Will the MLB stay in Sacramento? What will the Oakland A’s be called? Your questions answered
In the Spotlight is a Sacramento Bee series that digs into the high-profile local issues that readers care most about. Story idea? Email metro@sacbee.com.
Sacramento will welcome the Oakland A’s next spring.
The A’s, who have called Oakland home since 1968, will play at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento for three seasons, and potentially a fourth, as they await the completion of their stadium in Las Vegas.
While Sacramento gears up for the arrival of the A’s, we asked you to submit your top-of-the-mind questions on what you want to know.
Here’s some questions you asked and answers we found:
Will Sutter Health Park be adjusted to fit the A’s?
Reader Kevin Cook asked: “Are there plans to increase the size of Sutter Health Park?”
Answer:
As Sacramento officials prepare for the arrival of the Oakland A’s, their temporary home, Sutter Health Park, is undergoing adjustments.
To meet Major League Baseball standards, Sutter Health Park will undergo improvements, including upgraded LED lights and an additional clubhouse.
Will the Sacramento River Cats share the stadium with the A’s?
Reader Paul Green asked: “Will the River Cats share the stadium?”
Answer:
The Sacramento River Cats “are not going anywhere.”
Since relocating from Vancouver in 2000, the River Cats have called West Sacramento home and have secured numerous titles, including 12 division titles, seven conference championships, five Pacific Coast League banners, and three Triple-A championships.
They will continue to play at Sutter Health Park, sharing the space with the A’s.
When can I get tickets to see the A’s play in Sacramento?
Reader Mark Vendeiro asked: “Where and when will tickets be available?”
Answer:
To stay updated on season tickets, group tickets, suites and hospitality spaces, fans can sign up online to get the latest information on tickets for A’s games at Sutter Health Park.
“While ticket pricing and ticket products for A’s games at Sutter Health Park are yet to be determined, we anticipate more information being made available later this summer for the 2025 season,” the team said on the MLB website.
Read more: Tickets to watch the Oakland A’s in West Sacramento? Here’s how to get a head start
Will Major League Baseball be a permanent thing for Sacramento?
A reader asked: How major league does Sacramento really want to be?
Answer:
Vivek Ranadivé, owner of the Kings and River Cats, expressed optimism about Sacramento’s potential to secure a permanent MLB team.
“I’ve been in touch with the commissioner ... they will be creating a new team,” Ranadivé told reporters during a press interview last month. “They want it to be on the West Coast. They’d love for it to be in California.”
By showcasing that Sacramento has the market and can “make the team successful,” he said there’s a chance to get the new franchise.
“There’s no guarantee,” he added. “You know, we have to show what we can do, and I have complete confidence that if we set our mind to something, this is an incredible city.”
Will the team be known as the Sacramento A’s?
Reader John McIntyre asked: “Will they become the Sacramento A’s?”
Answer:
During their time in West Sacramento, the MLB team will not incorporate a city name.
The current Oakland A’s will simply be known as the “A’s” or “Athletics.”
What is the parking capacity at the Sutter Health Park?
A reader asked: “What is the parking capacity at the West Sacramento ball park?”
Answer:
Though the exact number of spaces is not available, there are five lots for parking, according to the Sutter Health Park website.
The lots are next to the stadium between Ballpark Drive and Bridge Street. There is also a city parking lot on the corner of Bridge Street and Fifth Street.
The Ziggurat parking garage has availability on Third Street.
There are three spaces next to Sutter Health Park with public parking available, including the areas around H Street, L Street and around Interstate 5.
Does West Sacramento have development plans?
Cook asked: Are there plans for development around Sutter Health Park?
Regional leaders said they see the A’s stay as an opportunity for economic growth and potentially securing a permanent home for the MLB in the area.
Barry Broome, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council, said he believes “the Bridge District is going to take off,” referring to area along the Yolo County side of the Sacramento River.
“There’s plans on putting a $1 billion life science investment here, top-end housing, hotels. ...This whole corridor is going to get hot.”
Have questions about the Oakland A’s move to West Sacramento?
Ask our journalists.
Submit questions in the form below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.
The Bee’s Brianna Taylor, Hanh Truong, Rosalio Ahumada, Jason Anderson, Sam Stanton, Mathew Miranda, Hector Amezcua and Ishani Desai contributed to this story.
