Oakland A’s to play in West Sacramento. Here’s when — and can the stadium fit all the fans?

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West Sacramento will soon serve as home base for the Oakland A’s.

Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadivé and Oakland Athletics owner John Fisher announced Thursday that the A’s will relocate to West Sacramento beginning in 2025 as the team prepares to move to Las Vegas.

Sutter Health Park, home to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, is across Tower Bridge from downtown Sacramento at 400 Ballpark Drive.

“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,” Ranadivé said in a news release.

“Today marks the next chapter of professional sports in Sacramento,” he wrote in a statement, adding that the region is home to a vibrant market and fans that are “second to none.”

The Oakland A’s could bring a surge of “economic prosperity,” according to Barry Broome, CEO and economic council president of Greater Sacramento.

The region could see an uptick in jobs and tourism, all while highlighting the “innovation and dynamism of Greater Sacramento,” he said in a release.

Here’s what we know:

Why are the Oakland A’s moving to Sutter Health Park?

The A’s will play three seasons at Sutter Health Park, with an option to add another year, while the Las Vegas stadium is being constructed.

The Las Vegas ballpark is slated to be completed in January 2028, the release said.

Baseball fans sit watch an exhibition game between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento in 2021. On Tuesday, the Sacramento Kings, owners of the River Cats and Sutter Health Park, announced the Oakland A’s will play three seasons in West Sacramento before moving to Oakland.
Baseball fans sit watch an exhibition game between the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento in 2021. On Tuesday, the Sacramento Kings, owners of the River Cats and Sutter Health Park, announced the Oakland A’s will play three seasons in West Sacramento before moving to Oakland.

Where are Oakland A’s moving from?

The Oakland A’s are moving from Oakland Coliseum at 7000 S. Coliseum Way.

That’s the only place the team has played in since 1968 when it moved from Kansas City.

The A’s formed in Philadelphia in 1901.

Does the stadium have the capacity to host a major league team?

The short answer is, “Yes.”

The total capacity at Sutter Health Park is roughly 14,000. That includes seats, the lawn behind the center field and standing room.

The average attendance per A’s game in 2023 was 10,276 people, according to Baseball Reference.

The stadium will be adjusted to meet Major League Baseball standards, including upgraded LED lights and an additional clubhouse.

Zack Gelof of the Oakland Athletics flies out in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oakland Coliseum on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Oakland, California.
Zack Gelof of the Oakland Athletics flies out in the third inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oakland Coliseum on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, in Oakland, California.

Where will Oakland A’s and Sacramento River Cats practice and play?

The Oakland A’s and the Sacramento River Cats will co-exist at Sutter Health Park.

“Not only will fans be able to experience Major League Baseball in West Sacramento, but they will also still get to enjoy the beloved tradition of Minor League Baseball and the Sacramento River Cats,” the release states.

Team schedules will be constructed, per Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball guidelines.

Additionally, both teams will be given dedicated facility space.

Where can I get tickets?

You can sign up online to get information on tickets for Oakland A’s games at Sutter Health Park.

You can be updated on tickets, suites and hospitality spaces.

A’s season ticket holders will get first priority on seats and River Cats members will have priority ticket access.

Will tickets be more expensive?

That wasn’t clear as of Thursday.

Ticket information for 2025 will be released this summer following the Major League Baseball schedule.

“West Sacramento is proud to welcome the A’s to our community,” West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero said in a news release.

“Sutter Health Park, the Sacramento Kings and the Sacramento River Cats have been tremendous partners for our city and region, and we recognize this unique opportunity will bring significant economic benefits,” Guerrero said.

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