Opening Day - Daybreak Style

Ever since the Salt Lake Bees announced they were moving to a new stadium in Daybreak, we’ve been counting down the days. The idea of having a professional baseball team just down the street? Pretty incredible. Last year, we went to one of the final games at the old Salt Lake City ballpark, so when the Bees reached out to Daybreak residents about season tickets, we jumped at the chance and snagged a quarter-season package.

I was really hoping we’d be able to make it to opening day—and sure enough, we got tickets! What made it even more special was that my grandparents, after hearing we’d gotten season tickets, decided to buy the seats right next to us. So now we get to enjoy the games with them all season long, which feels really special.

Opening day finally arrived on Tuesday, and it felt like a celebration. We dressed for the occasion—a bit on the warm side because it was sunny but chilly—and headed out on foot after work and school. The ballpark is just over a mile from our house, and it’s a gorgeous walk. On our way, we made a quick stop at Soda Row, where The Break had set up a fun backdrop to celebrate opening day. We couldn’t resist snapping a photo.

At the stadium, we met up with my grandparents and found our seats. That part took a little extra navigating—my grandpa uses a cane now, and my grandma is recovering from foot surgery, so she’s on crutches. The ADA entrance wasn’t super close to our section, so we took it slow and helped them get settled. Even with the extra effort, it was worth it.

The ballpark, officially called the Ballpark at America First Square, was absolutely beautiful. It was wild to think it had been built in just about 15 months. The design feels modern but still rooted in Utah, with mountain-inspired touches and magnificent mountain views that give it a great local feel.

They kicked things off with pregame festivities—introductions of the team owners and the folks behind the stadium project. Both teams were announced along the baselines, a giant American flag was unfurled across the outfield, and the National Parks band sang the anthem. Then came a flyover, which always gives me chills. It was a picture-perfect start to the new era of Bees baseball.

Madeline made her TV debut on KSL! As we were settling into our seats, a cameraman walked by and my grandma couldn’t help but say, “Look at that cute baby!” He took notice and started filming, catching the sweetest footage of Madeline laughing. She was so adorable, they ended up including her in the opening day news segment!

And the game? Total slugfest. The Bees scored early—a walk brought in the first run, then a grand slam fired up the crowd and set the tone. It ended up being a long game, packed with hits and runs. The final score: 13–10, Bees win!

Because my grandparents weren’t mobile, I made a few trips for snacks—hot dogs and drinks all around. While I was up, I spotted a stuffed Bumble (the team mascot) and couldn’t resist grabbing one for Mads. She loves soft toys, and it was the perfect little souvenir from her first Bees game.

Madeline trying to eat her first churro (she is too little)

We knew we probably wouldn’t last the whole game—baseball tends to run long, and Mads usually starts winding down around 8 p.m. Sure enough, by the time she was ready to head home, it was only the third inning. But honestly, that was fine. We knew going in that we’d likely have to leave early, and we were just happy to be there for the beginning of it all.

Walking home under the evening sky and listening to the echo of the stadium announcer, we couldn’t stop smiling. Having a ballpark in our own neighborhood is such a gift. We’re already looking forward to many more games this season—and in the years to come.

Someone was so tired when we got home!