In the summer of 2024, the University of Utah began construction on a new ballpark for Utah Utes baseball.
The construction on Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark is set to be complete in the spring of 2026.
The project has an estimated cost of $38 million. Much of this money was raised privately.
Features and Amenities at America First Ballpark
According to Utah Athletics, the total capacity of America First Ballpark is 3,000.
Permanent seating at the ballpark can hold 1,200 people, and other seating is available on inclined grass along the outfield fences.
The baseball program itself will receive many amenities. This includes new locker rooms, equipment storage spaces, coaching offices, indoor pitching and batting cages, as well as medical spaces.
A new press box will be available at America First Ballpark for media who attend games.
Field Turf Playing Surface Installed in August
In August, the university installed its field turf playing surface. This allows the team to practice at the venue during the fall, before the 2026 college baseball season.
Utah Associate Athletic Director Gavin Gough commented on the new playing surface in a post from Utah Athletics on X.
“It is wall-to-wall field turf,” Gough said. “The field is all synthetic with no ounce of dirt. It will help the team train in January and February during the cold weather months.”
Fall Exhibition Versus the Vanderbilt Commodores
While the Utes prepare for the 2026 season, they have an upcoming fall exhibition game against the Vanderbilt Commodores on October 10.
The exhibition will take place at The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan, Utah.
That stadium is home to the Salt Lake Bees, who are the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels.
The first pitch for the fall exhibition game between Utah and Vanderbilt is scheduled for 6 p.m. EDT.
NCAA News: https://worldbaseball.com/league/ncaa/
PHOTO: Utah’s Kai Roberts runs to first base during an NCAA baseball game against Oregon on Sunday, March 20, 2022, in Eugene, Ore. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)
