As the Salt Lake Bees prepare to relocate to South Jordan's Daybreak, Salt Lake City is actively exploring future uses for the soon-to-be-vacant Smith's Ballpark. The city's Redevelopment Agency has introduced three primary redevelopment scenarios for the 13.5-acre site:
Preservation: This plan retains the existing stadium structure, repurposing it for community sports, entertainment events, and markets. The facility would feature a seating capacity of approximately 4,000 for concerts, with additional field space available. Surrounding areas would be developed to include local businesses and public amenities.
Partial Demolition and Adaptive Reuse: Under this scenario, portions of the stadium would be demolished to make way for a cultural center and open green spaces. Elements of the original structure would be preserved to maintain a connection to the site's history, while introducing new community-focused facilities.
Complete Demolition and Green Space Development: This option involves fully demolishing the stadium to create expansive green spaces, potentially including parks and nature-focused areas, aimed at enhancing ecological restoration and providing recreational opportunities for residents.
Community feedback has shown a preference for preserving aspects of the ballpark, reflecting the neighborhood's desire to maintain a connection to its baseball heritage. The city plans to finalize the design by March 2025, with construction anticipated to commence in 2026.
Mayor Erin Mendenhall emphasized the significance of this redevelopment, stating it is a "once-in-a-century opportunity to breathe new life into one of Salt Lake City’s most family-centric spaces while staying true to the heart of the Ballpark neighborhood."
As plans progress, the city remains committed to engaging with residents to ensure the redevelopment aligns with communications, aiming to transform the area into a vibrant, multifunctional space that honors its historical roots while embracing future possibilities.
