Real Salt Lake is an American professional soccer club based in the Salt Lake City metropolitan area that began play in Major League Soccer in 2005. The club’s visual identity was unveiled on October 9, 2004, at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where owner David Checketts introduced the name, colors and shield together. The identity was designed by MLS Creative Director Richard S. Levy in conjunction with Salt Lake City-based Love Communications and New York-based Casscles Design.[1]
Design and History
The original crest, introduced in 2004 and used through the 2009 season, features the “Real” word mark inserted into a classic shield atop an interlocking RSL ligature, with a “ducal” crown signifying an accent above the “e” in Real. The interlocking RSL type features a more prominent “R” that unifies the “SL.” At the protruding point at the culmination of the shield sits a stylized, multi-colored soccer ball icon, described by the club as the “jewel” of the shield and the proverbial “gem” in the crown.[1]The club’s name references Spanish football tradition, where “Real” means “royal” and is used by clubs to signify a connection with royalty. Checketts described “regal aspirations” for the organization and hinted at a relationship with Spain’s Real Madrid.[2]The current primary crest, in use since 2010, retains the core elements of the original design. It shows the RSL monogram in yellow and red beneath a crown, with a soccer ball inside a blue shield outlined in red and gold.[3] The original logo was used from 2004 until 2009, with the updated version appearing from 2010 onward.[4]Meaning and Symbolism
The club’s color palette carries documented regional and thematic meaning. Claret Red was intended to signify the passion and excitement that soccer generates among the Utah populace, while Cobalt Blue was meant to embody the state’s mountains, lakes and natural beauty. The accent of Real Gold was inspired by the golden significance of crowns and royalty throughout history.[1]The crown element connects directly to the “Real” name and its royal connotations. The club described the identity as incorporating several “regal” elements, with the crown serving as the most significant feature alongside the Real word mark and RSL ligature.[1]Typography and Design
The original identity combined a “Real” word mark with an interlocking RSL ligature, both placed within a classic shield form. The club noted that hundreds of variations on the logo, colors and identity designs were developed, tested and revised between July 2004, when MLS was brought to Utah, and the October unveiling.[1]Logo Index is an independent educational archive covering logos, visual identities and graphic design history. All trademarks and brand assets remain the property of their respective owners.
