A plan to stage a Major League Baseball game inside Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming has triggered strong opposition from residents, conservation groups, and local officials.
The Washington Post reported on September 26 that MLB had contacted the White House regarding the potential for a one-day game at the park, which spans 310,000 acres and is home to grizzly bears, bison, osprey, and other wildlife.
News of the proposal raised immediate concerns about the environmental impact of constructing temporary infrastructure, including a playing field and spectator areas, within such a sensitive ecosystem.
Teton County Commissioner Luther Propst called the idea “incomprehensible and deeply unwelcome,” stating, “We all love baseball but neither [Grand Teton National Park] nor any other national park is an appropriate venue. This is a national issue, and completely contrary to the history and mission of our national parks set aside for preservation, contemplation of the beauty of nature, and wildlife habitat.”
The National Wildlife Federation echoed these sentiments on social media, writing, “Our national parks exist to protect wildlife, preserve breathtaking landscapes and give families a chance to connect with nature – not to host corporate sporting events. Let’s keep our national parks wild.”
Meanwhile, national parks across the country continue to grapple with budget cuts, staffing shortages, and overcrowding, adding further scrutiny to any plans that might prioritize commercial events over conservation.
In a statement to The Guardian, a White House spokesperson confirmed that MLB had reached out about the possibility, but emphasized that no permits had been issued by the National Park Service and the idea was not official policy. Neither MLB nor the National Park Service provided immediate comment when contacted by the outlet.