John Fisher, the owner of the Oakland Athletics, has announced significant developments regarding the upcoming stadium planned for Las Vegas. The stadium, which is set to accommodate 33,000 fans, is projected to open in April 2028. However, the expected costs have seen a notable rise, moving from an initial estimate of $1.5 billion to approximately $2 billion, surpassing the cost of other major sports venues in the area.
Fisher disclosed these updates while speaking to The Nevada Independent during a recent home game in Sacramento, a stark contrast to his previous absence during the A’s final seasons at Oakland Coliseum.
“The crowds here have been great,” Fisher shared, appreciating the attendance as he watched a game with friends and team associates from a suite. The announced plans for relocation to Las Vegas had sparked a significant amount of backlash among fans in Oakland, which is partially why Fisher chose to avoid those games.
Looking ahead to Las Vegas, he remarked, “Watching these games gives us a lot of excitement as we move forward in Las Vegas.” The A’s recorded an average attendance of 9,777 for their first 52 home games in Sacramento, which is below the 11,386 average from their final season in Oakland, considering late-season sellout crowds.
Fisher mentioned that he has committed at least $1.1 billion toward the ballpark’s development. Significant groundwork is already taking place in Las Vegas. He acknowledged the rise in costs and explained that the team is focused on creating a stadium that is unique, mirroring the distinctive character of Las Vegas.
“From the very beginning, we wanted a design that was unique. Vegas is one of the most unique towns in the world,” he said. “We wanted a building that would symbolize the excitement and uniqueness that is the market.” Fisher aims for the new ballpark to be the smallest yet most intimate venue in baseball, emphasizing a connection between fans and the action on the field.
To finance the construction, U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs are providing a loan of $300 million. Additionally, the stadium’s funding includes $350 million from public financing, enabled by the passage of SB1 by the Legislature in 2023. This public financing is composed of bond and tax proceeds, transferable tax credits, and county credit.
Despite the increase in estimated costs, Fisher did not specify how these additional expenses would be covered. However, A’s Vice Chairman Sandy Dean previously indicated to the Las Vegas Stadium Authority that any inflation in costs was anticipated by the team, meaning they would absorb any excess costs.
In the context of budget management, A’s President Marc Badain expressed confidence in their financial oversight. He noted that contingency plans had been established considering the rising costs of raw materials such as steel. Badain, who played a pivotal role in overseeing the construction of Allegiant Stadium, has been collaborating with the same development team for the new A’s ballpark.
Additionally, Fisher is in search of partnerships beneficial to the A’s, while also attempting to sell his ownership stake in Major League Soccer’s San Jose Earthquakes. However, he clarified that the proceeds from that transaction would not contribute to the construction budget for the baseball stadium.
In further developments, the food and beverage service for the stadium has reportedly been awarded to Aramark Sports + Entertainment through a substantial 20-year deal that includes a $100 million equity investment in the team. Fisher is actively working to secure partners who possess both a passion for baseball and a commitment to the A’s brand in Las Vegas.
On the personal front, Fisher initially had plans to be in Las Vegas on the day of the interview but opted instead to attend a game in Sacramento. He took this opportunity to meet with Jamie Arnold, the A’s No. 1 draft pick from Florida State University, who was selected 11th overall in the 2025 draft.
Additionally, seeking to celebrate the team’s successes, Fisher pointed out the recent milestone achieved by first baseman Nick Kurtz, marking him as one of the few players in history to hit four home runs in a game as a rookie.
Fisher concluded with optimism for the franchise’s growth, declaring, “We have an exciting young team we’re building for Las Vegas.”
image source from：thenevadaindependent
