America First Credit Union helps bring University of Utah baseball home with new on-campus ballpark

Ribbon cut on Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark, marking Utah Baseball’s return to campus for the first time in nearly 30 years 

SALT LAKE CITY (Jan. 28, 2026) — The University of Utah celebrated the grand opening of Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark on Wednesday, marking a new era for Utah Baseball and bringing the program back to campus for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Approximately 150 supporters, community leaders and partners gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony recognizing the completion of the new ballpark, located along Guardsman Way at the southern edge of campus.

America First Credit Union partnered with the University of Utah on a 10-year naming rights agreement, helping establish a permanent, on-campus home for the Utes’ baseball program and reflecting a shared commitment to the community and student-athlete experience.

“When you look at the young men and women who come through these athletic programs and what they carry into their communities after they leave, the character they build, the leadership they show, those are the things we need in our communities, and that’s why we invest,” said Thayne Shaffer, president and CEO of America First Credit Union.

The ballpark returns Utah Baseball to campus after the team played most home games at Smith’s Ballpark from 1996 to 2025. The Utes will begin hosting games at the new facility this season, with their home opener scheduled for March 6.

By the numbers:

• $38 millionprivately funded project
• 10-yearnaming rights partnership with America First Credit Union
• 18 monthsfrom construction start to completion
• 24regular-season home games scheduled this year

A place for players, fans and families

Charlie Monfort Field at America First Ballpark consolidates nearly all baseball operations under one roof, including:

• Team locker room and player lounge
• Weight room and sports medicine suite
• Coaches’ offices and film room
• Indoor training facility with hitting tunnels and pitching lab

 

 

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ABOUT AMERICA FIRST CREDIT UNION
Now in its 86th year, America First Credit Union has grown from a single branch serving military personnel and federal employees into one of the strongest and most progressive credit unions in the country. The credit union is the largest in Utah and has 116 locations across Arizona, California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. It is also the fifth largest credit union in America with more than 1.5 million members, and the sixth largest in assets with more than $23 billion. America First Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative dedicated to building communities and helping members do more with their money. Learn more at americafirst.com.

MEDIA CONTACT
Dave Nellis (onsite)
America First Credit Union
801.725.8735 | dcnellis@americafirst.com