MLB Considers Hosting Game in Grand Teton National Park

<p>Major League Baseball (MLB) has approached the Trump administration about the possibility of hosting a game in a national park, with Grand Teton National Park identified as a potential location, according to a report from the Washington Post. The White House stated that it is not directing this effort.</p><p>The White House clarified that the idea is not being driven by the Department of Interior, emphasizing that it is "not a White House or Administration priority."</p><p>The Washington Post reported, citing anonymous sources, that National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands had explored three potential sites for a baseball park within Grand Teton. However, the White House disputed this account, asserting that it was incorrect to say that officials from the Trump administration scouted sites, and that MLB's trip to Grand Teton coincided with Lands' visit.</p><p>The White House also stated that MLB has made no decisions regarding the game, and the Park Service has not issued any permits.</p><p>An MLB official indicated to the Post that the league approached the Trump administration following the success of its previous standalone events, such as the recurring Field of Dreams game, and that a national park game is one of several ideas being considered.</p><p>MLB has organized specialty games over the past decade at various locations, including a historic Negro League ballpark in Birmingham, Alabama, a NASCAR racetrack in Tennessee, and three times at the Dyersville, Iowa, cornfield featured in the movie "Field of Dreams." The Post noted that with the 2027 schedule already finalized, no new specialty game at Grand Teton could occur before 2028.</p><p>According to the Post's sources, one of the sites Lands reportedly visited is land that has already been disturbed, rather than untouched parkland, as many parks designate such areas for storing equipment and materials.</p><p>Grand Teton, located in northwest Wyoming and bordering Yellowstone, is one of the most-visited national parks in the United States. National parks are among the most protected federal lands, and the Post highlighted that constructing a sports facility there could set a new precedent.</p><p>Betsy Buffington, a regional director with the National Parks Conservation Association, expressed strong opposition to the idea, calling it "ludicrous," "crazy," and "ridiculous." She stated, "It is irreplaceable. There is no other Grand Teton that is home to bears and wolves and bison, elk and pronghorn."</p><p>Teton County Commissioner Luther Propst remarked that a ballpark would represent "a radical departure from the tradition of national parks."</p><p>Economist J.C. Bradbury criticized the proposal as "a uniquely terrible idea," estimating that the cost would exceed the more than $50 million spent on expanding the Field of Dreams venue in Iowa, and argued that visitors attending a baseball game would displace other tourists in a park where hotels are already at capacity.</p>