The University of Utah marked the opening of Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark on Friday night with a 9-0 shutout win over Grand Canyon. This game signaled a return to on-campus baseball for the Utes, who previously played most of their home games at Smith’s Ballpark in downtown Salt Lake City from 1996 to 2025. Occasional games were also held on earlier campus fields and in the Fort Douglas area until those facilities made way for athlete housing during the preparations for the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Colter McAnelly led Utah with six scoreless innings, striking out nine and allowing only two hits. Relievers Dillon Fine and Ian Culver combined for three additional scoreless innings, helping limit Grand Canyon to four hits overall.
Utah’s offense was led by Daniel Arambula, who went 3-for-5 and scored twice. Four players had multiple hits, including Jet Gilliam, Luke Jacobs, Cal Miller, and Cameron Gurney. The Utes took control in the fifth inning with six runs. Highlights included doubles from Jacobs and Miller as well as a two-run home run by Derek Smith—the first ever hit at America First Ballpark.
A crowd of 1,323 attended the event, many arriving early for what became a celebration not just for Utah fans but also alumni and supporters of college baseball along the Wasatch Front. Brett Greenwell, Vice President of Member and Partner Relations at America First Credit Union, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Reflecting on past venues used by Utah baseball over several decades—ranging from grass fields to areas now known as Heritage Commons—the new ballpark is seen as an important step forward for the program’s facilities.
Utah will continue its series against Grand Canyon Saturday afternoon at Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark.
For more updates on Utah Baseball visit www.UtahUtes.com or follow @utahbaseball.
