SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH — With just one week remaining until the first pitch at the new Salt Lake Bees baseball stadium in South Jordan, questions loom over whether the venue will be fully ready for the game. Construction crews have been working tirelessly, but some local residents remain skeptical about the timeline for completion.
South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey remains optimistic, assuring the public that city inspectors are on-site, collaborating with construction crews to ensure the stadium will be ready for the opening game. “I have every confidence in the teams working so hard. The Bees are already practicing there, and there’s already ball being played there,” Ramsey said, indicating that the stadium’s core functionality would be in place.
Despite the mayor’s assurances, some nearby residents are less convinced. Rich Schaffer, a local resident, expressed doubt about the stadium’s readiness, stating, “It might be ready for a ballgame, but I think that’s about it.” Similarly, Casey Ruff, another nearby resident, was more blunt, stating, “If I were outside looking in, I would say absolutely not. There’s no chance this thing is going to get done.”
The construction underway at the site is not limited to the stadium itself. The new ballpark is part of a larger development project that includes an entertainment center, restaurants, and other amenities that are still under construction. These additional projects are contributing to the visible chaos at the site, with crews working around the clock in the final days leading up to the opening.
“It’s bananas, isn’t it? Like, up until the very final week, they’ve got crews running 24/7 around here,” Ruff said, noting the sheer scale of the ongoing work. “I’ve heard hundreds of construction workers, between the ballpark and all the things around it—it’s nuts.”
Despite the intense pressure, the mayor insists that everything is on track. Construction permits were approved early on, and city inspectors have been monitoring the project closely to prevent any delays. “Any last-minute things that are still being done as crews work over the next seven days, our team from the city is on it to make sure that it can be inspected and that authorization is given when things are done so that we can play ball,” Ramsey explained.
While much of the visible construction is focused on the broader development surrounding the ballpark, the mayor emphasized that the core stadium itself would be ready to welcome fans. The enthusiasm around the opening is palpable, as the Bees prepare to take the field in their new home, despite the hustle and bustle still surrounding the construction site.
With just seven days left before game day, the pressure is on for construction crews and city officials alike. South Jordan’s residents, meanwhile, are anxiously waiting to see whether the stadium will be ready in time for the Salt Lake Bees’ opening game.
As the dust settles, the city is hopeful that it can pull it off in time. “We’re ready for you,” Mayor Ramsey said confidently, offering a final reassurance to fans and residents alike. Whether that confidence proves justified remains to be seen, but the countdown to opening day continues.