🏈 Prepare for Utah football traffic

University of Utah football is back! Prepare for traffic delays as fans swarm Rice-Eccles Stadium for the season opener Thursday at 7 p.m. against the Idaho Vandals. Here's what's at play this year. [University of Utah]

• The Utes are ranked No. 21 in the preseason coaches poll, following the team's 11-2 record last season. They’re trailing behind Brigham Young University, which sits at No. 15 in the lineup. [AFCA]
• Morgan Scalley took the reins as the Utes' head coach after Kyle Whittingham left for the University of Michigan. But a bit of drama follows his — and his brother's — departure. The U is suing Freddie Whittingham, a former Utah assistant coach, for allegedly breaching his contract by following Kyle to Michigan before it expired. The school is seeking more than $300,000 for the contract and about $1 million in additional damages. [University of Utah, ESPN]
• It hasn't been an easy offseason. The leadership transition comes on the heels of six former Utah football players speaking out against the program for mishandling their injuries and pressuring them to play. All eyes are on senior quarterback Devon Dampier, who played through several injuries last season. He's reportedly healthy now. [Salt Lake Tribune, KSL Sports]
• Heading to the game? Expect road closures on Guardsman Way starting at 4 p.m. Your ticket is your fare if you plan to take the TRAX up. The stadium has a clear bag policy, so leave backpacks at home. [University of Utah]
• Mark your calendar for the "Holy War" rivalry game on Saturday, Nov. 7, when the Utes face off against the BYU Cougars. BYU won the last three meets; will Scalley be able to break their streak? [Ticketmaster, KUTV]

3rd Annual Banished! Ride

Registration opens today for the Banished! Pride Ride on Antelope Island, an opportunity to wear red and joyously reclaim a dark moment in Utah’s history. In 1988, a state legislator allegedly suggested that Utahns with AIDS be painted red and exiled to Antelope Island. Hate that? Register to ride or volunteer on Saturday, Oct. 3. [City Cast Salt Lake, Banished!]

Gateside Goodbyes at SLC International

SLC International Airport was chosen for a new “Gateside by TSA PreCheck” program, allowing enrolled passengers to clear security without a boarding pass. Accompany family to their gates, meet a friend with a long layover, or just hit up the Shake Shack. [Salt Lake Tribune]

Culinary Dropout Opens in Granary

The historic Utah Pickle Company Building in Salt Lake City’s Granary District went from rubble to the new home of Culinary Dropout, a Scottsdale-based restaurant offering live music Thursday through Saturday and the game on Sundays. Get the truffle deviled eggs! [Culinary Dropout]

SLC Apartments Are Shrinking

According to RentCafe, new apartments in Salt Lake City are averaging 728 square feet, well below the national size. We feasted on this stat. [City Cast Salt Lake 🎧]

Got a favorite restaurant or business you can't stop telling people about? Become a City Cast Salt Lake neighbor and share your favorites with the community.

Here's a delicious rec from a member:

📣 Brett I. loves “Ming's Garden in Taylorsville! Phenomenal General Tso's chicken — lightly breaded, great sauce, [and] genuinely different from any other Chinese restaurant's General Tso's chicken.”

Many of our favorite discoveries come from members. Join the neighborhood and help spread the love. Shout out to our newest neighbor, Lizzie C!