Rio Tinto officially hosting CONCACAF Olympic qualifying semifinal, final

Rio Tinto Stadium will be the home to four substantial international matches in October, when the stadium is officially set to host the CONCACAF Olympics qualifying semifinals and final.

The semifinal matches will take place Oct. 10, while the final and third-place match will take place Oct. 13. The two finalists will qualify for the 2016 Olympics, while the third-place team will face Colombia for an additional qualifying position.

Luis Gil is almost certain to be involved in the tournament, having played frequently with the group already, while Real Salt Lake right back Boyd Okwuounu will be hoping to earn a spot after several national team camps with the group.

With Jordan Allen departing shortly for the United States U-20s in the FIFA U-20 World Cup, he may find himself in pole position for qualifying as well.

Real Monarchs and Real Salt Lake season ticket holders will receive priority access to tickets for the matches, according to a press release.

RSL president Bill Manning said the team has received support from the Utah Sports Commission.

"Our work with the Utah Sports Commission has allowed us to be active in bidding on these type events, and we’re all very excited to be chosen as host of the semifinal & final doubleheaders for CONCACAF’s entry into the 2016 Olympic Games," Manning said in a press release.

Photo by Brian Bahr

Jeff Robbins, president and CEO of the Utah Sports Commission, described the matches as part of a "series of key events" the commission will partner with.

"As part of our great state’s sport and Olympic legacy efforts, this event will once again attract national and international coverage, putting Utah back in the spotlight," Robbins said.