night before as people camp out to tailgate meaning that if you want to get the most out of your tailgating experience forget about getting to the game five or even six hours early since you can get there eight or even ten hours early. Come on down to a Utah tailgate to experience the best tailgate in the state and to see the outstanding passion Utes fans have for the game.

Traditions

Ute Walk

Every game the team is led by the marching band from 500 South and Guardsman Way to the stadium. During the Ute Walk the team and staff are cheered on by fans, while the spirit team throws t-shirts to the crowd of fans. Get to the game early so you can witness this great tradition.

play Watch video

Light the U

After every Utes victory the U engraved on the side of the mountain behind the university is lit up in celebration. Witness this fun tradition after watching the Utes take down the opposition.

play Watch video

Olympic Claudron

Not many stadiums can boast that they held the opening and closing ceremonies for the Olympic games, and RES still has the cauldron to prove it. The large, spiraling structure is at the sound end of the stadium and is a unique feature to view up close.

Block "U"

A large, block letter U is located in the foothills near the stadium and is the official symbol of the University of Utah. Besides being a cool feature to look at during the day, the Block U lights up after a Ute victory. Look for the U to be lit up after attending a Utes game.

Where to tailgate

Utes Stadium Guide

In Game

Don’t mess with the MUSS (The Mighty Utah Student Section). The MUSS is one of the best student sections around having consistently been rated as one of the top five student sections in the country. The student sections at Utes games is buzzing as they do everything they can to give their team an advantage whether it’s stomping their feet or cheering on a woman as she dances wildly.

The fans outside of the student section are no slouches either as they brim with passion as well. These are not only some of the most passionate fans in the country but also some of the most knowledgeable around. If you’re looking for good football conversation, then you’ve come to the right place as people here will be happy to talk shop as long as you’re friendly. The passion of these fans can easily be seen by the fact that last season alone the Utes broke five attendance records.

It’s not just the fans and atmosphere inside the stadium that make a trip to Utah a must. The scenery around Rice-Eccles Stadium is gorgeous. The mountains surrounding the stadium are majestic and give a great backdrop to the excellent football game you’re witnessing on the field. If you’re looking to take in a great game of football in a beautiful city, look no further than a Utah Utes football game.

Things to check out

Ute Thunder

The University of Utah’s Army ROTC operates a canon on the sidelines, which fires a 10-gauge shotgun blank when Utah scores. Called Ute Thunder, the cannon was built in 1904 and used during training for World War I. Look and listen for Ute Thunder as the Utah runs up the score on the opposition.

play Watch video

Crazy Lady

The band plays the Blues Brothers theme song before halftime of each home game, a tradition that started when an elderly fan known as Bubbles danced enthusiastically to the song when the band first played it. It energized the crowd so much that it became a tradition. Crazy Lady (actually named Terri Jackson) took over after Bubbles retired, and the tradition moved from before the fourth quarter to its current time before halftime. Watch as Crazy Lady energizes the crowd with her wild dancing.

play Watch video

The Mighty Utah Student Section (MUSS)

While many student sections in college football stand for the duration of the game and cheer loudly, The Muss is truly special in with its traditions. The MUSS gets its name from school’s fight song and has been named one of the top five student sections in all of college football. There is no better place to sit then in the MUSS if you really want to show off your Utes pride.

play Watch video

The Former Utah Student Section (FUSS)

A spinoff of the MUSS, the FUSS alumni fan group sits in the north end zone and continues to uphold the traditions started by the MUSS like the Third Down Jump. It was formed in 2007 and is comprised mostly of younger alumni who graduated within the past 15 years, although there are some older diehards in the mix.

U of U Chop

Fans in the MUSS form a U with their hands and chop to the beat whenever the band plays a specific percussion song

Fight Songs

  1. Utah Man

    Utah’s primary fight song

    I am a Utah man, sir, and I live across the green.
    Our gang, it is the jolliest that you have ever seen.
    Our coeds are the fairest and each one’s a shining star.
    Our yell, you hear it ringing through the mountains near and far.

