Welcome to the October 2025 edition of the Sports ETA Facility Showcase! This month, we are featuring the Western Sports Park in Davis County, Utah.  This is an expanded facility north of Salt Lake City that increases the sports facilities landscape of the region and the State.  Keep reading to the end for the “Key Difference Maker” as this insight can add perspective to your own facility.  

The Western Sports Park, One “Seamless” Investment to the “Amusement Capital” 

Davis County is home to a rich history, diverse activities and unique scenery. It might be the smallest county in landmass in the state, but they are the third most populated county in Utah.  Located approximately 20 minutes north of Salt Lake City, they proudly proclaim that they are the “Amusement Capital” of the state for their offering of adventures and opportunities not offered elsewhere in the state.  The team at Discover Davis and the staff at the Western Sports Park certainly prove their investment in sports is a driving force for the sports tourism industry. 

Behind the Scenes Innovation 

Built with purpose, Western Sports Park (WSP) represents a strategic investment, entirely funded with tourism dollars, designed to drive economic growth and expand sports tourism in Davis County, Utah. Seeing the surge of youth sports across Utah and beyond, the Discover Davis team and county officials united to invest in the future through the development of WSP.  

This 55-acre campus features both indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including two arenas. WSP is projected to create significant economic benefits, boost local businesses, and build a more robust community for both residents and visitors.  “This investment represents a new lane for economic and tourism for Davis County,” said Kent Andersen, Davis County director for Community and Economic Development. “At $70 million this will be the largest project investment in Davis County’s history.” 

Success Stories from the Start 

Since its official ribbon-cutting on September 16, 2025, WSP has quickly established itself as a premier sports destination in northern Utah. The campus boasts six full-size outdoor fields and an impressive 180,000-square-foot indoor facility. This expansive indoor space is outfitted with multiple courts and arenas, making it ideal for hosting year-round events in a wide range of sports, including soccer, lacrosse, football, wrestling, cheer, martial arts, volleyball, and basketball. 

In just a short time, WSP has welcomed an impressive range of events, including the Utah Robotics State Championships, PrimeTime Sports Basketball and the Rocky Mountain 7v7 football series to name a few. Event organizers consistently highlight the venue’s thoughtful layout, accessibility, and dedicated staff. As one sports organizing director shared, “The venue was honestly the perfect size, easy access, and overall, just a great experience.” 

Western Sports Park is quickly becoming the leading tournament destination in the intermountain west. This is thanks to its professional-level amenities, community atmosphere, and convenient location near hotels and entertainment. New regional tournaments are already in development due to overwhelmingly positive feedback. 

Design, Architecture and Sustainability 

Western Sports Park was built with flexibility, efficiency, and a vibrant sense of place in mind. Every detail of the facility, from its bright and energetic color palette to the fun and informative wall graphics, comfortable lounge areas, and the convenient “Halftime” concessions store, was designed to create an atmosphere that keeps athletes and families engaged both on and off the court.  

The facility's design prioritizes both functionality and environmental responsibility. It features multiple arenas, courts, and support spaces, including a dedicated referee room, all strategically arranged to facilitate seamless event flow and simultaneous activities. The inclusion of dedicated quiet rooms offers athletes and coaches a place to recharge or regroup between games, while convenient team rooms provide space for teams and recruiters to review footage, plan strategy, and connect in a professional setting.  

To conserve water, only the essential turf and grass for play were installed, with the remaining landscaping focused on water-efficient solutions. High-efficiency HVAC and lighting systems are integrated throughout to minimize environmental impact while ensuring year-round comfort. 

A Perfect Balance of Athlete & Spectator Experiences 

The WSP campus was created to serve every visitor, with multiple courts and arenas, thoughtfully arranged fields, and amenities that ensure tournaments are well-organized and enjoyable. Conveniently located near Station Park, top hotels, and just minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, Western Sports Park offers the perfect balance of accessibility, comfort, and entertainment for every guest. 

Western Sports Park (WSP) in Davis County offers a prime location for visitors, with Lagoon Amusement Park, Antelope Island, and Station Park nearby. Hosting regional and national tournaments, WSP boosts the local economy, driving tourism and fostering growth. "A synergy was recognized at the beginning and is evidenced by the strong pedestrian connection that was created by Station Park”, said Kent Anderson, Davis County Director of Community & Economic Development. “All of this pairs well with other northern Utah operators like Lagoon, Antelope Island and our surrounding ski areas. These elements are what sets us apart from the competition.” All this creates a premier destination where athletic excellence meets family fun, creating lasting memories on and off the field.  

KEY DIFFERENCE MAKER: Top-Tier Sports & One Seamless Destination 

The Western Sports Park offers versatile indoor and outdoor facilities designed for seamless tournaments and events - all set against the stunning backdrop of Utah’s Mountain views. With easy access to major highways, dining, shopping, and regional attractions, every visit is convenient and enjoyable. More than just a sports complex, WSP is a destination where athletes compete; families connect, and lasting memories are made. “Sports are more than just the game itself”, said Jessica Merrill, Davis County Tourism Director. “It teaches everyone and our kids and our youth about teamwork. They teach us resilience. They teach us how to fail and how to succeed and how to keep going.” 

What are your “seamless” characteristics of your facility? 

How does your facility embody community reliance?   

A huge thanks to Kimberly Osborne with the Western Sports Park for the amazing content.  

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Want to showcase a facility in your destination? 
Contact: Vince Trinidad at Vince@SportsETA.org 

Miss a previous Facility Showcase? Check them out here! 

 Posted in: Sports Events and Tourism Industry, Sports ETA, Sports Events and Tourism Association, Sports Facilities Summit