How will Smith’s Ballpark be used before it’s redeveloped?

SALT LAKE CITY — Baseball will soon return to Smith’s Ballpark. The University of Utah baseball team is scheduled to make its home debut on March 18. This marks its final season at the stadium before its new ballpark near the university campus opens next year.

However, how it will be used between the Utes’ home finale — scheduled for May 17 — and when a yet-to-be-picked future reuse of the site’s land is starting to become clearer.

The Salt Lake City Community Reinvestment Agency, formerly known as the Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City, is close to sending out a formal request for proposal for “interim activation” of the site. This would find an “innovative use” of the space later this year said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall told Ballpark residents during a Ballpark Community Council meeting last week.

Mendenhall said the city is looking to bring in a production/event planning entity that will work with local organizations so that alternate uses for the site can be found before any construction focuses on community needs and desires.

“We want diverse and dynamic programming. We want programming that is local-centric,” she said. “It’s an emphasis on engaging local businesses to participate in the events. Fostering partnership and ensuring that events reflect this neighborhood’s unique identity.”

Community Reinvestment Agency officials said they’re hoping to pick a contractor by as early as next month. The contract will run from July through the end of this year. It would be up to the contractor to coordinate events beginning on July 1.

Events could include pop-up markets, food festivals, trade shows, performances or other sports. Anything that prioritizes “social connection” will be favored most by the city, the mayor explained. She also noted that there could be a mix of free and ticketed events.

Please read the complete story and more from reporter Carter Williams at KSL.com.