Experiencing the University of Utah Sports Venues

Kiffer Creveling

The University of Utah and BYU marching band performed together at halftime during the game vs. the Brigham Young University Cougars at Rice-Eccles Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016. (Photo by Kiffer Creveling | Daily Utah Chronicle)

By Aria Fatahian, Sports Writer

 

With most students returning to campus this fall, the University of Utah will start to allow spectators to come to see sporting events live and in-person. So, let’s take a look at the sporting venues and see what they have to offer.

Rice-Eccles Stadium

Rice-Eccles Stadium is home to Utah football. Rice-Eccles currently has a capacity of just over 45,000 seats, but with the new stadium expansion, the stadium is set to allow over 51,000 spectators upon completion. With the expansion and renovation to the south end zone, fans should expect a louder and more jam-packed experience. The stadium is also home to the M.U.S.S. The M.U.S.S. is one of the best student sections in all of college football and is a big reason why the fan experience at Rice-Eccles Stadium is so great. With the University of Utah now allowing for a full capacity crowd this fall season, all students should get excited about the upcoming season and get their tickets now to be involved with the best fan experience in all of college football.

Jon M. Huntsman Center

The Huntsman Center is home to Utah basketball, Utah gymnastics and Utah volleyball. The stadium has a capacity of just over 15,000 seats and has one of the best environments out of any stadium in all of college sports. Whether it’s the nationally ranked gymnastics team or the top-ranked volleyball team, the Huntsman Center does it all. It’s also home to the Runnin’ Utes basketball teams. Game days for the Runnin’ Utes can be one of the craziest and best experiences you have as a student here at the University of Utah. All sporting events are free for all students this upcoming year (with M.U.S.S. registration) so don’t miss out on what the Huntsman Center has to offer.

Ute Field

The Ute Field is home to the Utah women’s soccer team and the Utah men’s lacrosse team. The new sports complex opened in August 2019 and offers some of the best fan experiences out of any college sports complex. On one side of the stadium, you have views of downtown Salt Lake City; on the other, you have views of the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains. Whether it’s soccer or lacrosse, this field truly captures the beauty of the University of Utah campus and hosts some fun and exciting games from both sports.

Dumke Family Softball Stadium

The Dumke Family Softball Stadium is home to the Utah women’s softball team. The stadium has fantastic views of campus and provides an optimal fan experience for anyone in attendance. The softball team never fails to put on a show here at the Dumke Stadium and is always a fun experience for anyone in attendance.

McCarthey Family Track and Field Complex

The McCarthey Family Track and Field Complex is home to the Utah women’s cross-country team and the Utah women’s track and field team. Just like most venues on campus, this complex has some of the best views of the University of Utah campus and of downtown Salt Lake City. The stadium is host to many track meets and events, so come stop by anytime to have a fun and exciting experience. The field is also open to students (when it’s not being used) and hosts many student-run sporting events, so you may find yourself using this field as well.

Ute Natatorium

The Ute Natatorium is home to the Utah men’s and women’s swimming teams. The natatorium hosts many swim meets for both the men’s and women’s teams and is a fun sporting venue to experience.

George S. Eccles Tennis Center

The George S. Eccles Tennis Center is home to the Utah men’s and women’s tennis teams. The center hosts meets for both teams and showcases what Utah tennis has to offer.

Smith’s Ballpark

Smith’s Ballpark is home to the Utah men’s baseball team. The stadium, which is off campus, hosts the Utah men’s baseball games. The stadium offers fantastic views of the Wasatch Mountain range and is a fun event to attend for any University of Utah student.

As you can see, the University of Utah is home to a lot of great sports venues and teams, providing a plethora of opportunities for students to cheer on their fellow Utes and experience events that will create life-lasting memories.

 

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@ariafatahian