The Athletics are moving to Las Vegas by 2028. But before then, they'll play their home games at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento from 2025 to 2027.
They also announced this move on Thursday, and there's a chance they could play there for a fourth year.
A's Shift to Sacramento amid Oakland impasse
With their lease in Oakland expiring after this season, the A's denied a five-year extension for the Oakland Coliseum. Their aim of preserving their local broadcasting income and potential concerns about moving too far afield guided them to Sacramento, California's capital city.
The A's plan to keep their nickname, not adopt a Sacramento-specific name. Evan Drellich from The Athletic reported this detail.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, team leaders met with Sacramento city officials last Wednesday. The discussion came just a day after the Athletics mentioned they were far from a deal with Oakland.
The extension needed for the Athletics to stay in Oakland became a sticking point. ESPN shared more details about the talks with Oakland, noting that city officials quickly responded with a modified offer to the Athletics after the meeting.
The most recent deal proposed included a three-year lease and a $60 million extension fee. However, this hung on Major League Baseball approving an exclusive one-year deal to eye a new, future expansion team in Oakland.
Word has it that the Athletics liked the updated offer. But just a day later, the team met with Sacramento officials and quickly reached an agreement.
John Fisher, the franchise owner, shared in a statement that they explored several locations for a temporary home, including the Oakland Coliseum. Despite their long-standing relationship and good intentions during their negotiations with Oakland, they found it impossible to reach an agreement.
He acknowledged the disappointment the decision would bring to their fans, especially since the current season will be their last in Oakland. He divulged their plans to honor and celebrate their time in Oakland to mark this transition, promising to share additional details soon.
Sutter Health Park: dual home for A's
Sutter Health Park was established in 2000 and has a capacity of about 14,000, including spots on the outfield lawn. It is less than the usual size of MLB stadiums like the Coliseum, which fits 63,000.
However, the A's are drawing an average crowd of less than 6,500 at their home games this season. It is due to long-standing issues related to management's efforts to maintain a competitive team and secure a future for the franchise in Oakland.
Sutter Health Park is all set to host the Oakland Athletics and the Sacramento River Cats simultaneously over three seasons. According to the official announcement, fans can look forward to witnessing both Major and Minor league Baseball, including their much-loved Sacramento River Cats games.
The stadium is expected to accommodate 156 games between late March and early October, consisting of 81 Major League Baseball and 75 Minor League Baseball games.
A's Vegas stadium plans face legal hurdle
The A's are planning to build a new stadium in Vegas, but they've hit a bump in the road. On April 9, the Nevada Supreme Court will consider an argument from a political group called Schools Over Stadiums. The outcome could significantly change the A's plans. Keep your eyes peeled—this could set a new course for the A's future in Nevada.
Sports reporter Casey Pratt from ABC 7 Bay Area says that the A's are moving to Sacramento and making changes to their workforce. They're looking to hire professionals from local sports teams like the Kings and River Cats. But this move isn't all good news—it might result in some A's employees losing their jobs.
The A's move from Oakland is a big change. Although it's an exciting time, it'll also feel sad as they finish their 2024 season. But as one door closes, another opens. Sacramento is ready to welcome the Athletics for some unforgettable seasons at Sutter Health Park.
