Smith’s Ballpark, located at 77 West 1300 South in Salt Lake City, has been a cornerstone of Utah’s baseball heritage since its opening in 1994. Initially named Franklin Quest Field, it underwent several name changes—Franklin Covey Field and Spring Mobile Ballpark—before adopting its current name in 2014 through a partnership with Smith’s Food & Drug Stores. With a seating capacity of 14,511, the stadium is renowned for its stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains beyond the outfield.
The ballpark served as the home of the Salt Lake Bees, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels, until 2024. In 2023, the Bees announced plans to relocate to a new stadium in South Jordan’s Daybreak community, citing the need for modern facilities and the opportunity to anchor a mixed-use development. The new venue, The Ballpark at America First Square, opened in April 2025 with a capacity of 8,000 and features amenities like premium seating, a mini-golf course, and adjacent retail spaces. Source: MLB.com
The departure of the Bees has prompted Salt Lake City officials to initiate the “Ballpark NEXT” project, exploring options for the 13.5-acre site, including maintaining the stadium, partial demolition, or complete redevelopment. Community members express mixed feelings, mourning the loss of a neighborhood staple while anticipating new opportunities for the area. Source: The Salt Lake Tribune