Utes Bars & Restaurants

  1. Bambara Salt Lake City

    Bambara Salt Lake City

    Inspired New American bistro serving seasonal fare, cocktails & fine wines in the hip Hotel Monaco.

    202 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-363-5454

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  2. Tucanos Brazilian Grill

    lobster stainless steel containers

    Come to Tucanos Brazilian Grill, where a dining experience rich in flavor and heritage awaits you.

    162 400 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-456-2550

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Market Street Grill – Downtown

    Market Grill Street

    Market Street Grill has been rated as Utah’s most popular seafood concept, providing exceptional service and award-winning menu selections.

    48 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-322-4668

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  4. Takashi

    Takashi

    Japanese eatery & sushi bar featuring signature rolls & a big sake list in hip, contemporary digs.

    18 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

    801-519-9595

    Bar website

    asian - $$$

  5. New Yorker

    New Yorker

    Salt Lake City’s premier dining establishment, specializing in modern American cuisine featuring seasonal refined dishes and approachable comfort food enjoyed in a casually elegant setting with impeccable service.

    60 W Market St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-363-0166

    Bar website

    american - steakhouse - $$$

  6. Cafe Rio

    Cafe Rio nachos

    Self-serve eatery dishing up Mexican classics including hand-rolled tortillas, burritos & tacos.

    532 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

    801-924-3800

    Bar website

    cafe - mexican - $

  7. Lone Star Taqueria

    Tacqueria

    Buzzy joint serving signature fish tacos, burritos & beer in a funky setting with outdoor tables.

    2265 Fort Union Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84121, USA

    801-944-2300

    Bar website

    mexican - $

  8. The Dodo Restaurant

    The Dodo Restaurant

    Famously known for their desserts, which are made by their Pastry Chef Ramon, in The Dodo Bakery every day.

    1355 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA

    801-486-2473

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  9. Olympian Restaurant

    The Olympian Restaurant

    Awesome place to get your classic comfort foods.

    2181 700 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, USA

    801-487-1407

    Bar website

    american - $$

  10. Hires Big H

    Hires Big H burger

    Hires Big H is the gathering place for tasty food and cheerful service for friends and family from all walks of life.

    425 700 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

    801-944-5955

    Bar website

    american - $

  11. Nuch’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

    Nuchs Pizzeria pizza

    Compact pizzeria serving New York-style, thin-crust pizza along with pasta & homemade ricotta.

    2819 S 2300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84109, USA

    801-484-0448

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  12. Tuscany

    Tuscany

    Upscale Northern Italian eatery serving steaks & seafood in a romantic space with a tree-themed bar.

    2832 6200 S, Holladay, UT 84121, USA

    801-277-9919

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  13. Cucina Toscana

    Toscano

    Trendy, bustling trattoria that pairs creative, upmarket Tuscan dishes with an extensive wine list.

    282 S 300 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-328-3463

    Bar website

    italian - $$$

  14. Christopher’s Prime Steak House & Grill

    Christopher burgers

    Revered venue offering aged beef, cocktails & popular fixed-price options in an elegant setting.

    110 Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-519-8515

    Bar website

    steakhouse - $$$

  15. Citris Grill

    Citris Grill

    Our menu features techniques and combinations born of the finest Italian and French approaches, balanced with truly American fare.

    3977 Wasatch Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, USA

    801-466-1202

    Bar website

    american - european - italian - $$

  16. Himalayan Kitchen

    Himalayan

    Traditional Nepali and Indian Cuisine is prepared daily with the freshest ingredients from scratch by dedicated Nepali chefs.

    360 S State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

    801-328-2077

    Bar website

    asian - $$

  17. Braza Grill

    Braza Grill

    Unpretentious all-you-can-eat Brazilian steakhouse with a salad bar & meats carved tableside.

    5927 State St, Murray, UT 84107, USA

    801-506-7788

    Bar website

    bbq - steakhouse - $$

  18. Rodizio Grill

    Rodizio Grill

    Delve into our menu and savor the traditional flavors that our Brazilian steakhouse offers.

