WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Athletics will make Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento its temporary home for at least three MLB seasons before moving to Las Vegas.
Representatives with the A's announced Thursday the team will be playing in West Sacramento for the next three MLB seasons starting in 2025 as the lease at the Oakland Coliseum expires after the 2024 season. There's could also be a fourth season, representatives said.
Sutter Health Park currently houses the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giants' Triple-A affiliate owned by Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé.
Here are Ranadivé and other sport and city leaders’ reactions to the team moving:
Kings, River Cats owner Vivek Ranadivé
“I’m thrilled to welcome the A’s to Sutter Health Park, where players and fans alike can enjoy a world-class baseball experience and create unforgettable memories. Today marks the next chapter of professional sports in Sacramento. 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.”
Athletics owner John Fisher
"We look forward to making Sutter Health Park our home through our move to Las Vegas. 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.”
Athletics President Dave Kaval
"Obviously — 56 years in Oakland — it is sad that that time, that chapter is ending, but we have a very exciting interim play plan here for Sacramento, a fun stadium, an intimate stadium for fans to come and congregate and watch the A's and root the A's on until we open our new stadium in Las Vegas in (2028) ... I think it's an opportunity for Sacramento to showcase why it's a great sports town, especially here in West Sacramento, this incredible facility, sharing it with the River Cats. They have a great history. They used to be our affiliate, so we have a lot of great players who came through here. I think it's going to be a fun experience for the local community to get behind the team (and) have these great summer outings. The summers up here are so nice and warm and fun. I think that's going to be a really positive thing."
Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred
“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.”
West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero
“It’s an incredible day for the city of West Sacramento! We are a baseball town and on behalf of the city we extend a warm welcome to the A’s and their dedicated fanbase throughout Northern California. We are thrilled to have you all as part of the community and look forward to sharing our hospitality, our beautiful riverfront venue and our passion for baseball.
Connected by two bridges and a love of sports, good food and fun, we have an incredible partnership with our neighbors across the river and the city is prepared to welcome old friends and first time visitors to the city to share in our bounty of incredible restaurants, entertainment venues, beautiful bike and walking paths and a variety of accommodations hugging the Sacramento River.
I am grateful to John and Vivek for their support through the process leading up to this historic moment and for their leadership that has created incredible economic opportunities contributing to an already growing vibrancy in the region.”
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao
“Oakland offered a deal that was fair to the A’s and was fiscally responsible for our city. We wish the A’s the best and will continue our conversations with them on facilitating the sale of their share of Coliseum site. The City of Oakland will now focus on advancing redevelopment efforts at the Coliseum.”
California District 3 State Senator Bill Dodd
“You’re not dreaming, you heard it right – Major League Baseball is coming to Yolo County. Seriously, it’s a grand slam for baseball lovers across the region. I think the A’s will discover an incredible fan base and won’t ever want to leave. Who needs Las Vegas?”
Former West Sacramento Mayor Christopher Cabaldon
Cabaldon said the following on X, formerly Twitter:
“Welcome to West Sacramento & the 3rd Senate District, @Athletics. The @RiverCats ballpark was my 1st major project as a young, brand-new mayor. We broke ground at the end (of) 1999 and finished it in less than 19 months (yes, government can get results on time). It catalyzed the remarkable transformation of our community into one of the most dynamic in America. I know you'll feel the soul, love, and cheers the moment the gates open.”
Greater Sacramento Economic Council President and CEO Barry Broome
“Sacramento’s baseball roots run deep. Welcoming the A’s will not only bring a surge of economic prosperity, including job creation and increased tourism, but also highlight the innovation and dynamism of greater Sacramento, home to one of the most energetic fan bases in the country."
Sacramento Mayor Steinberg
“This is a moment of conflicting emotions.
Oakland is a great city that rightfully deserves professional sports, including major league baseball. The circumstances leading to the A’s departure were beyond our control as the capital city and region.
As mayor of Sacramento, I am over the moon for my city, our region and our state. Today’s announcement will give Sacramento a historic opportunity to once again showcase why we are one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic cities in the country. Sacramento is passionate about sports. Sacramento is passionate about baseball. Sacramento has an indomitable spirit.
I am grateful to Vivek Ranadivé and the Sacramento Kings for continuously uplifting our city.
Success breeds more success. A decade ago, when we united to save the Kings, many of us said yes because we believed it would bring untold benefits to the future of Sacramento. Not only did we keep our NBA team, but now (at least temporarily) we are a Major League Baseball city. There will be more great days to come. It’s truly the stuff of dreams.”
Sacramento District 1 Councilwoman Lisa Kaplan
Kaplan said the following on X, formerly Twitter:
“So excited to have the A’s join us in the River City! Woo hoo. Love this! @RiverCats.”
Sacramento District 3 Councilwoman Karina Talamantes
“My feelings about the A’s temporary move to West Sacramento's Sutter Health Park.
I’m excited for economic development, tourism, and how much our small businesses will benefit from this.
I feel for the A’s fans who are disappointed with the A’s leadership.
Keep the employees union. Unions have played a historical role in baseball since the 1960s.
Despite the mixed sentiments, let’s embrace the spirit of the game and look forward to a new chapter in Sacramento’s baseball journey.”
Sacramento District 5 Councilwoman Caity Maple
Maple said the following on X, formerly Twitter:
“We are thrilled to welcome the @Athletics to Sacramento!”