The familiar cries of “sell the team” that once echoed through the Oakland Coliseum during the Athletics’ final seasons have noticeably diminished, as the team embarks on the first of three scheduled years playing in a Triple-A ballpark in California’s capital region.
This temporary home in Sacramento offers a stark contrast to the vastness of the Coliseum, with fans like Francisco Almazan noting the significant difference in navigating the more intimate Sutter Health Park in mere minutes rather than the sprawling 20 to 30 minutes at their former venue. Despite the change, some loyalists, including those in “Forever Oakland” and “Rooted in Oakland” shirts, continue to support the franchise.
The transition is not without its challenges for the players and coaching staff, who find themselves in an unconventional setup. The A’s have invested in a two-story clubhouse beyond left field, featuring modern amenities like a lounge, kitchen, and offices for manager Mark Kotsay and his coaches, with player lockers located on the first level, aiming to maintain professional standards.
Manager Mark Kotsay emphasizes the group’s unwavering focus amidst the uncertainty, highlighting the consistent routine and strong work ethic prevalent in the locker room. Despite the distant prospect of their permanent home in Las Vegas by 2028, the team remains committed to their day-to-day baseball responsibilities, preparing diligently for each game.
Meanwhile, the A’s departure has spurred a resurgence of baseball in their former market, with the Oakland Ballers drawing significant interest at the intimate Raimondi Park. This new team, complete with mascot Scrappy the Rally Possum and nostalgic nods to Oakland’s baseball heritage, has provided a much-needed lift for a city that has witnessed the departures of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors and the NFL’s Raiders in recent years.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Las Vegas ballpark on June 23 marked a significant milestone, with key figures like owner John Fisher, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, and Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo in attendance. This development underscores Las Vegas’s burgeoning status as a major sports hub, a transformation largely catalyzed by the overwhelming success of its first major professional team, the NHL’s Golden Knights, defying past hesitations due to legalized sports betting.
Longtime A’s radio play-by-play announcer Ken Korach, now in his 30th season, offers a unique perspective, having moved to a Henderson, Nevada suburb in 1992. His insights reflect a pre-existing belief that MLB might eventually consider the Las Vegas market for either relocation or expansion, making his current position resonate with a sense of foresight.
The A’s are actively working to establish community ties in their new temporary home and future market, contributing over $1.5 million to nonprofits and youth sports organizations since 2023. These efforts, including involvement in more than 30 events this year, aim to foster a connection with new fan bases and demonstrate a commitment beyond the diamond.
Despite these efforts, fan attendance remains a concern, with the A’s averaging 9,782 fans per game, placing them among the lowest in Major League Baseball. This ongoing transition, while challenging, presents a unique set of adversities that All-Star designated hitter Brent Rooker acknowledges sets the A’s apart from most other clubs in the league.
