Conservationists Oppose Proposed Baseball Stadium in Grand Teton National Park

Betsy Buffington, Northern Rockies regional director for the National Parks Conservation Association, expressed strong opposition to proposals for a baseball stadium in Grand Teton National Park. Reports have emerged about Major League Baseball discussing construction plans with the Trump Administration.

The Washington Post highlighted that National Park Service Deputy Director Frank Lands visited Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, noting three locations for a potential stadium. Although these parks host lodges, roads, and visitor facilities, building a Major League Baseball stadium would alter the protected federal land significantly.

Conservationists Push Back

On Sunday, the National Parks Conservation Association released a statement condemning the stadium proposal. Tiernan Sittenfeld, president and CEO for NPCA, emphasized the importance of national parks and criticized the administration’s focus on private profit over park preservation. Sittenfeld remarked on the ongoing efforts of visitors and local communities to protect the iconic Grand Teton National Park.

Buffington further commented that such a proposal disregards over a century of bipartisan support for national parks. She quoted President George H. W. Bush’s words, describing the parks as a ‘common heritage borrowed from future generations.’

Administration Denies Involvement

The White House clarified in a statement, stating that the MLB inquired about hosting a game at a national park, but the National Park Service had not granted permission. The White House insisted the proposal is neither a Presidential directive nor a priority for the Administration.

National Parks Changes Under Trump

Throughout Trump’s presidency, notable modifications were made to the National Park System. Changes included increased fees for international visitors, expanded hunting permissions, and budget cuts. Trump’s fiscal 2026 budget suggested $2.1 billion for the National Park Service, marking a reduction from previous figures.

Additionally, a federal appeals court confirmed the removal of several historical exhibits by the administration. Early in 2026, the Interior Department flagged numerous items related to slavery, civil rights, and other important historical topics.

For further information, Newsweek editors John Fitzpatrick and Emma Lee-Sang are available for contact.