New Salt Lake Bees team store opens at The Ballpark at America First Square in South Jordan

The evolution of The Ballpark at America First Square continues with the opening of the Salt Lake Bees team store. Officials from the Bees, the South Valley Chamber of Commerce and South Jordan City gathered to cut the ribbon on May 20.

The new store offers 2,200 square feet of floor space, and includes a huge hat wall with more than 200 unique designs. It features not just Salt Lake Bees hats, but headwear from other teams and baseball-related companies like Big League Utah. That’s the organization working to bring a Major League Baseball team to Salt Lake City.

“This team store also represents pride, because as people get to wear something that they’re proud of — where they’re from, their community — it also represents loyalty,” said Jay Francis, president and CEO of the South Valley Chamber. “This team store represents economic development. In fact, I’m handing out some gift certificates for fans at tonight’s game they can use here in the store. So we’re going to be the first to turn the till on here tonight and start that economic development.”

Ty Wardell, general manager of the Bees, welcomed the crowd who gathered for the ribbon-cutting.

“I’m thankful for everyone that has helped get us to where we are today, this setting,” he said. “The main entrance to the ballpark has been completed, and we’re excited for the activity that this will continue to create, along with the memories.”

He said the hat wall is “the best in minor league baseball, and maybe even rivals some in the major league parks as well.”

The main entrance flows from parking lots just east of the ballpark and funnels to the gates behind center field. On the roof of the team store, the Bees have constructed a Wiffle Ball field that goes with other family amenities at the stadium, including a miniature golf course behind the main bleachers along the left field line.

The entrance is located adjacent to a newly opened amphitheater that will host concerts and be turned into an outside ice skating rink in the winter. The huge Megaplex entertainment center — featuring movie theaters, a bowling alley and arcade games — will open in the same town square area in July.

South Jordan Mayor Dawn Ramsey welcomed the new store to the community.

“I want to offer a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who’s been a part of this,” she said. “This is becoming a gathering space — where people want to be. This is progress for our community. This is what can happen when you have a really strong public-private partnership.”

The Ballpark at America First Square is located at 11111 South Ballpark Drive in South Jordan. It’s accessible from the Mountain View Corridor.