University of Utah to build $35 million baseball stadium

A rendering of the proposed University of Utah on-campus baseball stadium. Photo: Courtesy University of Utah Athletics

SALT LAKE CITY— The University of Utah announced yesterday that a fundraising drive to construct a new on-campus baseball stadium is now underway.

The new facility, which could open as early as 2025, will cost approximately $35 million and sit on Guardsman Way at the site of the current Utah Baseball practice field.

“I’d like to thank the Trustees for their approval to move forward with this important project to support our baseball program with a stadium on our campus,” said Mark Harlan, director of athletics. “We have incredible engagement from donors, and we are actively working to reach our fundraising goals.”

The University of Utah Baseball Team has shared the Smith’s Ballpark in downtown Salt Lake City with the Salt Lake Bees minor league baseball team since 1996. However, in January Bees ownership announced that that the team will move to a new stadium in South Jordan after its final season at the Smith’s Ballpark in 2024.

“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 Harlan. “This is also a tremendous opportunity for us to finalize our quest to find an on-campus home for Utah Baseball that has been pursued for nearly 10 years.”

According to Harlan, current stadium plans include a capacity of 1,200 and amenities such as concessions, restrooms, ticketing offices, team facilities, and coaches offices.