A's unveil new stadium renderings
On Thursday, the Athletics unveiled new, updated renderings with more specific details about their new ballpark project on the Las Vegas strip, located on the former site of the Tropicana.
The new images, which were presented during a Las Vegas Stadium Authority meeting at the Las Vegas Convention Center, include features that were unaddressed in previous renderings, such as home and visitor bullpens stacked together just beyond the left-field wall, as well as shortened foul territory that would allow for the closest seats to the field of any Major League stadium.
After reaching agreements with the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on lease, non-relocation, development and community benefits in December, the A¡¯s expect to break ground on their $1.75 billion, 33,000-seat stadium -- which is designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and HNTB -- at some point during the second quarter of 2025, likely June. That would put the project on track to be completed in time for the A¡¯s to move in by 2028 Opening Day following their temporary relocation to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento for the next three seasons.
The A¡¯s are already establishing their footprint in their future home by hosting several events in the Southern Nevada area before and during their two-game exhibition series against the D-backs at Las Vegas Ballpark on Saturday and Sunday as part of Big League Weekend.
Here¡¯s a rundown of the events.
Thursday, March 6
? A¡¯s public address announcer Amelia Schimmel will read to Hannah Brown Elementary School kindergarteners as part of Nevada Reading Week.
? A¡¯s mascot Stomper will participate in Opening Day ceremonies for Boulder City Little League at Veterans Memorial Park.
Friday, March 7
? Stomper will join the festivities for Henderson Little League¡¯s Opening Day at Mission Hills Park.
Saturday, March 8
? Stomper will be on hand to celebrate the lone Mountain Little League Opening Day at Children¡¯s Memorial Park.
? The A¡¯s will host a pregame party in Downtown Summerlin from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Fans are invited to enjoy giveaways, guest appearances and more before the game at Las Vegas Ballpark.
? Bolden Little League players will join the A¡¯s on the field for the national anthem before the 1:05 p.m. game between the A¡¯s and D-backs.
Sunday, March 9
? Lone Mountain Little League players will join the A¡¯s on the field for the national anthem before Sunday¡¯s game, also scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
¡°It does feel different,¡± manager Mark Kotsay said of the A¡¯s upcoming trip to Las Vegas. ¡°There¡¯s a different buzz and a different excitement. There¡¯s a lot of activity going on leading up to it. The A¡¯s have done a nice job of getting into the community and honoring quite a few Little Leagues. ¡ There¡¯s definitely a different energy about this trip.¡±
Fans in Nevada will also now be able to listen to all A¡¯s Spring Training, regular season and any potential playoff games after the A¡¯s named iHeartMedia¡¯s 95.5 KWNR FM The Bull HD2 as their official network affiliate in Las Vegas. In addition to live game broadcasts, KWNR FM The Bull will carry all A¡¯s Cast programming, including pre- and postgame shows, beginning this season.