Athletics embrace Sacramento with new gold alternate jerseys for 2026 season
- The Oakland Athletics will wear gold alternate jerseys featuring 'Sacramento' for the 2026 season.
- The move aims to acknowledge the local community's support during the team's interim stay in Sacramento.
- This jersey initiative represents a shift in strategy to strengthen fan relationships before the team moves to Las Vegas.
In the United States, the Oakland Athletics have announced significant changes for the upcoming 2026 season, including the introduction of an alternate jersey that features the name 'Sacramento' prominently displayed. This decision comes after the team has spent the current season in California's capital, and it aims to recognize and celebrate the support they have received from the local community. The franchise has been in Oakland for 57 seasons but is set to relocate to Las Vegas in 2028. Until then, it is utilizing Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento as their temporary home. The announcement included details about the jersey's design, which will be gold and is said to be a modern homage to the Athletics' traditional colors. A's President Marc Badain emphasized that this move is a way for the team to express gratitude towards the community and its leaders who have welcomed them to Sacramento during this transitional phase. He stated that the new uniform reflects the enthusiasm and passion that have been received since their arrival in the city. Furthermore, these jerseys will be worn during Saturday home games and potentially during additional games in the season. The franchise also plans to host special-themed nights, including 'Sacramento Saturdays', to encourage community engagement. Fans attending a specific game against the Houston Astros on April 4, 2026, will receive a replica of the new jersey, providing an additional incentive for attendance. Merchandise featuring the new design is expected to be available at the start of the season, capitalizing on the excitement surrounding this new branding. This development appears to have been motivated by previous criticism directed towards the Athletics for their failure to fully embrace their temporary residency in Sacramento. While the team faced backlash for not incorporating the city's identity into their merchandise earlier, the new jersey initiative indicates a shift in strategy designed to foster a stronger bond with local fans. As the team prepares for its eventual move to Las Vegas, this uniform symbolizes a pivotal moment in their relationship with Sacramento, celebrating both the present and the support from the community during this interim period.