In a move that marks a significant shift in Major League Baseball (MLB), the Oakland Athletics are setting their sights on Las Vegas as their new home by the 2028 season. This major decision, however, doesn't come without its interim plans and challenges. Before their anticipated relocation, the A's are set to play their home games at Sacramento's Sutter Health Park from 2025 to 2027, with a possibility of extending their stay for a fourth year.
Transition to Sacramento
The Athletics' decision to move to Sacramento in the interim period comes after rejecting a five-year extension for the Oakland Coliseum, their home since 1968. This decision was primarily influenced by the team's aim to preserve their local broadcasting revenue. Despite moving to a new city, the A's have made it clear that they plan to retain their iconic "Athletics" nickname, opting not to adopt a Sacramento-specific moniker.
Team leadership recently met with city officials in Sacramento, reaching an agreement swiftly after the city of Oakland proposed a last-minute deal that included a three-year lease and a $60 million extension fee. It was a move that Major League Baseball had to consider carefully, given it involved an exclusive one-year deal for a future expansion team in Oakland. Nevertheless, the Athletics and Sacramento officials found common ground quickly, signaling a new chapter for the baseball team.
The Cost of Moving
John Fisher, the franchise owner, didn't shy away from acknowledging the bittersweet nature of this decision. "I know this will be disappointing to our fans," he remarked, highlighting the deep connections the team has forged in Oakland over the years. Despite the disappointment, Fisher promised to honor and celebrate the team's legacy in Oakland with special events planned for the farewell season.
Sutter Health Park, slated to be the Athletics' temporary home, is no stranger to baseball enthusiasts. Established in 2000, the park boasts a capacity of around 14,000, a significant upgrade considering the A's have been drawing an average crowd of less than 6,500 this season. Over the next three seasons, Sutter Health Park will witness an influx of baseball games, accommodating both the Oakland Athletics and the Sacramento River Cats, and hosting a combined total of 156 games from late March to early October.
Challenges Ahead
As the Athletics look towards Las Vegas for their future, they've encountered legal hurdles in their quest to build a new stadium. A political group named Schools Over Stadiums has brought forth an argument set to be considered by the Nevada Supreme Court on April 9. This legal battle underscores the complexities of relocating and establishing a new stadium, a process often fraught with legislative and communal intricacies.
The Impact on Staff
The move to Sacramento and eventually to Las Vegas will undoubtedly have significant implications for the Athletics' workforce. The team is reportedly bringing on professionals from local sports entities, including the Kings and River Cats, a choice that may lead to job losses for some existing A's staff. This transition phase will require careful navigation as the organization reshapes its operations in a new city.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The Athletics' departure from Oakland is a momentous event, marking the end of an era. Coverage from sports journalists, including Evan Drellich of The Athletic and Casey Pratt of ABC 7 Bay Area, underscores the community's mixed reactions to the move. On one hand, there's excitement about the potential in Sacramento and Las Vegas; on the other, there's a palpable sense of loss among A's fans in Oakland. As the Athletics prepare to leave their longtime home, the focus turns to honoring the team's rich history in the area while looking forward to the possibilities that lie ahead in their new destinations.
As the Athletics embark on this transition, their journey from Oakland to Sacramento and ultimately to Las Vegas will be closely watched by the baseball community. The challenges they face, including legal battles and staffing changes, will test the resilience of the franchise. Yet, there remains a sense of optimism about what the future holds for the A's, as they aim to build new legacies in both Sacramento and Las Vegas.