Major League Baseball recently contacted the Trump administration to discuss the feasibility of hosting a regular‑season game in Grand Teton National Park, a federal preserve in western Wyoming. The league’s outreach, confirmed by an unnamed MLB official, reflects the organization’s ongoing search for unique venues, a strategy that has included games in Iowa’s cornfields, historic ballparks, and international cities.
Administration’s response
A White House official said the request was received but emphasized that it was not a presidential directive and was not driven by the administration. The official added that the National Park Service has not issued any permits for such an event and that no official decision has been made.
Past special‑event games
MLB’s special‑event schedule has featured games at Dyersville, Iowa (2021, 2022, 2026), a matchup in Jackson, Wyoming’s neighboring town of Jackson Hole, and a game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama (2024). The league also staged a regular‑season contest at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee (2025) and continues to hold games in conjunction with the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Internationally, MLB has played in London, Mexico City, Monterrey, Seoul, Sydney, Tokyo, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Local and environmental concerns
Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park includes Jackson Hole’s commercial airport and expansive flat terrain that could accommodate a temporary ballpark. However, the proposal has drawn sharp criticism. Democratic State Senator Mike Gierau, who represents Jackson and Grand Teton, called the idea “abhorrent,” noting that while baseball is America’s game, national parks exist to preserve undeveloped scenic values.
Environmental groups echoed the sentiment. Chris Kassar, director of a national conservation organization’s Wyoming chapter, warned that “bulldozing these lands for a baseball stadium does the opposite, destroying the magnificent landscapes that millions of people come to experience.”
What remains unknown
The National Park Service has not yet responded to a request for comment, and a message left with park officials seeking more information has not been returned. No permits have been granted, and the logistical, environmental, and regulatory hurdles remain significant.
Broader context
MLB’s pursuit of novel venues aligns with its broader strategy to expand the sport’s reach and generate new revenue streams. The Trump administration’s role, according to the White House, is limited to providing information on federal permitting processes, not to endorse or direct the project.
As the discussion continues, stakeholders from the baseball community, local residents, and conservation advocates will likely weigh in on whether the historic beauty of Grand Teton should ever host a professional sporting event.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
