Explore Rice-Eccles Stadium and Salt Lake City with a Guided Bus Tour
When you think of Salt Lake City, chances are images of the towering Wasatch Mountains or the shimmering Great Salt Lake come to mind. But ask any local, and they'll tell you there's another landmark that holds a special place in Utah’s heart: Rice-Eccles Stadium. Here at Attraction Explorers, we’re excited to guide you through the fascinating story of this iconic venue, its Olympic legacy, and why a Salt Lake City tour isn't complete without seeing it firsthand.
Discover Rice-Eccles Stadium: A Salt Lake City Icon
Rice-Eccles Stadium stands proudly on the University of Utah campus, its bright red seats and massive scoreboard dominating the landscape. Built for the 2002 Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies, it remains one of Utah’s most important venues — and it’s gearing up to shine again when Salt Lake hosts the 2034 Winter Games!
Some quick highlights about Rice-Eccles Stadium:
Olympic History: In preparation for the 2002 Winter Olympics, the old Rice Stadium was torn down and rebuilt in less than a year, a true feat of engineering.
Ceremony Central: For the Games, the stadium floor was paved over and turned into a massive stage for performances and ceremonies.
Legendary Moments: The 1980 "Miracle on Ice" U.S. hockey team had the honor of lighting the Olympic cauldron in 2002, and President George W. Bush made history by opening the Games here.
Sky-High Energy: Sitting at nearly 4,700 feet above sea level, Rice-Eccles isn't just high in elevation; the energy inside on game days and during concerts is absolutely electric.
Not Just for Sports: Hosting major concerts from U2 to Luke Combs, Rice-Eccles is where Salt Lake comes together to celebrate.
Want to stand where Olympic legends once stood? Many of our Salt Lake City guided tours drive by or stop at Rice-Eccles Stadium — perfect for a photo op!
Strolling the University of Utah Campus
Adjacent to Rice-Eccles is the sprawling University of Utah campus, a vibrant mix of historic charm and cutting-edge innovation. Founded in 1850, it was the very first public university established west of the Mississippi.
What you’ll experience on our SLC sightseeing tours:
Historic Buildings: From the picturesque Park Building to the modern libraries and museums.
State Arboretum: Home to a living collection of trees and plants, including the beautiful Red Butte Garden.
Cultural Hotspots: Visit the Natural History Museum of Utah, filled with dinosaur fossils and mineral exhibits, or explore the Utah Museum of Fine Arts.
Innovation in Action: The University is a launchpad for tech startups and medical research, playing a huge part in Utah's "Silicon Slopes" scene.
Whether you're a history buff, a science lover, or just someone who enjoys stunning views, the U's hillside location offers something for everyone.
Reliving the 2002 Winter Olympics
Salt Lake City's Olympic legacy is still alive and well — and there’s no better place to feel that spirit than at Rice-Eccles Stadium. The 2002 Opening Ceremonies were a spectacular affair, with dazzling fireworks, patriotic tributes, and unforgettable moments broadcast to over 3 billion viewers worldwide.
Highlights from the 2002 Games:
Transformed Stadium: Temporary seating and massive set pieces turned Rice-Eccles into a world stage.
Groundbreaking Moments: President Bush’s opening speech, the World Trade Center flag tribute, and Mike Eruzione’s iconic torch-lighting.
Community Pride: Salt Lake locals turned out by the thousands to volunteer, celebrate, and welcome the world.
Our SLC bus tours often share behind-the-scenes stories you won't find in guidebooks — straight from locals who lived through the Olympic excitement.
Looking Ahead to the 2034 Winter Games
Salt Lake City is preparing to host the Winter Olympics once again in 2034! With venues like Rice-Eccles Stadium already built and ready, Utah is poised to offer another unforgettable global celebration.
Expectations for 2034:
Modern Updates: Refreshed infrastructure and cutting-edge technology will enhance the Olympic experience.
Park City Action: Many skiing and snowboarding events will take place just up the canyon.
Salt Lake's Signature Hospitality: Our friendly, welcoming vibe will make every visitor feel at home.
If you're visiting Utah soon, it's a fantastic time to experience the city's Olympic spirit in action. Attraction Explorers offers special day tours that highlight sites from both the 2002 and upcoming 2034 Games!
Must-See Attractions Around Salt Lake City
While Rice-Eccles Stadium is a showstopper, Salt Lake City has so much more to offer. Our Salt Lake City sightseeing tours showcase the best spots, including:
Temple Square: Historic center of the city and home to the world-famous Tabernacle Choir.
Utah State Capitol: Stunning architecture and incredible views from Capitol Hill.
Red Butte Garden: Gorgeous botanical gardens perfect for a scenic stroll.
The Great Salt Lake: Take a side trip to see North America’s largest saltwater lake — yes, you really can float!
City Creek Center: A beautiful shopping area with an actual creek running through it.
Natural History Museum of Utah: Dinosaur lovers, this one’s for you.
Park City: Charming alpine town with world-class dining, shopping, and Olympic history.
From stunning landscapes to fascinating history, Salt Lake City has activities for every kind of traveler.
Why Choose Attraction Explorers for Your Salt Lake City Tour?
Attraction Explorers isn't just another tour company — we're passionate locals who love sharing our city's best-kept secrets. Our Salt Lake City guided tours are crafted to help you see, experience, and fall in love with Utah, just like we have.
Our tours feature:
Comfortable transportation in buses or vintage trolleys
Expert local guides who know the history — and the hidden gems
Flexible itineraries with fun stops and photo ops
Insider tips on where to eat, shop, and explore after your tour
Ready to experience the magic of Salt Lake City firsthand? Whether you're interested in Olympic history, stunning architecture, or breathtaking landscapes, there's an Attraction Explorers tour perfect for you.
Book Your Salt Lake City Tour with Attraction Explorers Today!
Salt Lake City is calling — and there's no better way to answer than with a guided adventure from Attraction Explorers. Join one of our SLC sightseeing tours to explore iconic landmarks like Rice-Eccles Stadium, the University of Utah, Temple Square, and beyond.
Visit www.AttractionExplorers.com to view all our available tours and secure your spot. Seats fill up fast, especially around major events, so don’t miss out.
Come explore Salt Lake City with us — the history, the beauty, and the unforgettable memories are waiting. Let's go!
