Sacramento, Calif. — As the Oakland Athletics make their way to Las Vegas for a new stadium, community leaders in Sacramento have rolled out the red carpet, eager to ensure their three-year stay becomes permanent if the Las Vegas project falters.
Despite the momentum for the A’s move to Las Vegas, Sacramento officials are now focusing on the potential for Major League Baseball (MLB) expansion into new cities. The consensus among local leaders is that Sacramento’s welcoming attitude toward the A’s positions the city ahead of other contenders like Portland, Nashville, and Salt Lake City in the race for a major league franchise.
Sacramento, with nearly 536,000 residents, is California’s sixth-largest city, but its metropolitan area expands to over 2.3 million when including neighboring counties.
Mayor Kevin McCarty expressed confidence in the city’s ability to attract MLB, stating, “We’re a major league city and having the A’s puts us on the map.” He noted the community’s warm reception of the A’s and anticipates that MLB will recognize these efforts as the season progresses.
The landscape for the Athletics in Las Vegas is rapidly taking shape, with the team finalizing plans for a 33,000-capacity ballpark located on the Las Vegas Strip. The project has faced financial hurdles, ballooning costs to over $2 billion, and recently, a concrete foundation was poured, with steel placement set to start early next year.
In the meantime, city’s leaders are advocating for Sacramento’s readiness for a permanent MLB team. With the successful reopening of Sutter Health Park, which has a capacity of 14,000 and is shared with the Sacramento River Cats, the A’s Triple-A affiliate, local tourism and business stakeholders are bullish on the region’s potential.
“We need to keep working on corporate sponsorship,” emphasized Mayor McCarty, adding that financial backing is crucial for smaller-market teams to compete in MLB.
Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has indicated that expansion will be considered after resolving two key issues: the A’s relocation to Las Vegas and the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium situation. This allows Sacramento additional time to assemble a robust strategy for MLB.
Mike Testa, CEO of Visit Sacramento, voiced the aspiration for a permanent MLB franchise in the city, linking it to the comprehensive development of hotels and restaurants aimed at attracting visitors. He highlighted the A’s impact on enhancing Sacramento’s appeal as a destination beyond the current 15 million tourists.
The Golden One Center, which opened in 2016 and helped retain the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, mirrors Las Vegas’ strategy of using professional sports to strengthen its tourism appeal. The proposed 12,000-seat soccer stadium by the Wilton Rancheria Tribe and various redevelopment plans in Sacramento reflect a broader vision to enhance the region’s entertainment offerings.
Scott Ford, deputy director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, pointed out that the presence of the A’s complements the NBA season’s offerings, marking the first time Sacramento is home to year-round major league sports. Nonetheless, Ford acknowledged the temporary nature of the A’s current stay, given their intent to relocate in 2028.
A detailed analysis of visitor numbers and revenue generated by the A’s over the agreement’s duration will clarify the team’s impact and further steps to consider in the next two years.
Visitor occupancy is expected to rise, according to Testa, primarily due to the influx of out-of-town fans. The proximity of an Embassy Suites Hotel provides convenient lodging for visitors, which was evident when the hotel was filled with Seattle Mariners fans during a series against the A’s.
Through their 61 home games so far, the A’s have averaged 9,594 fans, with attendance surpassing 12,000 during notable matchups against teams like the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants.
Steve Sax, a five-time Major League All-Star and current West Sacramento resident, who joined the A’s broadcast team this season, noted the importance of fostering community connections with the team. He argued that increased community involvement and fan engagement could bolster attendance and local enthusiasm in the lead-up to the potential move.
Sutter Health Park, located in West Sacramento, is connected to downtown by the iconic Tower Bridge, which is a recognizable backdrop at the ballpark. City Manager Aaron Laurel remarked that hosting the A’s acts as an audition for MLB, showcasing the potential of the riverfront area beyond baseball.
With the River Cats playing alongside the A’s this summer, the combined number of home games presents a boon for local sales tax revenue from concessions and merchandise. Laurel expressed optimism about the opportunity this affiliation presents for the market’s future.
Ownership of the River Cats shifted to Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé in 2022, leading to a partnership with A’s owner John Fisher. Extensive renovations at Sutter Health Park are aimed at enhancing the experience and elevating the venue to a more prominent status.
David Forst, the A’s General Manager, acknowledged Sacramento’s hospitality, emphasizing that while the team’s focus is on the Las Vegas move, they intend to enjoy their remaining seasons in California.
The Athletics’ transition from their long-time base in Oakland to Sacramento has not gone unnoticed. While official references to the team maintain their Oakland identity, some local media have pushed back, citing their current residence as the Sacramento Athletics.
The A’s have responded to local sentiment by introducing merchandise featuring the Sacramento name alongside their logo, indicating a desire to recognize their current locale while attracting fan support.
Moreover, a visible Las Vegas presence at Sutter Health Park, supported by partnerships with local gaming companies and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, underscores the dual nature of the A’s situation. The tourism agency has committed $8.25 million for signage and promotions within the ballpark, creating a unique atmosphere in Sacramento, even as the A’s prepare for their eventual relocation.
As families gather to enjoy games, including fans like David Pearl and his daughter Skylar, the excitement around the A’s is palpable. Skylar’s talent for catching baseballs from players during warm-ups is emblematic of the community’s engagement with the team.
Despite his fondness for the A’s, Pearl’s support extends to the team’s future in Las Vegas, showcasing the complexity of fan loyalty in light of the team’s impending move.
“You can’t find another setting like this anywhere,” Pearl praised, recalling the unique atmosphere at Sutter Health Park. His sentiment resonates with many local fans eager to make lasting memories with the A’s while they remain active in Sacramento.
Ultimately, as the team continues its California residency, the dialogue surrounding Sacramento’s aspirations for MLB expansion remains relevant and energized, making local efforts crucial during the next two years.
image source from：thenevadaindependent
