Western Sports Park: Powering Davis County’s Future as Utah’s Sports & Amusement Hub

Davis County, Utah has long been known as the state’s amusement capital with attractions like Lagoon Amusement Park, Antelope Island State Park, and over 500 miles of trails. Today, it is stepping boldly into the sports tourism spotlight. At the center of this growth is the brand-new Western Sports Park, a 55-acre, modern facility that is already redefining Davis County’s role on the national sports stage.

From Olympic Roots to a Modern Sports Destination

Western Sports Park’s story stretches back to the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics. At that time, the site was built to be an indoor equestrian arena that hosted rodeo events. For years, the venue served equestrian and local community needs, but as industries shifted, the facility required a new vision.

That vision took shape during the pandemic, when Davis County leaders saw that sports tourism remained resilient even as other sectors slowed. Originally imagined as a modest expansion, the project evolved into a $70 million investment that transformed the former equestrian grounds into one of Utah’s most versatile sports venues.

“One of the silver linings of the pandemic was realizing that sports tourism remained resilient, even when other markets slowed. What began as a small investment grew into a much larger project, with most of it dedicated to indoor facilities that would help drive year-round tourism, especially during our quieter winter months. If we were going to do this, we knew we had to do it right.”” explained Jess Merrill, Tourism Director at Discover Davis.

A One-of-a-Kind Venue in Utah

Today, Western Sports Park is unlike any other facility in the state. Its offerings include:

• Six full-size outdoor soccer fields, including a championship field with seating for 2,000+ spectators.
• Two indoor multipurpose arenas, totaling more than 120,000 square feet.
• Dedicated amenities such as officials’ locker rooms, quiet spaces for families, and built-in photo opportunities designed to enhance the visitor experience.

The park is already attracting major events, with volleyball, basketball, wrestling, martial arts, and niche sports such as dodgeball and Teqball on the horizon. “Western Sports Park is truly one of a kind in Utah—a 55-acre campus with two indoor multipurpose arenas, six full-size soccer fields, and a location just minutes from Salt Lake International Airport. It’s a world-class facility that puts Davis County on the map as a sports destination, and that’s pretty special,” said Erin Miller, Destination Sales Manager at Discover Davis.

Building Community Buy-In & Economic Impact

A critical piece of the project was community advocacy. With a facility of this size, Discover Davis knew communication was key. “Every event at Western Sports Park is tracked for its economic impact,” Merrill noted. “We’re able to show exactly how much revenue this facility is bringing to Davis County.”

In just its early years, the park has already generated millions in visitor-driven tax revenue—funds that support local businesses and services without relying on resident property taxes.

Equally important was earning the trust of partners across Davis County’s 15 municipalities. “We’ve worked hard to show this isn’t just about bringing visitors in. It’s about creating a better quality of life for our residents,” said Miller.

Beyond the Game: A Complete Destination Experience

Location is one of Western Sports Park’s greatest assets. Situated just minutes from Salt Lake City International Airport, the venue sits across the street from Station Park, a lifestyle center packed with restaurants, retail, and a hotel. Lagoon Amusement Park and Antelope Island State Park are just minutes away, making it easy for families to turn a tournament into a vacation.

This blend of top-tier facilities and family-friendly attractions is helping position Davis County as a must-visit sports and leisure destination year-round.

Looking Ahead

For the Discover Davis team, Western Sports Park represents both pride and community transformation. “This facility is a game changer for our tourism economy,” Merrill shared. “It’s creating a more diverse and sustainable future for Davis County.”

Miller added, “What excites me most is the potential—to bring in regional and national events, to inspire athletes, and to show our community the true power of sports tourism.”

With its elevated design, strong community partnerships, and unbeatable location, Western Sports Park is more than a venue—it’s a catalyst for Davis County’s future.

Go Inside the Western Sports Park Journey

The Discover Davis team joined The Playeasy Warmup podcast to talk about the rise of Western Sports Park and the exciting future of sports in Davis County. Listen to the episode below!

Connect with Discover Davis | Learn more about Western Sports Park