Michelle Smith
President | Miller Sports + Entertainment
EVP & Chief People Officer | The Larry H. Miller Company
A trailblazer in Utah’s sports and entertainment industry, Michelle Smith was integral to finalizing Miller Sports + Entertainment’s acquisition of Real Salt Lake and the Utah Royals, opening Megaplex Theatres’ first cinema entertainment center, and opening The Ballpark at America First Square — the stadium the Salt Lake Bees now call home.
A pillar of Utah’s sports community, Michelle Smith has worked with some of the most beloved teams in the state, including the Utah Jazz, Real Salt Lake, the Utah Royals, the Salt Lake Bees, University of Utah Athletics and Utah State Athletics. 2025 marked a watershed in her career as she oversaw two milestone achievements: the grand opening of The Ballpark at America First Square and the successful acquisition of Utah’s professional soccer teams. Smith also plays a key role in Big League Utah, the coalition working strategically to bring Major League Baseball to the state, and is a champion for women’s sports.
“After having a front row seat to so many of our state’s sports successes over the past several decades, this truly feels like a pivotal moment for women’s professional sports in Utah,” Smith says. “The opportunity to keep building both men’s and women’s professional teams in this market is powerful, and I believe it’s an integral part of strengthening our community and its future.”
The Ballpark’s opening marks a milestone in Utah’s history, and it represents more than just a new venue — it embodies Smith’s vision for fostering meaningful community connections.
“The vision all along was wanting to create a gathering place that will be an asset for decades,” Smith says. “The Ballpark was intentionally designed to feel like a major league experience in a minor league ballpark.”
In addition to sports developments, Miller Sports + Entertainment expanded its Megaplex footprint in 2025 with the opening of the first cinema entertainment center in Daybreak, combining movie theaters, bowling, dining and gaming options in a single destination.
Smith’s leadership philosophy centers on developing the next generation of executives. “I really feel strongly about continuing to challenge our executives to be coaching leaders,” she says. “What I mean by that is, we as leaders need to focus on preparing the next generation, ensuring that they have the opportunities, resources, education and development they need to be prepared to continue to carry on the legacy.”
This collaborative approach has been essential in tackling unprecedented projects. Smith is not just leading a platform — she’s helping shape Utah’s identity as a premier sports and entertainment destination. She recognizes that every member of the team has been integral to the success of each project.
“I have so many incredible people around me every day that are visionary, that are capable of leading strategies and identifying thoughtfully how we approach things, working well in partnerships,” Smith says. “At the Larry H. Miller Company, we make the places where life takes place. That requires collaboration and trust among our executives and partners within the state of Utah. Fortunately, that remains our experience, and we look forward to the future.”