The University of Utah marked a significant milestone in its athletics program on Wednesday, Aug. 28, as more than 150 guests gathered for a celebratory event at the future site of Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark.

The new ballpark, located on Guardsman Way, was announced in January 2023 in conjunction with the news that the Salt Lake Bees would be moving the team and building a new stadium in South Jordan. This created an opportunity for the university to fulfill its long-held dream of finding an on-campus home for the program.

“We’re very grateful for our relationship with the Bees and the city, and for the opportunity we had to play at a Triple-A ballpark,” said Athletic Director Mark Harlan. “And now what we’ve developed is a home for the student-athletes we recruit—a home for Utah Baseball.”

Construction of the $35 million facility began in July at the former Utah Baseball practice field. The ballpark, named after America First Credit Union, is set to open for the 2026 season. The field surface, named in honor of Charlie Monfort, a U alum and Colorado Rockies owner, is slated to be available for team practice in the spring of 2025.

A new era for baseball

“This is a historic day for the University of Utah Baseball team,” said President Taylor Randall. “Today is also about the future of this baseball team in the Big 12 and playing on the national stage regularly. I am excited for what this means for our athletes, our students, and the community.”

The ballpark will feature a FieldTurf playing surface, permanent seating for 1,200 fans, and additional grass berm seating in the outfield. It will also include support spaces such as locker rooms, coaches’ offices, medical facilities, equipment storage, laundry area, and indoor batting/pitching cages. Fan amenities will include concessions, restrooms, a ticket office, and a merchandise shop.

“To us, this represents more than just a state-of-the-art athletic facility,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union, I think this is a place where people will come and their lives will change.”

Charlie Monfort’s remarks echoed this sentiment as he reminisced on the incredible impact the U had on his life. “This is a great day. It’s a very emotional, special day for me,” he said. “For what the university did to set me up for life and taught me what I learned, I’m humbled to be here and to give back to the university.”

A partnership with Salt Lake City

A key aspect of the project is the partnership between the University of Utah and Salt Lake City, which has allowed the university to lease 1.175 acres of Sunnyside Park for the new stadium. As part of this collaboration, the university will contribute $4.2 million toward improving and enhancing the amenities and green spaces at Sunnyside Park.

“This project is not just about creating a home for Utah Baseball; it’s about investing in our community,” Harlan said. “The enhancements to Sunnyside Park are a testament to our commitment to being good neighbors and creating spaces that everyone can enjoy.”

The city’s Department of Public Lands is inviting the community to engage in its Reimagine Sunnyside Park efforts in a variety of ways. Please visit slcparks.com/sunnyside for more info.

An asset to the broader community

Harlan also noted that America First Ballpark is envisioned as a community asset. The turf field will allow the stadium to host a variety of events beyond Utah Baseball games, including high school championships and other local sports events.

The university thanks all neighbors and community members who provided feedback throughout the planning process. More than 6,4000 neighbors and community members were invited to participate in an online survey and an open house last fall.

Following the groundbreaking this week, the U hosted another community open house where renderings were shared along with information pertinent to surrounding neighborhoods. (See some of the poster boards shared here.)

Looking ahead

The 2024 Utes are coming off one of the program’s best seasons in history, with 33 wins and a top-25 national ranking. As the team prepares to transition to the Big 12, the new ballpark will provide a significant boost to their competitive edge, offering top-tier facilities and a true home-field advantage.

Utah Head Baseball Coach Gary Henderson expressed his gratitude for the new ballpark, highlighting its impact on player development and community engagement. “Being on campus creates a sense of belonging. It’s simply exciting to have everything in one spot, and it’s going to be a game-changer for us.”

For more information and updates, visit ballpark.utah.edu