Climbing Smith's Ballpark

The magic of stadium travel often lies in how a sporting space is utilized, especially when a venue steps entirely outside of its traditional role. This October, Salt Lake City's Smith's Ballpark will trade baseballs for chalk and crash pads. From October 16 to 18, 2026, USA Climbing is bringing the World Climbing Series to the diamond, completely transforming the former home of the Salt Lake Bees into an international climbing arena.

Staging a world-class bouldering event on a former minor league infield is an ambitious move that promises an incredible visual for fans in the stands. Spectators at Smith's Ballpark will have the unique opportunity to watch elite athletes scale towering artificial walls set directly on the grass, all perfectly framed by the majestic Wasatch Range in the background. It marks the first time USA Climbing has hosted an event at this venue, marrying the traditional ballpark atmosphere with the adrenaline of modern competitive climbing.

The blending of these two distinct sporting cultures is a deliberate effort to create an entirely new kind of spectator experience for the Salt Lake City community. John Muse, Chief of Sport for USA Climbing, noted the significance of the location, stating to Gripped Magazine: “This venue represents more than just a new setting; it's a chance to connect sport, history, and community in a meaningful way.” Muse added, “As a lifelong baseball fan, bringing our Boulder event to the former home of the Salt Lake Bees is especially exciting, and we believe it will offer a truly distinctive experience for both athletes and spectators.”

The event will draw top-tier talent from across the globe, bringing Olympic-caliber competition right to the grandstands. Fans attending the World Climbing Series Salt Lake City 2026 can expect to see standout athletes from Team USA, including Paris 2024 Olympians Brooke Raboutou (the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in sport climbing) and Colin Duffy, who finished fourth in Paris. They will also be joined by Annie Sanders, who has been one of the most dominant climbers on this season's World Climbing Series circuit.

For venue enthusiasts and sports fans looking to add this unique stadium crossover to their travel itinerary, tickets start at just $15, with general public sales opening the week of August 3, 2026 (presale for USA Climbing members begins on July 31).

The Salt Lake Bees moved to a new home, The Ballpark at America First Square, in 2025. The exact future of Smith's Ballpark is yet to be totally defined with the Utah Utes also moving to their own facility. Our own 2024 AAA rankings said the following about Smith's Ballpark: "The view in the outfield rivals the best in the majors, with beautiful mountains adorning the view for every fan at Smith’s Ballpark".

This climbing event is a rare chance to check off a baseball stadium on your list while experiencing a fast-paced international sport right on the infield dirt.