Paleontologists say the largest of the raptor dinosaurs, the Utahraptor, likely ambushed big, meaty prey in packs around Utah 124 million years ago. Today, Raptors in Utah hit home runs, prefer hot dogs to Iguanodons and seem much friendlier.
The Ogden Raptors have played baseball in Utah since 1994, starting at the city’s small Serge Simmons Field while waiting for a stadium. “Interesting factoid on that site,” says Dave Baggott, team founder and the majority owner, “we rented the old floor seats and risers from the Salt Palace where the Jazz played.”
Entrance to Lindquist
Field, built in 1997. Photo courtesy of Ogden Raptors.
Raptor Mascot, Oggie.
gives some Raptor sass to passing umpires. Photo courtesy of Ogden Raptors.
Lindquist Field opened in downtown Ogden three years later, giving fans a short walk from restaurants and bars and boasting one of the best mountain-city backdrops in baseball.
“Every year, I look forward to everything,” Baggott says. “From the players and coaches to the sponsors and fans, it’s fun to reconnect every season with people I haven’t seen since last season. I also look forward to meeting the latest generation of fans whose parents came to Raptors games when they were children and now share those memories by bringing their
own children.”
Baggott says the team’s biggest rivals are the Boise Hawks and Rocky Mountain Vibes (of Colorado Springs). “Mainly because the coaching staff in those cities are former Raptors coaches and are dear friends,” he says. “That said, we want to beat up on each other, but at the end of the day, we’re all brothers.”
Ahead of the season, Baggott expected big plays from returning players Chris Sargent, Mitch Stone, Connor Bagnieski and Kenny Oyama.
Raptor’s mascot, Oggie, hugs a friend at Ogden’s George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park. Photo courtesy of Ogden Raptors.
While the team began its season in May, you can still see them take on Boise at home from July 22–27 and Sept. 2–7. They play the Vibes at home Aug. 19–24.
“The Raptors will always be family-friendly and affordable for everyone,” Baggott says. “It is a magical place, and I encourage all to come out.”
Want to learn about Utah’s actual prehistoric raptors at a paleontology museum and dinosaur sculpture park? Visit the George S. Eccles Dinosaur Park, just 10-minutes from
the ballpark.
For the Little Raptors
The Ogden Raptors welcome kids to the field before every Sunday game to play catch. Kids can also join Oggie’s Kids Club ($25) and get the following benefits:
- Discounts on merch and concessions
- Five free box-seat tickets
- Opportunities to meet players and throw the opening pitch
Visit ogden-raptors.com for details
Ogden Raptors after winning the 2023 championship games. Photos courtesy of Ogden Raptors. Photo courtesy of Ogden Raptors.
Ball Park Promos
Tuesdays: First 300 fans receive a free Raptors cap; $5 box seats (limit 8) by showing your Bank of Utah debit/credit card.
Wednesdays: $2 hot dogs; $5 box seats (limit 8) by showing your Wells Fargo debit/credit card.
Thursdays: Discounted sodas and beer; $5 box seats (limit 8) by showing your American First Credit Union debit/credit card.
Fridays: First 300 fans receive a free Raptors T-shirt.
Saturdays: First 500 fans receive a free mystery item.
Sundays: Free concession food items (really, free food on Sundays).
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