Oakland A’s Moving to Sacramento for Next Three Seasons
Franchise will play at Sutter Health Park from 2025–2027, with an option for 2028
Posted On: April 4, 2024 By :The Athletics will leave Oakland at season’s end and go to Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park, a minor league baseball stadium, starting in 2025 for at least three seasons ahead of the team’s permanent transition to Las Vegas.
The announcement was made by the Sacramento Kings, majority owner of the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, who play at 10,000-seat Sutter Health Park. The temporary spot for the Athletics will be from at least 2025-2027 with an option for 2028.
The River Cats will still play in their stadium the next three years and share it with the A’s. Sutter Health Park is steps from the state capitol building and across the Tower Bridge from Golden 1 Center, where the Kings play.
“I’m thrilled to welcome the A’s to Sutter Health Park, where players and fans alike can enjoy a world-class baseball experience and create unforgettable memories,” said Sacramento Kings Owner and Chairman Vivek Ranadivé. “Today marks the next chapter of professional sports in Sacramento. The passion of our fans is second to none, and this is an incredible opportunity to showcase one of the most dynamic and vibrant markets in the country.”
According to ESPN, the Athletics and Oakland had a final negotiating meeting Tuesday, where city representatives presented a five-year lease offer with a team opt-out after three. In that offer, the Athletics would have been responsible for a $97 million “extension fee” due in full even if the team chose to opt out after three years.
“We explored several locations for a temporary home, including the Oakland Coliseum,” said Athletics Owner and Managing Partner John Fisher. “Even with the long-standing relationship and good intentions on all sides in the negotiations with Oakland, the conditions to achieve an agreement seemed out of reach. We understand the disappointment this news brings to our fans, as this season marks our final one in Oakland. Throughout this season, we will honor and celebrate our time in Oakland, and will share additional details soon.
“We look forward to making Sutter Health Park our home through our move to Las Vegas. We extend our appreciation to the Kings and the City of West Sacramento for hosting the A’s while we work to complete our new ballpark in Las Vegas.”
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said the city “offered a deal that was fair to the A’s and was fiscally responsible for our city.” Sheng continued, “we wish the A’s the best and will continue our conversations with them on facilitating the sale of their share of the Coliseum site. The City of Oakland will now focus on advancing redevelopment efforts at the Coliseum.”
Fisher’s decision to leave Oakland for Las Vegas and the drawn-out saga of finding a site on the Strip has angered fans in Oakland, with the club drawing a league-low 832,352 fans to the Coliseum last season. The A’s drew 13,522 fans on opening night this year and failed to reach 7,000 fans in any of the next six games.
“On behalf of all of MLB, I want to express my appreciation to West Sacramento, Sutter Health Park, the Kings and the greater Sacramento region for their excitement to host the A’s for interim play, as the A’s new permanent home is built in Las Vegas,” said Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.
Sutter Health Park has 10,624 fixed seats and can currently hold 14,014 fans with lawn seating and standing room.
“Sacramento’s baseball roots run deep,” said Greater Sacramento Economic Council President and Chief Executive Officer Barry Broome. “Welcoming the A’s will not only bring a surge of economic prosperity, including job creation and increased tourism, but also highlight the innovation and dynamism of Greater Sacramento, home to one of the most energetic fan bases in the country.”
“West Sacramento is proud to welcome the A’s to our community,” said West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero. “Sutter Health Park, the Sacramento Kings and the Sacramento River Cats have been tremendous partners for our city and region, and we recognize this unique opportunity will bring significant economic benefits.”
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