There has been much speculation about the Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas. But now, all the rumors have been confirmed. Oakland’s baseball team is headed for Sin City, and they will become the latest franchise to make the move from the bay to the desert.
With the approval of MLB, the Athletics signed a binding agreement to purchase land for a new, retractable roof ballpark in Vegas. Team president Dave Kaval announced on Wednesday that the deal was finalized, adding “We have a path in Las Vegas that can put the franchise on solid footing.” He called this move a ‘very big milestone’ for the team.
The Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas was made possible by the assurance of a new stadium that will be built on a 49-acre site near the iconic Strip. There the A’s plan to construct a stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 to 35,000 in collaborate with Nevada and Clark County in a public-private partnership to fund the stadium.
Kaval expressed optimism about breaking ground on the project by next year and aiming to move into their new home by 2027. We spent almost two years working in Las Vegas to try to determine a location that works for a long-term home. To identify a site and have a purchase agreement is a big step.”
The Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas comes after they had been searching for a new venue to replace the outdated Coliseum. That’s been their home since their relocation from Kansas City in 1968. With the new agreement in Las Vegas, the Athletics will be moving to their fourth home since their inception as the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901-54.