On Thursday, the MLB franchise, the Oakland Athletics, made an announcement stating that they will be relocating to West Sacramento, California for a period of three years before making their permanent move to Las Vegas in 2028.
The Athletics will be bidding farewell to Oakland, their home since 1968, as they play their final season there.
From 2025 to 2027, they will be playing their campaigns at Sutter Health Park, where they will share a home with the Sacramento River Cats. The Sacramento River Cats are a Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.
“We considered various options for a temporary residence, including the Oakland Coliseum,” stated Athletics owner John Fisher in a press release. “Despite our longstanding relationship and the positive intentions of all parties involved in the negotiations with Oakland, it seemed impossible to reach an agreement due to the challenging conditions.”
“We are aware of the disappointment that our fans may feel upon hearing this news, as this season will serve as our last in Oakland. However, we want to assure you that we are committed to commemorating and cherishing our time in this city. We will be announcing more specific plans and details in the near future, so stay tuned.”
Negotiations between local officials and the NBA’s Sacramento Kings resulted in the decision to play at Sutter Health Park. Vivek Ranadive, the king’s owner, also owns the River Cats.
“We extend our appreciation to the Kings and the City of West Sacramento, and we look forward to making Sutter Health Park our home until our new ballpark opens in Las Vegas,” Fisher said in a statement.
MLB team owners unanimously authorized the Oakland Athletics’ move to Las Vegas in November. Athletics president Dave Kaval stated in April that the team has agreed to purchase 49 acres at Dean Martin Drive and Tropicana Avenue, near the Las Vegas Strip. Kaval stated that the Athletics intend to build a $1.5 billion stadium.
The Tropicana Las Vegas, which is located on the site of the future stadium, closed for good on Tuesday.
The Athletics have lost more than 100 games each of the last two seasons, although they have made the playoffs six times in the last twelve years. They began the season 1-6 and will face the Detroit Tigers (4-0) at 1:10 p.m. EDT on Thursday in Detroit.
