When the University of Utah kicks off its 2021 football season on Sept. 2, it will also mark the launch of U Club — a members-only restaurant and private event facility in the new end zone section at Rice Eccles Stadium.
Members of the public who want to enjoy the restaurant part of U. Club will have to pay an initiation fee as well as monthly dues.
Don’t worry about breaking the bank, said Brandon Millares Senior Vice President with ClubCorp, the Dallas-based company that the University has hired to operate the space. “We’re more inclusive than we are exclusive.”
Of course, that all depends on your socio-economic status.
To enjoy the restaurant, lounges and other areas on game day, you’ll have to be one of the University’s premium ticket holders
“We want this to be the front porch of the campus,” said Millares. “It will be a gathering ground for faculty and staff, alumni, the business community and visitors from out of town — the place to come and dine and really be a part of the university that they’re so proud of.”
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(University of Utah) A rendering of the U Club, a new members-only restaurant opening inside Rice Eccles Stadium.
During a telephone interview, Millares answered some basic questions about the space.
Where is the restaurant located? • The U Club takes up three levels inside the new Ken Garff Red Zone. But the year-round restaurant will be on the top level. It will have a large patio overlooking the field with views of the Wasatch Mountains. There also are work and meeting spaces.
What happens on the two lower levels? • On game day, U Club’s catering and banquet staff will serve premium ticket holders in the 14 private suites — each with patios equipped with firepits. There also is a main-level lounge that will hold 800 fans, who get to watch the team as it runs onto the field.
When will the restaurant open? • Initially, U Club will only be open on game days, Milagres said. But by October, the top-floor restaurant will be open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday and dinner Wednesday through Saturday. Stay tuned for exact dates and hours.
What kind of food can we expect? Lunch in the restaurant will be more casual with sandwiches, salads and hamburgers, while dinner will have more entrees and fine-dining options.
Can I get an alcoholic drink? Yes and no. The restaurant area received a full-service liquor license from the state which allows it to serve beer, wine and spirits to diners who order food. It also has a banquet and catering licenses which allows alcohol service during private events.
However, on game day — under state law and University policy — U Club will be dry. (Same goes for other events like concerts)
What does it cost to be a member? The initiation fee ranges from $250 for University faculty and staff to $500 for Utah residents. Monthly dues cost between $30 and $75. Food and drinks are note included in this cost.
There also are upgraded options which give members access to ClubCorp’s network properties across the country including golf and country clubs, city clubs and stadium clubs at The University of Arizona, the University of Texas, Texas Tech, Baylor, Florida State University and Virginia Tech.
Where do I sign up to become a member? • To learn more about the membership or to apply visit utahuclub.com
