Brief

MLB Inquires About Hosting Game in Grand Teton National Park

The league’s request, made to the Trump administration, has drawn environmental criticism and no official approval yet.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 29 Sep 2026 02:14:04 GMT

Major League Baseball (MLB) has reached out to the federal government to explore the possibility of staging a game in Grand Teton National Park in western Wyoming. The inquiry was made to the former Trump administration, according to an anonymous MLB official who spoke to the Associated Press on Monday. A White House official confirmed that MLB had asked whether a national‑park game would be possible, but clarified that the request was not a presidential directive and that no permits had been granted by the National Park Service.

MLB has a history of hosting special‑event games outside the 30 traditional ballparks, including matches in Iowa’s cornfields that inspired the film Field of Dreams and recent games at Dyersville, Iowa, and Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama. The league has also scheduled a regular‑season game for next August between Boston and Kansas City.

Environmental groups and other critics have voiced concern over the idea, arguing that a baseball game could damage the park’s natural environment. The White House has stated that the inquiry was a private question from MLB and that the administration had not scouted the park for a game site. The National Park Service has not issued any permits for such an event.

While the league’s proposal has not yet moved beyond the initial inquiry stage, it highlights MLB’s ongoing search for unique venues to attract fans and generate revenue.

Key facts

MLB asked the Trump administration about hosting a game in Grand Teton National Park (independent.co.uk)
A White House official confirmed MLB’s inquiry but said no permits have been granted (snopes.com)
MLB has previously staged special‑event games in Iowa and Alabama (independent.co.uk)
Environmental groups have expressed concern over a potential game in the park (independent.co.uk)

Background

MLB’s special‑event games have included matches in Iowa’s cornfields and at historic ballparks such as Rickwood Field. The league has also scheduled a game for August 2026 between Boston and Kansas City.

Why it matters

The proposal could set a precedent for MLB hosting games in protected natural areas, raising questions about environmental impact and regulatory approval.