The Oakland Athletics are preparing for the construction of their new stadium in Las Vegas, with hopes of opening the $1.5 billion, 33,000-seat ballpark for the 2028 season. This comes as the team is playing their final season in Oakland before moving to a Triple-A stadium in West Sacramento, California for the next few years. The team is under tight deadlines to secure agreements and demonstrate financing for the new stadium.
The President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Steve Hill, reassured that the A’s have stated they can finance the stadium and will begin playing baseball in Las Vegas by 2028. Construction on the new stadium needs to start by April 2025, according to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who referenced the timeline provided by the A’s. The A’s are working to finalize key documents, including a non-relocation agreement and a development agreement that will outline the financing needed beyond the $380 million in public funding already secured.
There are concerns about the A’s lack of transparency regarding their financing plans for the new stadium. The team has hired New York-based Galatioto Sports Partners to help find investors, but questions remain about whether the necessary funding will be in place. Despite this, Hill remains confident in the A’s ability to secure financing, noting that owner John Fisher has the means to fund the stadium on his own. He believes that both sides are working diligently to meet the deadlines set for the construction of the new ballpark.
While there have been legal challenges to the public funding allocated for the stadium, including a proposed ballot initiative and a lawsuit challenging the state constitution, Hill is confident that the stadium will open on schedule. The A’s are also making upgrades to their current temporary home in West Sacramento to accommodate fans until the new stadium is complete. The team is focusing on what needs to be accomplished in Sacramento, building a separate clubhouse, renovating the visitor’s clubhouse, and making other upgrades to improve the fan experience.
Despite the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the financing and construction of the new stadium, both the A’s and Las Vegas officials are working to ensure that the ballpark will be ready for the 2028 season. With just 10 months left until construction needs to begin, there is a sense of urgency to meet the deadlines and address any remaining issues. The A’s are making preparations in Sacramento to enhance the fan experience while the new stadium is being built, with over 13,000 fans expressing interest in tickets for the upcoming seasons.
