Exploring the Sporting History of Provo, UT: A Journey Through Time

Provo, UT is a city that encapsulates different facets of life. It is lively, conservative, friendly, familyoriented, religious and outdoorsy all at once. But beyond its current charm lies a rich sporting heritage that dates back over 150 years ago.

To explore this history is to take a journey through time. In the late 1800s and early 1900s in Provos Brigham Young Academy (now known as Brigham Young University), basketball was gaining popularity with games played indoors. The BYU Cougar womens team was one of the pioneers of college varsity womens basketball teams; they participated in national tournaments for many years and even won the National AAU Championship title twice during these years [BYU Womens Basketball Legacy Project].

The community spirit continues with annual athletic events such as The Stadium of Fire which takes place on July Fourth every year in LaVell Edwards Stadium (1700 N Canyon Rd). This familyfriendly event features fireworks spectaculars by Lewis Ford Lincoln Dealership followed by concerts featuring famous artists like Tim McGraw or OneRepublic.

Another important historical location is Rock Canyon Park (2620 N Main St.), where baseball enthusiasts can witness amateurs playing on fields named after local heroes like Floyd Lucus Field or Jim Bridger Field who were instrumental players from their era.

In addition to university sports culture and organized leagues for adults are mountainbased sports that have been around since pioneer days when climbing Mount Timpanogos became an important riteofpassage feat [National Geographic]. Even today it retains much appeal while boasting thousands yearly summiting adventures amidst beautiful vistas along numerous trails leading up one side then down another through various hinterlands formations before reaching higher elevations unveils breathtaking views atop flatsided cliffs surrounded entirely by nature!

For those interested in exploring further into Utahs sporting past visit the BYU special collections library housed within the Harold B. Lee Library (BYU Campus, 1130 HBLL) which offers a continuum of unique sports memorabilia that further reveal glimpses into this rich history.

Overall Provos sporting past is alive and well preserved through its various events and venues throughout the city. From university basketball games to mountain trail adventures, there are numerous ways to experience a slice of Utahs sporting culture found nowhere else in America.

Websites:

BYU Womens Basketball Legacy Project womensbasketball.byu.edu/history/

Stadium of Fire http://stadiumoffire.com/

Rock Canyon Park https://www.recreation.parks.utah.gov/parkpages/rockcanyon/

National Geographic https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/hikingmttimpanogosinwinterisaseriouschallenge