Since 1968, the Oakland Athletics have made the Coliseum their home base in California. Fast forward to today, and they’re gearing up for a major move. By the 2028 season, the A’s will be calling Las Vegas home, thanks to a green light from Major League Baseball owners.
This move involves more than just switching cities; it’s about stepping into a brand-new ballpark right on the bustling Las Vegas Strip in Nevada. But before they can soak up the neon lights, the A’s have one last hurrah at the Oakland Coliseum next year. In the meantime, they’re in talks with MLB to sort out a temporary home during this transition period.
John Fisher, the Athletics’ owner, can barely contain his excitement about this new chapter in Las Vegas. He’s thrown out a big thank you to the Las Vegas and Nevada community for rolling out the welcome mat. Fisher is determined to keep the championship dreams alive, this time in the glitzy surroundings of Vegas.
Oakland’s not new to sports teams relocating; remember when the Raiders football team made a 410-mile leap to Las Vegas for the 2020 season? The Athletics’ quest for a new, modern stadium in Oakland hit repeated dead ends, making their departure from the 1966-born Coliseum, a former Raiders’ playground, inevitable.
This isn’t the Athletics’ first rodeo when it comes to relocating. The franchise, born in 1901, initially kicked off in Philadelphia, hopped over to Kansas City in 1955, and then settled in Oakland in 1968.
Fisher acknowledges the bittersweet nature of this significant move. While there’s a buzz about what lies ahead, there’s also a pang of sadness for leaving Oakland behind. Despite their earnest efforts to stay put, things didn’t pan out. Fisher extends a heartfelt thanks to the Oakland fans for their unwavering support over the years.
Securing the move wasn’t a solo effort. Fisher needed at least 75% of the 30 MLB franchise owners on board. He did one better, getting unanimous backing.
Earlier in the year, the Nevada government stepped up, approving a $380 million public funding slice for the proposed $1.5 billion new stadium in Las Vegas.
The A’s move is a testament to Las Vegas’s growing sports scene. The city welcomed the Raiders, introduced the NHL’s Golden Knights in 2017, and is now hosting its inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix this weekend.
The Athletics, with their nine World Series titles—four clinched in Oakland—haven’t tasted victory since 1989. Last season was tough, with the A’s posting the MLB’s worst record: 50 wins against 112 losses. But in Vegas, they’re hoping for a winning streak that matches the city’s dazzling lights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Oakland Athletics Relocation
Q: Why are the Oakland Athletics moving to Las Vegas?
A: The Oakland Athletics are relocating to Las Vegas due to their inability to secure a deal for a new stadium in Oakland, making their departure from the aging Coliseum necessary.
Q: When will the Athletics move to Las Vegas?
A: The move is set to take place from the 2028 season, with the team playing their final season at the Oakland Coliseum in the year preceding the move.
Q: What will happen to the Oakland Coliseum after the Athletics leave?
A: The fate of the Oakland Coliseum after the Athletics’ departure is yet to be determined, as the team and Major League Baseball are working together to find an interim home until the relocation.
Q: How does this move impact the Las Vegas sports scene?
A: The Athletics’ move adds to the growth of sports in Las Vegas, following the relocation of the Raiders and the introduction of the NHL expansion franchise, the Golden Knights, in 2017.
Q: What is the history of the Oakland Athletics’ franchise relocation?
A: The Athletics franchise has moved several times in its history, starting in Philadelphia, then moving to Kansas City, and finally settling in Oakland in 1968. This marks their third relocation since their inception in 1901.
Q: What are the expectations for the Athletics in Las Vegas?
A: The Athletics are hoping for a fresh start in Las Vegas and aim to bring home championships for their fans in their new home. Their move is accompanied by optimism for a successful future.
