The Oakland Athletics now have clarity on their future home for the next few seasons, but the process of saying goodbye to Oakland remains emotional.
The team’s response to the news of their departure from Oakland after this season is a mix of sadness and relief. Outfielder Seth Brown expressed that knowing where they will be playing next year brings some comfort amidst the uncertainty.
The decision for the A’s to move to West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park for at least three seasons was announced by owners Vivek Ranadivé and John Fisher.
Following the construction of a new ballpark, the team will relocate to Las Vegas.
Fisher’s inability to extend the lease at Oakland Coliseum led to this decision, marking the end of the A’s long-standing presence in the city since 1968. Manager Mark Kotsay emphasized the significance of this final season in Oakland and the emotional weight it carries for the organization.
While the move provides stability for the next three seasons, it also presents challenges for players, staff, and behind-the-scenes personnel. The transition to a smaller environment in Sacramento, with its 16,000-seat capacity, raises concerns about facility upgrades, similar to those made by the Toronto Blue Jays in Buffalo during the pandemic.
