Smith's Ballpark: From Baseball Legacy to Community Landmark

Client Challenge

When the Salt Lake Bees announced plans to leave Smith's Ballpark, the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City needed an independent feasibility study to explore viable redevelopment options. The challenge was to find a mix of uses that would replace the stadium's community role, draw consistent foot traffic, support local event organizers and deliver long-term economic value to District 5 and the broader city.

Approach

Victus Advisors completed demographic and socioeconomic analysis, evaluated comparable outdoor venues and conducted in-depth interviews with local stakeholders, event organizers and national concert promoters. The primary research, combined with national benchmarks, informed three redevelopment options: a full green space, a hybrid multi-use venue retaining elements of the ballpark and an adaptive reuse keeping most of the existing structure while adding new programming.

Benefits to Client

The study gave the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency a clear roadmap for the Ballpark Next project. Findings identified which concepts could realistically attract consistent events, generate local economic impact and fill programming gaps in the Salt Lake City market. With stakeholder input and objective feasibility metrics, city leaders are equipped to advance a plan that honors community needs while supporting sustainable activation and neighborhood revitalization.