After 30 years, the Salt Lake Bees are moving out of Smith’s Ballpark and into a brand-new stadium. The new ballpark, named Daybreak Field, will be the center of a new entertainment district in South Jordan’s Daybreak development and will feature a capacity for approximately 6,500 fans.

The announcement of the Bees’ departure from Smith’s Ballpark has elicited a mixed response from the community. For long-time fans, leaving a cherished home base evokes a sense of nostalgia and sadness, as many have shared countless memories within the ballpark’s walls. Some community members, however, see this as a positive step forward with hopes that a new stadium will bring increased investment and opportunities to the area. Despite feelings surrounding the new stadium, the question remains of what to do with Smith’s Ballpark.

The two main sides of the discussion are demolition and preservation. “I definitely want to preserve it, keep the nostalgia,” says local softball player Russ Ferrin. Originally opened as Franklin Quest Park on April 11, 1994, Smith’s Ballpark has been a staple in the lives of Utahns for decades. “I know many people have had experiences where they played on the field in high school or got to go out with the players before a game. My uncle played out there during high school tournaments. It’s kind of special when they get to play on that same field that the big guys play on,” Ferrin explained.

Nostalgia is a crucial factor, but it’s not the only one as Ferrin acknowledges. “Some people want the stadium to stay for college kids and high school sports, but how is that going to bring in revenue for the city?” Ferrin asked. “Unless you bring in certain funding, the city has to start charging the schools to play there. But you can’t do that because nobody will be able to afford to play there.”

If the stadium were to be demolished, there’s a big push for affordable housing to be put in its place. Other ideas have been proposed, including installing a concert venue or a strip mall. “You hate to see it go, but depending on what they’re going to put in there, it might actually help the community, especially considering the local economy,” Ferrin comments.

The University of Utah’s men’s baseball team will play at Smith’s Ballpark during the 2025 baseball season. Opening Day at the new Daybreak Field is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8 against the Reno Aces. The Bees will start their 2025 campaign on Friday, March 28 in El Paso and finish the season on Sunday, Sept. 21 in Las Vegas. With anticipation building for what lies ahead, one thing is certain: the love for the game and the connection to the community will continue to define the Salt Lake Bees, no matter where they play.