Grand Teton National Park faces controversy over a proposed Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium. Betsy Buffington from the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) highlighted the park’s significance beyond commercial interests. This follows reports that MLB approached the Trump Administration to build a stadium in the park.
The Washington Post reported that Frank Lands, Deputy Director of the National Park Service, visited the park in Wyoming to assess potential sites for the stadium. While parks include various infrastructures like lodges and roads, constructing an MLB stadium could mean significant environmental changes. Newsweek contacted the Interior Department, MLB, and NPCA for their comments on this development.
Conservationists React
The NPCA voiced strong opposition to the stadium proposal. Tiernan Sittenfeld, NPCA President, emphasized that his love for national parks began with a backpacking trip to Grand Teton in his teen years. He urged the administration to prioritize full funding and staffing for the parks over private profit ventures. Buffington added that this move would disregard the longstanding bipartisan support for preserving national parks as a shared heritage.
Administration Denies Steps Toward Stadium
Despite site visits and opposition from conservationists, the White House clarified that the MLB sought information on hosting a game in a national park, but no permit was granted by the National Park Service. The White House emphasized this was not a Presidential or Administration initiative, nor directed by the Department of Interior.
Changes in National Parks Under Trump
The stadium proposal arises amid changes in the National Park System during President Trump’s second term. These changes include increased fees for international visitors, expanded hunting on federal lands, and budget cuts. Trump’s fiscal 2026 budget proposed $2.1 billion for the National Park Service compared to the previous $3.6 billion. The administration also faced criticism when a federal court allowed the removal of exhibits addressing key historical issues such as civil rights and women’s suffrage, actions perceived as censorship.
For further comments, Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Emma Lee-Sang can be contacted.