In a significant step towards establishing a new chapter for the Oakland Athletics, team owner John Fisher proclaimed, “We are Vegas’ team” during the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday for the franchise’s new ballpark.
The gathering featured MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, state and local officials, and former Athletics stars including Rollie Fingers and Dave Stewart, all present to witness the commencement of a $1.75 billion, 33,000-seat stadium expected to be completed by the 2028 season.
The project has received substantial public funding, with Nevada and Clark County approving up to $380 million to support its development.
“I have no doubt this is done in 2028,” said team president Marc Badain.
Highlighting the local workforce’s readiness, Badain noted, “You know the workforce here; they’re all here and ready to get going.”
He expressed optimism about the future impact of the project on the community, jobs, and everything that will emerge as construction progresses over the coming years.
Badain has experience in navigating similar transitions, having played a vital role in the NFL’s Raiders relocation to Las Vegas in 2020, alongside the construction of Allegiant Stadium, which cost $2 billion.
While the Raiders awaited their new home, they remained in Oakland for three seasons, sharing a stadium with the A’s, which kept the connection to the Bay Area relatively strong.
In contrast, A’s fans expressed frustration over the team’s exit, making it untenable to stay in Oakland.
The franchise wrapped up its final season at the aging Oakland Coliseum last year and is currently playing at a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento for at least three years while waiting for the Las Vegas move.
“We are a local team,” Fisher declared, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the younger fan base.
“If you can get the kids, you can get their parents. It takes less time than you think; what really takes time is … to have a winner.”
Fisher voiced aspirations for building a competitive team in tandem with the new stadium project, recognizing that both endeavors require time and effort.
The future ballpark will occupy nine acres of a 35-acre site previously owned by Bally’s, situated at the intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.
The demolition of the Tropicana Resort towers took place last October to clear the way for the upcoming ballpark.
In the interim, the A’s are seeking to maintain connections with their current fan base while also preparing for their transition to Las Vegas.
Each player is adorned with a patch featuring Sacramento’s Tower Bridge on one sleeve and a Las Vegas logo on the other, part of a sponsorship deal with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority that spans three years.
December saw the Las Vegas Stadium Authority approve essential lease agreements and development documents, marking significant progress for the A’s relocation.
Artist renderings of the stadium indicate an innovative design with five overlapping tiers reminiscent of Sydney’s Opera House, complemented by a glass window in the outfield that offers views of the Las Vegas Strip.
The stadium will host the smallest capacity in MLB, accommodating 33,000 fans.
For comparison, Tropicana Field, home to the Tampa Bay Rays, has a flexible capacity, holding 25,000 when upper levels are closed, yet approaching 40,000 in full capacity.
Currently, the Rays are also displaced, playing at a Triple-A venue following Hurricane Milton’s damage, uncertain about their long-term future.
Progressive Field in Cleveland, which originally seated 43,345, has since been downsized to 34,830 seats, demonstrating a trend toward more intimate stadiums in Major League Baseball.
The Athletics will become the fourth major professional sports team in Las Vegas, joining the Raiders, NHL’s Golden Knights, and WNBA’s Aces.
Commissioner Manfred described the Las Vegas market as ideally suited for a Major League Baseball team, citing demographics, tourism success, and the achievements of other local sports franchises as key factors.
He confidently stated, “I have no doubt that this team is going to be really successful in Vegas.”
As construction begins, the A’s aim to build not only a new home but also a passionate fan base that embraces their presence in Las Vegas.
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