Following 56 years in the East Bay, the Oakland Athletics have announced their relocation to Sacramento, California, where the team will play its home games at Sutter Health Park for the next three seasons. This move comes after the team’s lease at the Oakland Coliseum expires in 2024 and precedes their planned transition to a new ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip.
As part of the relocation agreement, the Athletics will share Sutter Health Park, renowned for its intimate setting, with the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A team. The park, located in West Sacramento approximately 85 miles from the Oakland Coliseum, features 10,624 permanent seats and lawn seating that will increase the capacity to around 14,000.
The decision to relocate has been met with mixed reactions from fans and baseball enthusiasts. While some have expressed disappointment over the team’s departure from Oakland, others have welcomed the prospect of witnessing Major League Baseball in the Sacramento region. Embracing this new chapter, team president Dave Kaval confirmed that the Athletics will not have a city affiliation during their tenure in Sacramento, signifying a transient phase as the team charts its path to Las Vegas.
The move to Sacramento was solidified after closed-door negotiations involving team owner John Fisher, Sacramento representatives, and Vivek Ranadivé, majority owner of the Sacramento River Cats and the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. Ranadivé expressed his excitement at welcoming the Athletics to Sutter Health Park, acknowledging the significance of this development for both players and fans.
Despite the team’s imminent departure from the East Bay, the Athletics will aim to make the most of their temporary home in Sacramento, working towards creating a world-class baseball experience for their supporters. The relocation to Sutter Health Park marks a significant moment in the team’s history, setting the stage for a new era in Sacramento’s sports landscape and offering an opportunity to showcase the region’s dynamic and vibrant market on a national scale.
While the Athletics’ relocation to Sacramento for three seasons represents a transitional phase, it also signals the team’s commitment to adapting and seizing opportunities amid a changing sports environment. As the Oakland Athletics prepare to bid adieu to their longstanding home and embark on a new journey in Sacramento, the upcoming seasons at Sutter Health Park are poised to be a memorable and transformative period for players, fans, and the rich tapestry of baseball history.