    600 S 700 E 2nd Floor, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

    801-567-0500

    Bar website

    bbq - steakhouse - $$$

  19. Tonyburgers

    Tony Burgers

    Local chain doling out burgers, salads, fries & milkshakes in a modern, counter-serve setup.

    613 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

    801-679-1194

    Bar website

    american - $

  20. Midvale Mining Cafe

    Sundowners Family Restaurant Sandwich

    Long-running, family-owned cafe serving generous plates of comfort food & an all-day breakfast.

    390 W 7200 S, Midvale, UT 84047, USA

    801-255-5511

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  21. TrioCafe Downtown

    Trio Dining

    Good price. Good atmosphere.

    680 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

    801-533-8746

    Bar website

    cafe - $$

  22. Pat’s BBQ

    Pats BBQ

    Buzzy outfit serving slow-cooked BBQ & signature burnt ends in a simple space with live music.

    155 W Commonwealth Ave, South Salt Lake, UT 84115, USA

    801-484-5963

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  23. Crown Burgers

    JD Allisons Bar & Grill Burger JRs HOmetown Grill & Pub Burger The Dotte Spot Bar & Grill Burger Jewels Delux Restaurant Burger

    Local fast-food chain serving signature pastrami-topped burgers, gyros & other Greek eats.

    377 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

    801-532-1155

    Bar website

    european - $

  24. Red Iguana

    Red Iguana

    Their recipes have always withstood the test of time.

    736 W North Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, USA

    801-322-1489

    Bar website

    mexican - $$

  25. Toasters

    Toasters

    All of Toasters sandwiches are made with fresh, locally sourced meats, breads and vegetables custom crafted to tickle your taste buds.

    151 W 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    888-339-3354

    Bar website

    american - $

  26. Wing Coop

    wing coop

    Snug counter for chicken wings with a wide variety of flavored sauces, plus sides & beer.

    3971 Wasatch Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84124, USA

    801 274-9464

    Bar website

    american - $$

  27. Moochie’s Meatballs & More

    Moochies Meatballs

    Authentic East Coast style sandwiches, salads and pasta with an Italian flair. Birch Beer on tap and Tastykakes too!

    232 800 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

    801-596-1350

    Bar website

    american - $

  28. Ruth’s Diner

    Ruths

    Historic diner in a trolley car serving American fare in a scenic locale with canyon views.

    4160 Emigration Canyon Rd, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA

    801-582-5807

    Bar website

    american - $$

  29. Capo Gelateria

    Capo Gelateria

    Capo is dedicated to promoting the art of gelato-making through its production of authentic Italian gelato in small, concentrated batches.

    260 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-322-3556

    Bar website

    italian - cafe - $

  30. Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana

    Sette bello pizza beer

    Pizza Napoletana is made with a soft dough and takes about one minute to cook in a wood-burning oven. Because of this, Pizza Napoletana has several distinctive characteristics.

    260-262 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-322-3556

    Bar website

    italian - pizza - $$

  31. SugarHouse BBQ

    Sugarhouse BBQ

    Memphis-style BBQ sandwiches & plates, plus homestyle sides, are fixed up in cool, industrial digs.

    880 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, USA

    801-463-4800

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  32. Yanni’s Greek Express

    authentic greek

    One-stop shop for fresh Greek cuisine.

    2761 Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, USA

    801-466-6525

    Bar website

    european - $$

  33. Gracie’s

    Gracies beer

    Gastropub serving American eats & cocktails in a buzzy space with live music, TVs & Downtown views.

    326 S W Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-819-7565

    Bar website

    american - $$

  34. Fiddler’s Elbow

    Fiddlers Elbow

    Bustling sports bar with multiple pool tables, HDTVs, elevated pub grub & a rustic vibe.

    1063 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, USA

    801-463-9393

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  35. The Bayou

    The bayou beer

    Buzzy eatery & bar offering Cajun-inspired fare & pub grub plus an extensive beer list & live music.

