Athletics make $1.75 billion stadium decision after turning back on Oakland
Las Vegas on Monday marked a watershed moment in sports history as the Athletics officially broke ground on a stunning new $1.75 billion ballpark that will relocate the franchise from California.
Las Vegas celebrated a monumental milestone in sports history on Monday, as the Athletics broke ground on a jaw-dropping new $1.75 billion ballpark in Las Vegas, marking the team's move from California.
The news comes just days after MLB coverage on FOX was cut for an urgent address by U.S. President Donald Trump. Surrounded by construction equipment and standing on the very site where home plate is to be located, A's owner John Fisher emphatically proclaimed: "We are Vegas' team."
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred was in attendance alongside A's icons Rollie Fingers and Dave Stewart, city officials, budding Little League players, and eager fans keen to embrace the dawn of an exciting era.
Set to inaugurate for the 2028 season, the 33,000-seater stadium will rise from a nine-acre plot on the historic Tropicana location at Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard.
The state of Nevada and Clark County have committed as much as $380 million in taxpayer funds, with additional private financing, including more than $1.1 billion from Fisher's family, earmarked to offset inflationary costs and enhanced features.
Marc Badain, the team president who successfully managed the Raiders' transition to Allegiant Stadium, reassured attendees that he has "no doubt" regarding the stadium's completion by 2028.
The design of the stadium itself is attracting significant buzz. It boasts a permanent roof inspired by the legendary contours of the Sydney Opera House, and it incorporates five interwoven layers specially crafted to facilitate desert cooling and optimize natural light.
A transparent glass wall in the outfield will offer stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip, while innovative under-seat cooling technology promises to keep fans comfortable even in the valley's intense heat.
This marks the first significant relocation for an American League team since 1972 and the first for MLB since 2005.
The A's wrapped up their final season at the dilapidated Oakland Coliseum before temporarily moving to a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento for the next three years.
Their exit comes after years of unsuccessful stadium plans in Oakland and widespread disappointment among fans who protested what they perceived as a disrespectful approach to the team's future.
Officials are comparing the A's move to the successful relocation and stadium construction of the NFL's Raiders in 2020, which demonstrated that Las Vegas is indeed a viable market for major league sports.
The A's are now set to join the city's professional sports roster, which includes the Raiders, NHL's Golden Knights, and WNBA's Aces.
As excavation gets underway, it signifies more than just the movement of concrete and dirt - it heralds the start of a new sports era in Las Vegas. Plans for the complex include hotels, gaming, and entertainment facilities.
By Opening Day 2028, the Athletics aim not only to bring baseball to Las Vegas but also to revolutionize the fan experience both on and off the field.