A's owner claims team will be Las Vegas' franchise
- Construction for the new $1.75 billion ballpark in Las Vegas has officially started, with 33,000 capacity set for completion by the 2028 season.
- The Athletics are temporarily playing at a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento as they await the stadium's finalization.
- The move marks a significant transition for the franchise as they strive to connect with and become part of the Las Vegas community.
In a significant development for Major League Baseball, on a Monday morning, the Oakland Athletics celebrated the groundbreaking of their new ballpark in Las Vegas, Nevada, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise's relocation from Oakland. Team owner John Fisher addressed a crowd filled with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, government officials, and former players as they stood by the site where home plate will be located, expressing hope and excitement for the future of the team in this new city. The new stadium, designed to hold 33,000 fans, is anticipated to be completed by the 2028 season, bringing a substantial $1.75 billion investment into the Las Vegas area. Team president Marc Badain emphasized the connection this project creates between the team and the community, citing the job creation and economic opportunities it will bring over the next few years. He also noted the comparative ease with which the construction was starting to take shape, recalling his experience with the NFL's Raiders when they moved to the same city. Currently, the Athletics are playing their games at a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento, California, which serves as a temporary home while they transition to Las Vegas. This sequence of events highlights the difficulties and emotions tied to the relocation process, especially for fans who once supported their original home team in Oakland. The groundbreaking signals a new chapter, although sentiments of loss still linger in the community of Oakland, as illustrated by comments from former fans and advocates for Oakland sports. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred reflected on the robust market potential in Las Vegas, indicating that the demographics, along with the city's tourism success and the precedent set by other sports franchises thriving in the area, creates optimism for the Athletics' future success. The community spirit expressed during the celebration marks the beginning of what local leaders hope will be a fruitful relationship with the team, bringing a new sporting identity to Las Vegas. Ultimately, this groundbreaking ceremony is not merely about the construction of a stadium but is also emblematic of a broader narrative regarding loyalty, place, and the evolving nature of professional sports franchises in America.