Sep 12, 2024, 12:00 AM
Sep 12, 2024, 12:00 AM

A’s to play in Sacramento before Las Vegas move in 2028

Highlights
  • The Oakland Athletics will play their 2025 season in Sacramento at Sutter Health Park, sharing it with the Sacramento River Cats.
  • Concerns have been raised about the safety and performance implications of a new synthetic playing field being installed at the stadium.
  • The A's plan to move to Las Vegas in 2028, but they may extend their stay in Sacramento if the new stadium is delayed.
Story

The Oakland Athletics are set to play their 2025 season in Sacramento at Sutter Health Park, sharing the facility with the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. This arrangement is temporary as the A's plan to relocate to Las Vegas for the 2028 season. The stadium, which has a capacity of approximately 14,000, is undergoing modifications to meet major-league standards, including the installation of a synthetic playing field, which has raised concerns about player safety and performance. Scott Boras, a prominent agent, has voiced his apprehensions regarding the safety implications of the new synthetic surface, questioning its impact on players and the overall experience of playing in a facility that differs from traditional major-league parks. Major League Baseball (MLB) has assured that the transition is being handled collaboratively with the MLB Players Association (MLBPA), addressing various concerns in a structured manner. While the A's are committed to their three-year stay in Sacramento, there is a possibility of extending their tenure if the Las Vegas stadium is delayed until 2029. Additionally, if the team qualifies for the postseason during their time in Sacramento, there may be a chance they could play home games at Oracle Park, the Giants' home stadium, or even return to the Oakland Coliseum. The situation is further complicated by ongoing political debates in Nevada regarding public funding for the new stadium, as a local teachers' political action committee recently lost a court battle against the funding proposal. This backdrop adds to the uncertainty surrounding the A's future in both Sacramento and Las Vegas.

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