Construction is underway for the University of Utah’s new America First Ballpark. A community open house at the site on Aug. 28, 2024 marked a “new era of Utah Baseball.”
Plans for the new ballpark were announced in April 2023 following news of the Salt Lake City Bees’ relocation to South Jordan. Utah Baseball has shared the Smith’s Ballpark with the Bees as their home field for almost three decades.
“We’re very appreciative of the terrific partnership we have enjoyed for nearly three decades with the Salt Lake Bees and the city for our baseball program to play its home games at Smith’s Ballpark,” said Mark Harlan, director of athletics at the U.
Harlan said the relocation gave Utah Baseball the chance to make their dream of finding an on-campus home a reality.
Facilities
Fundraising for the ballpark began after the U’s Board of Trustees granted contingency approval for the project. Its location on Guardsman Way was chosen after assessing multiple sites around campus. Factors like buildability, compatibility with campus growth, closeness to campus parking and public transit access were considered. Salt Lake City is leasing over an acre of Sunnyside Park to the U to for the project.
The facility will have amenities for both fans and the team. Some of these include new locker rooms, medical facilities, ticket offices and concessions. The park will also seat 1,200 fans and have additional grass berm seating. The project is estimated to cost $35 million.
Construction started this July. Gary Henderson, the University of Utah’s head baseball coach, said they’re hoping it will be complete by March 2026. However, the team could start using the field for practice as early as next year.
“The playing surface would be done while they’re still working on the seating area, the stadium and the physical aspect of the stadium as well,” Henderson said. “But, the field itself would be viable for practice.”
Recognitions
The facility has been named the America First Ballpark after the U’s Athletics Department entered a multi-year naming rights agreement with America First Credit Union.
“The naming rights and the support that they’ve given us is just a tremendous boost,” Henderson said. “It was really kind of the impetus that got this thing going.”
At the community event on Aug. 28, President and CEO of America First Credit Union Thayne Shaffersaid they appreciate the opportunity to serve the U and its community.
“To us, this is just an extension of a decades-long partnership that we value so much with this university,” Shaffer said.
The field will be named after Charlie Monfort, a U alum and owner of the Colorado Rockies. The name recognizes Monfort’s significant donations to the project.
Henderson said the ballpark is more than just a new construction project. It’s an opportunity to connect Utah Baseball to the campus community and beyond.
“It gives students the ability to walk to a baseball game in the spring rather than getting in the car and driving downtown. It’s certainly going to help,” Henderson said. “It’s a statement as to where baseball is, and in the mind of the athletic department and the athletic director.”
