A New Chapter for Smith’s Ballpark
USA Climbing has announced that the World Climbing Series Salt Lake City 2026 will take place at Smith’s Ballpark from October 16 through 18. The former baseball stadium, once home to the Salt Lake Bees, is being converted into a temporary climbing arena that will showcase the sport’s newest format.
The event promises to merge sport, history and community by inviting spectators to experience a venue that has witnessed decades of baseball lore while now echoing with the sounds of chalked holds and cheering crowds. Organizers say the unique setting will create a spectator experience unlike any other in competitive climbing.
Elite Athletes Set to Compete
Among the confirmed competitors are Paris 2024 Olympians Brooke Raboutou and Colin Duffy, who will join fellow American star Annie Sanders, a dominant force on the World Climbing Series circuit. John Muse, USA Climbing’s Chief of Sport, expressed excitement about bringing the world’s best climbers to a historic venue that will add a new layer of narrative to their performances.
Ticket pricing begins at $15, with sales scheduled to open the week of August 3, 2026. A presale window for USA Climbing members will commence on July 31, giving early supporters priority access to the limited seating available for the three‑day competition.
Beyond the competition, the organizers hope the event will foster community engagement through local outreach programs and youth climbing clinics that will run alongside the main tournament. This blend of elite sport and grassroots participation underscores the series’ mission to grow the discipline worldwide.