    645 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

    801-961-8400

    Bar website

    american - $$

  36. Keys on Main

    Flying Saucer Draught Emporium Beer

    Bustling destination for dueling piano performances & inventive cocktails in a clubby space.

    242 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-363-3638

    Bar website

    american - $$

  37. Desert Edge Brewery At the Pub

    Desert Edge Brewery

    Laid-back, open late cafe & microbrewery serving light sandwich & salad fare along with beers.

    273 Trolley Square, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

    801-521-8917

    Bar website

    american - $$

  38. The Tavernacle Social Club

    Cocktails Limelight

    The Tavernacle Social Club has been Downtown Salt Lake City's most wild dueling piano show since 2002 and is still the craziest sing-a-long party in Utah.

    201 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

    801-519-8900

    Bar website

    american - $$

  39. Red Rock Brewing Co

    Red Rock Brewing

    Lively brewpub offering beers & an array of New American fare in an industrial-chic setting.

    254 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-521-7446

    Bar website

    american - $$

  40. Poplar Street Pub

    House of Wings Sportsbar Beer 3rd Base Sports Bar Beer Kilroys Beer

    Laid-back bar & grill with a patio offering pizza, burgers & craft brews, plus Sunday brunch.

    242 S 200 W, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-532-2715

    Bar website

    american - $

  41. Beerhive Pub

    The Spoke beer bottles

    Cozy pub with elegant, vintage decor that offers a wide range of craft beers & haute pub grub.

    128 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-364-4268

    Bar website

    american - $$

  42. Squatters Craft Beers

    Squatters Craft

    Flagship of a relaxed microbrewery chain crafting seasonal & year-round beers & eclectic pub grub.

    147 Broadway, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-363-2739

    Bar website

    american - $$

  43. The Green Pig Pub

    Green Pig Pub

    TV-filled sports bar serving beers, cocktails & pub grub in a buzzy space with live music & trivia.

    31 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

    801-532-7441

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  44. Bohemian Brewery

    Bohemian Brewery

    From old central-European lagering traditions, to newer brew styles, there's a Bohemian Lager Beer with your name on it.

    94 Fort Union Blvd, Midvale, UT 84047, USA

    801-566-5474

    Bar website

    european - $$

  45. Piper Down Bar

    Piper Down Pub

    Lively venue offering a diverse menu of pub grub, import drafts & cocktails, plus TVs & live music.

    1492 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84115, USA

    801-468-1492

    Bar website

    american - $$

  46. The Red Door

    Red Door

    Sleek, clubby martini bar with a long drink list, sophisticated urban atmosphere & a patio.

    57 200 S #102, Salt Lake City, UT 84101, USA

    801-363-6030

    Bar website

    american - $$

  47. The Pie Pizzeria

    Pie Pizzeria pizza

    The mixed aromas pick you up, swirling you past colorful murals and old brick walls dressed in graffiti.

    1320 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

    801-582-5700

    Bar website

    pizza - $$

  48. Trolley Wing Company

    Trolley Wing Co

    Urban fixture with twice-baked wings & many sauces, plus a pool table, TVs showing sports & a patio.

    2148 South 900 East #5, Salt Lake City, UT 84106, USA

    801-538-0745

    Bar website

    american - $$

  49. The Other Place

    The Other Place

    Established, family-friendly Greek eatery serving breakfast & comfort food in large portions.

    469 E 300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111, USA

    801-521-6567

    Bar website

    european - $$

  50. B & D Burger

    BD Burger

    From their homemade zucchini fries to the premium meats they serve, they value quality and freshness as much as their customers.

    222 S 1300 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, USA

    801-582-7200

    Bar website

    american - $

  51. Barbacoa

    Barbacoa

    Mexican chain serving build-your-own tacos, burritos & nachos in a casual setting.

    859 East 900 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84105, USA

    801-359-2350

    Bar website

    mexican - $