WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Van Thompson strolled through the vibrant concourse just before the first pitch, singing along to the national anthem with a white Athletics cap held over his heart.
Earlier that morning, Susan Falcon walked her dog near a lively coffee shop, praising the energy and enthusiasm the A’s have ignited in California’s sports-centric capital city. In an impromptu move, ex-minor league pitcher Jarod Pavese quickly organized a spontaneous trip from Riverside County to cheer on the Chicago Cubs during the series finale, bringing along two of his daughters and one of their boyfriends.
“It was a spur-of-the-moment decision. We try to stay spontaneous even though it doesn’t always happen,” remarked Gianna Pavese, a 17-year-old high school senior, as she sat with her boyfriend Gavinn Schulze, her father, and her 12-year-old sister Kat in the sunlit section 104, row 10. “It’s really exciting and feels exhilarating.”
Although there are some issues still being ironed out, the A’s relocation to West Sacramento has provided fans with a unique opportunity to experience Major League Baseball firsthand.
Having ended their 57-year tenure in Oakland last September, resulting in a heart-wrenching separation for devoted fans, the team has committed to a temporary stay in West Sacramento while a new stadium in Las Vegas is slated for completion in 2028. Despite their current California residency, the A’s have chosen to retain the name “Athletics,” devoid of any city identifier.
This hasn’t diminished the excitement and curiosity surrounding the team’s presence.
Bryan Haywood, a 46-year-old from Bozeman, Montana, attended his very first major league game and returned the following day alongside fellow Montanan, Chris Anderson from Livingston, for another round of baseball excitement in Sacramento.
“It was incredible,” Haywood exclaimed.
Sacramento local, Thompson, a fervent supporter of the NBA’s Kings, wanted to extend his support to the new team in town.
“I came with an A’s fan,” he commented. “While I’m a Kings fan, today I’m here to support this cause.”
Falcon expressed her delight in witnessing local enthusiasm, noting that numerous individuals are eager to rally behind the A’s.
“Sacramento adores the A’s. They’re thrilled and ready to don the colors, attend games, and show their support,” she said. “They’ll definitely be present.”
Business partners Dan Niccum and Ken McGuire hope the A’s will stay put in their Northern California residence. Intent on retaining their four sought-after second-row seats, Niccum doubts the team’s imminent departure to Las Vegas, labeling the plan as a “pipe dream.”
“They’ll likely stay for a good four or five years,” Niccum predicted. “We’re here for the long haul and are excited to be part of this.”
As the season unfolds, the responses from opposing teams regarding the minor league venue and the patience of A’s players remain to be observed, especially with 12 home runs, eight hit by Chicago during a game.
However, Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson remains positive and supportive of the A’s current Northern California base, avoiding any disparaging remarks. Swanson, having ties with A’s pitcher Tyler Ferguson since their days at Vanderbilt, shared insights into the developments at Sutter Health Park.
The initial three-game series drew an impressive turnout of 31,556 spectators, with a sellout on opening day as 12,119 fans filled the stadium.
“They’re doing an admirable job given the circumstances. Everyone deserves kudos for making this happen,” Swanson noted. “It’s more complex than it appears, and everyone’s exerting their utmost effort.”
Pausing from his pregame activities, Swanson took time to sign autographs, considering it important for players to remain supportive and optimistic, acknowledging that not much can change currently given the A’s minor league setting.
Meanwhile, many fans find it hard to dismiss their long-standing memories from the East Bay, evidenced by those sporting T-shirts stating “I’d Rather Be At the Oakland Coliseum” during the home opener.
Manager Mark Kotsay remains hopeful for further support, even after a disappointing initial series where the A’s were outscored 35-9.
“I can sense the energy. We’ve had a rough start, but this city seems genuinely excited to welcome baseball to this region previously untouched by Major League Baseball,” Kotsay remarked. “We also hope for continued support from Oakland fans willing to make the journey north.”
A’s outfielder Lawrence Butler, presenting alongside a banner featuring the A’s logo and Las Vegas reference, remained optimistic about his future with the team following a recent seven-year contract. He expressed appreciation for Sacramento’s reception, citing support from eateries, hotels, universities, and residents as uplifting.
The city’s iconic yellow Tower Bridge glowed green in honor of the A’s nighttime game, reflecting an enthusiasm for the new team.
“It’s a quiet, low-key city, but with many things to explore. I’ve not yet done it all but I can tell they genuinely love their sports teams,” Butler shared before Monday’s game. “I’m sure they’ll show their presence tonight and demonstrate their support.”