LAS VEGAS — Surrounded by heaps of dirt, construction machinery, and the spot destined to be home plate at the prospective Athletics ballpark, team owner John Fisher delivered a straightforward proclamation: “We are Vegas’ team.” The sun-drenched ceremony, held Monday morning, marked the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art $1.75 billion ballpark with a seating capacity of 33,000. The ambitious project aims to open its doors by the 2028 season.
The monumental event was attended by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, local and state government officials, and former Athletics legends like Rollie Fingers and Dave Stewart. They joined young Little Leaguers and numerous guests to watch the symbolic first steps toward the realization of this sporting venue. Nevada and Clark County have committed up to $380 million in public funding to support the creation of this baseball landmark.
Team president Marc Badain expressed confidence in completing the ballpark on schedule, emphasizing the readiness of the local workforce. “I have no doubt this is done in 2028,” Badain stated. “You know the workforce here; they’re all here and ready to get going.” Reflecting on his experience with the NFL’s Raiders, Badain highlighted the community engagement and job creation the project will foster over the next three years.
This trajectory mirrors Badain’s tenure with the Raiders, where he played a pivotal role in their relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas and was integral to the approval and construction of Allegiant Stadium, a $2 billion project. Unlike the Raiders, who maintained a strong Bay Area connection, the A’s faced dissatisfaction and resistance from their Oakland fanbase, thus prompting the move.
As the Athletics played their last season in their deteriorating Oakland stadium last year, they are now housed temporarily in a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento, California. They will remain there for at least three seasons until they are ready to transition to Las Vegas. John Fisher emphasized the team’s commitment to cultivating a local following, starting with the youngest fans. “Our goal is to continue to build upon what we have,” Fisher declared. “Sometimes it takes more time than you want it to.”
The site for the new stadium encompasses nine out of 35 acres owned by Bally’s at the junction of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. The prior structures on-site, including the Tropicana resort towers, were demolished in October to make room for the development. Meanwhile, the A’s are balancing their current setup at the temporary location while preparing for their prosperous future in Las Vegas. Each player’s uniform uniquely bears a patch of Sacramento’s Tower Bridge and a Las Vegas logo, symbolizing their present and future allegiance.
This landmark venue will become MLB’s smallest stadium. The stadium’s design artists presented an innovative concept reminiscent of Australia’s Sydney Opera House, featuring five layered canopies, a glass wall offering vistas of the Las Vegas Strip, and a decentralized air-conditioning system providing comfort directly through the seats.
The A’s transition to Las Vegas will position them as the fourth major professional team in town, joining the ranks of the Raiders, NHL’s Golden Knights, and WNBA’s Aces. Commissioner Manfred articulated the promising outlook for the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas, citing favorable demographics, the success of other sports franchises, and vibrant tourism as key factors on which to build the team’s success.
As construction progresses, anticipation grows for what is expected to become a beacon of sports innovation and community pride in Las Vegas.