Bosnia-Herzegovina tied with Canada in its FIFA World Cup opener north of the border in just its second appearance for the world event. While the team’s remaining games will be in Los Angeles and Seattle, during the weeks between its upcoming matchups with Switzerland and Qatar, the team is training in Utah.
Using Real Salt Lake’s facilities in Sandy, the team will temporarily reside in the Wasatch Front until it leaves for its final game, where it will either go home or relocate to its knockout round site, which would be a first for the country.
But while the team is in Utah, assuming the players can break from team responsibilities for a short bit, we’ve compiled a few ideas for Utah sites they should see?
World’s biggest Costco
Without a Costco in Bosnia-Herzegovina, many players on the national team may have never stepped inside the giant wholesale store. Fortunately for them, the world’s largest Costco, sitting at 235,000 square feet, is a quick drive away, since the store is located in Salt Lake City.
There may be no need for the team to buy in bulk, but they could at least wander the giant store watching Utahns buy a variety of foods in bulk. They could even get themselves a chicken bake or a $1.50 Costco hot dog.
Of course, they would probably need to secure a membership, as Costco is for members only.
Arches National Park
Utah’s state flag features the color red, representing the state’s stunning red rock, a rare sight throughout the world. And if the players wants to see the desert version of their very own Hajdučka Vrata (Outlaw’s Gate), Arches National Park is the place to go.
Formed by years of weather carving out stunning natural arches, the desert beauty attracts more than a million visitors every year
Great Salt Lake
Named by American explorer John C. Fremont, the Great Salt Lake surprised earlier explorers with its extreme salinity. Some even believed it was an arm of the Pacific Ocean. Eventually, Utah’s capital city would be named after the lake that is three times saltier than the ocean.
Since the Bosnian team traveled across the globe to an area near the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere, it feels like a must-see location. The players could take a drive out to Antelope Island and see the more than 550 bison roaming the isolated environment.
There might even be time for a visit out to the Bonneville Salt Flats, where remains left over from the ancient Lake Bonneville sit.
Temple Square
It seems Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City is a must. The area was settled by pioneers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1847 when Brigham Young said, according to later church president Wilford Woodruff, “It is enough. This is the right place.” Since then, members of the church have greatly impacted the state culturally.
Although parts of Temple Square are closed for seismic renovations of the iconic Salt Lake Temple, much of the grounds are still available to walk around. Also, an entirely new visitors’ center also recently opened May 18 to the public, where visitors can learn more about the iconic building.
Swig
What would a stay in Utah be without a stop at Swig? Celebrities such as pop star Olivia Rodrigo and Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy have stopped by in the past to try the cultural phenomenon at its origins in Utah.
The Bosnian football team may be too healthy for the sugary drink, but exceptions can be made, right? Hey, that’s what the Powerade options are for.