What to consider when traveling to a Utes game?

Do you still need to be a "member" to drink at bars there?

I've been there twice. The things that stood out to me were that you could smoke in the airport (they had smoking rooms in the terminal). Its pretty scenic. Outside of bars, you have to be served food if you want some alcohol. Mormons will try and "friend" you, it's not what you think. As others have mentioned there are some very good food options downtown and its kinda walkable.

Oh, don't put on a pair of magic underwear, you'll never be able to take them off.

As noted a couple times above, Red Iguana is fantastic Mexican food and the jalapeno margarita is great.  I'd also highly recommend Takashi for sushi.  You might think I'm crazy recommending a sushi place in the middle of Utah, but it is honestly some of the best sushi I've had anywhere. There is also a bar right next door (or used to be a couple years ago when I was last there) that you can wait for your table and have a couple drinks.  Even co-workers who would travel in from Seattle would make it a required stop after I took them there.  If you're more in the burger mood, Squatters is a solid choice.  I'd recommend going to the one up on the way to Park City though, it has a cool view depending where you sit and that mountain vibe.  

If you hit up Park City, make sure to check out the Banksy art on the side of Java Cow too.  Even if you're not a fan, it's cool to see something like that in person.  

If you're drinking in a restaurant too, I'd recommend sticking to beer or wine.  All of the restaurants use the single-ounce measuring attachment on the bottles, so a vodka tonic is a lot more tonic than you'd probably be expecting.  

I may be a bit biased because I am a huge skier and my parents both did their grad work at the U but SLC (and the surrounding mountains) is one of my very favorite areas to visit. 

Is a great town.  Trust Yelp.  You'll be able to find great restaurants and bars, no problem.  Whiskey Street is a personal favorite.

You don't need to be a 'member' anymore to drink (the Olympics drove significant cultural change in SLC).  Pretty much everyone is super friendly.  Midwestern nice without the judgment (as someone pointed out early in the thread).

If you have the time to hang out and hike, there are a ton of parks and options within 45 minutes of the city.

Get up in the mountains for sure.  They are really close, particularly Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons.  You could go to Park City, but for a more intimate true mountain experience I think the the Cottonwood Canyons are better.  There were a couple of excellent posts above recommending specific hikes.

The National Parks in Utah are a long drive from SLC...I wouldn't attempt them unless you have at least three extra days to spare.  The Unita Mountains are much closer and also spectacular.  Google options for hiking in the High Unita Wilderness (buying a guidebook would be smart) and you won't be dissapointed.  No need to chase the "big name" natural attractions in a place like Utah; it is a diverse spectacular state with many options.  Spend time in the glory, not in your car.

Early September is an awesome time to visit the high country.  Warm perfect days, cool nights.  Bring a warm jacket for hanging out in the evenings.

can be hard to find

Stay off remote Interstate and other highways late at night.  If you must drive them late don't stop for bodies laying in the road.  Don't stop for other motorists. Change lanes just as you go under an over-pass.

One thing to always consider re: Utes (both at a Utes game and in general) - before assuming voracity of visual identification - especially from a distance - with respect to testimony that a single set of Utes sped to the Sac-O-Suds in a metallic, mint green, 1964 Buick Skylark convertible, shooting and killing the attendant, before speeding away in the same car; one must always consider whether he/she actually saw two different sets of Utes: the first driving the Buick, while a second set of Utes driving a metallic, mint green, 1963 Pontiac Tempest, may in fact have been the Utes who shot the attendant and sped away.

Red Iguana on West North Temple is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. Don't waste your time and money on the usual taco/combination plate fare; you want one of the molés. Any of them. In fact you might be able to talk your waiter into bringing you a sampler so you can try them all.

Don't get confused and find yourself at the Blue Iguana.

SLC state liquor stores will close by 10pm, and most saturday nights will have a massive line.  Get to the liquor store early saturday and buy extra, if you run out at 11pm Saturday night its a long wait till Monday morning.