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Reports: Orem Owlz will leave Utah for Colorado in 2020

(Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Fans watch during the Orem Owlz game against Great Falls Voyagers at Brent Brown Ballpark Thursday, July 11, 2013.

The Orem Owlz are taking flight.

The Los Angeles Angels minor-league affiliate on Wednesday announced its “likely relocation” to Pueblo, Colo., after the 2019 season. The move from Utah County is still awaiting approval from Minor League Baseball.

Owlz Owner Jeff Katofsky said in a prepared statement that his decision to move the team came after “more than a decade of unsuccessfully trying to locate and create a youth baseball facility in Utah County.”

“It has always been my dream to have a youth facility that could host tournaments and help develop young players from all over the country, including disadvantaged and special needs athletes,” the statement said. Pueblo “has embraced the concept and provided us with the opportunity to not only accomplish this legacy, but also to have a new stadium built for the Owlz.”

The Colorado city plans to build an $8-million complex and a downtown stadium, according to Colorado TV station KOAA and the Pueblo Chieftain, which first reported the move.

The Owlz have played in Utah since moving from Montana to Provo in 2001. The team has played its games at Utah Valley University in Orem since 2005.

“Utah County has been my family’s second home for almost 15 years. This was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make, but this is an opportunity to involve and teach our kids baseball and, hopefully, leave a mark. We have loved our time in the Provo/Orem and surrounding communities.”