Oakland Athletics’ Journey to Las Vegas: A New Era Begins
LAS VEGAS (KTNV) – After more than four years of anticipation, the Oakland Athletics are poised to embark on an exciting new chapter. The team has officially announced a ceremonial groundbreaking for their future ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip, scheduled for June 23, 2025. This marks a pivotal moment in the long and complex process of relocating the Major League Baseball team from Oakland to Las Vegas, a journey filled with noteworthy milestones and local sentiments that range from enthusiastic to skeptical.
A Look Back at the Process
May 18, 2021 – The Journey Begins
The journey kicked off when Athletics executives, with the approval of MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, made their first exploratory trip to Southern Nevada. This trip was prompted by the realization that the aging Oakland Coliseum could no longer serve as a suitable venue for Major League Baseball, as reported by the Associated Press.
June 24, 2021 – Identifying Potential Sites
In a subsequent visit, then-A’s President Dave Kaval revealed that the organization had compiled a list of approximately two dozen potential locations in Las Vegas for their new ballpark. Key contenders included land near Circus Circus and a plot north of Harry Reid International Airport, alongside the legendary Cashman Field.
March 17, 2022 – Narrowing Down the Options
By March 2022, the A’s had trimmed their list to five main locations, all situated in the Resort Corridor. However, uncertainty loomed as the team faced setbacks in negotiations for a new ballpark in Oakland, highlighted by a planning committee’s decision to reject their proposal.
April 20, 2023 – Deal Breakdown
Months later, the A’s announced an agreement to secure 49 acres of land near Allegiant Stadium. Yet, plans for this site would crumble as the Athletics ultimately decided to partner with Bally’s Corporation for the Tropicana property instead.
May 15, 2023 – A Historic Agreement
The details came to fruition on May 15, 2023, when Bally’s Corporation and the Athletics officially reached a deal for a new ballpark on the Tropicana Las Vegas site. This agreement followed a period of speculation and marked a significant pivot from earlier land purchase plans near the Strip.
May 26, 2023 – First Glimpse of the Vision
The Athletics shared initial renderings of the proposed 33,000-capacity ballpark, which features a stunning partially retractable roof. This architectural innovation aims to complement the lively climate of Las Vegas while providing fans with an immersive experience.
June 14, 2023 – Legislative Milestones
A crucial legislative milestone was achieved with the passage of Senate Bill 1, which allocated $380 million in public funds for ballpark construction. Lawmakers mandated that the A’s invest $2 million annually into community programs in the Las Vegas Valley, emphasizing a commitment to the local community.
Nov. 16, 2023 – Official Approval to Relocate
In a unanimous vote by Major League Baseball owners, the A’s received the green light to advance their relocation plans to Las Vegas, solidifying the team’s future in this vibrant city.
March 5, 2024 – The Architectural Design Revealed
The architectural team, led by the Bjarke Ingels Group, introduced a unique design concept, characterizing the ballpark as a "spherical armadillo." It is projected to include an 18,000-square-foot Jumbotron, which would be the largest in Major League Baseball.
April 4, 2024 – A Temporary Solution
Amid the relocation process, the Athletics announced a temporary deal with the Sacramento River Cats to play at Sutter Health Park for the 2025-27 MLB seasons, as their lease in Oakland was expiring.
Oct. 9, 2024 – The Tropicana’s Iconic Implosion
The iconic Tropicana Hotel, a staple on the Las Vegas Strip for nearly 70 years, was brought down in an impressive display of fireworks and fanfare. This implosion was a significant milestone, paving the way for the upcoming construction of the new ballpark.
Feb. 6, 2025 – Addressing Concerns
A land use permit filed with Clark County included essential insights regarding parking, a major concern expressed by local residents. The plan outlined 2,470 on-site parking spaces, although many believe this is not sufficient compared to the recommended 7,500 spaces.
March 6, 2025 – Inside Look at the Future Stadium
New renderings were released highlighting the interior of the ballpark, which will feature innovative cooling systems under the seats to enhance the fan experience during hot summer days.
April 15, 2025 – Funding Mechanisms Approved
The Clark County Commission approved the creation of a special ballpark tax district, which forms a crucial component of the funding apparatus for the new project. The overall cost of the stadium has increased to an estimated $1.75 billion, reflecting higher construction costs.
Looking Ahead
As the date for the groundbreaking approaches, excitement builds in Las Vegas. The A’s new home promises to symbolize not only a fresh start for the team but also a step forward for the city as it embraces major league sports. The upcoming ceremony on June 23, 2025, will resonate as a pivotal moment in sports history for Las Vegas and a new chapter in the life of the Athletics. Channel 13 and the Good Morning Las Vegas team will be on site to provide live coverage of this historic event.