Major league baseball is officially coming to Sacramento, at least temporarily. The Oakland Athletics announced Thursday morning that the team will make Sutter Health Park, home of the Sacramento River Cats, its home field for at least three years starting in 2025 with an option for a possible fourth season.
The A’s will play their final season at the Oakland Coliseum until the end of 2024 when the lease on the facility expires. They confirmed a deal with to West Sacramento Thursday morning after negotiations with the City of Oakland came to an end to extend their residency in the city until completion of a new stadium in Las Vegas which will be the team’s final destination.
“We look forward to making Sutter Health Park our home through our move to Las Vegas,” said A’s owner and managing partner John Fisher.”We extend our appreciation to the Kings and the city of West Sacramento for hosting the A’s while we work to complete our new ballpark in Las Vegas.”
In alignment with the announcement, the Sacramento River Cats, owned by Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé, confirmed the deal will not affect their season’s ahead as they will continue to play all of their home games at Sutter Health Park as usual.
Ranadivé released a statement on the deal Thursday morning, “Today marks the next chapter of professional sports in Sacramento,” he said. “The passion of our fans is second to none, and this is an incredible opportunity to showcase one of the most dynamic and vibrant markets in the country.”
While the addition of Major League Baseball to the Sacramento region is a temporary one at this time, it’s a boost for West Sacramento and Old Sacramento Waterfront as well. The addition will bring a great deal of tourism to the area in which city officials hope will give the local business community an economic boost as fans will patronize area establishments before and after games.
“West Sacramento is proud to welcome the A’s to our community,” said West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero. “Sutter Health Park, the Sacramento Kings and the Sacramento River Cats have been tremendous partners for our city and region, and we recognize this unique opportunity will bring significant economic benefits.”
At this time the deal will keep the A’s in Sacramento for at least three seasons, but the deal reportedly includes an option for a fourth season, should construction of the Las Vegas facility take longer than projected. As officials continue to iron out the many details, they have stated that branding of the team will remain simple for their temporary stint in Sacramento as just the “Athletics,” without the city branding.
“On behalf of all of MLB, I want to express my appreciation to West Sacramento, Sutter Health Park, the Kings and the greater Sacramento region for their excitement to host the A’s for interim play, as the A’s new permanent home is built in Las Vegas,” Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.