Skip to main content

American River Messenger

The A’s are Coming to Town

Apr 09, 2024 02:20PM ● By Angela Underwood
Here is the Sutter Health Park entrance, which will welcome thousands of Oakland A's fans now that the Major League Baseball team will call West Sacramento home temporarily. Photo courtesy of West Sacramento


WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - The Oakland Athletics have changed their dugout location and it’s at 400 Ballpark Drive, West Sacramento.

Known as the A's, the Major League Baseball team will call Sutter Health Park home for the next three seasons in West Sacramento before moving into a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip in 2028. The A’s are moving, following failed negotiations with the City of Oakland about a new lease for the coliseum there.

“The A's look forward to making Sutter Health Park their home for the next three years through the move to Las Vegas,” an Oakland Athletics spokesperson told the West Sacramento News Ledger on April 5.

The home of the West Sacramento River Cats will become the interim venue for the A's, beginning with the 2025 Major League Baseball season. Mayor and Chair of the Financing Authority Martha Guerrero shared her excitement over the partnership.

“We’re delighted to welcome the Oakland A’s and Major League Baseball to West Sacramento,” said Mayor Guerrero. “This is a great honor, and we’re looking forward to hosting visiting MLB teams and fans from throughout the region at our beautiful ballpark along the Sacramento River.”

As a former affiliate of the A's, “there are many shared connections with the River Cats, its players and the wonderful fan base in West Sacramento," according to the Oakland Athletics spokesperson, who added, “The A's extend their appreciation to the Kings and the City of West Sacramento for hosting the A's.”

West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel said West Sacramento is ready for the professional baseball team, noting that Sutter Health Park's location offers stunning views of Tower Bridge and downtown Sacramento.

“As the City of West Sacramento prepares to welcome the A's, excitement is building among residents and businesses alike,” Laurel said.

According to Laurel, the beer garden Drake’s BARN and the French-inspired wine bar Franquette across the street from the stadium are two businesses that will benefit from the A’s new location.

“There are also several other restaurants along West Sacramento’s Third Street corridor within walking distance of the ballpark,” Laurel said. “Together, with our neighbors across the river in Sacramento, there will be no shortage of amenities available to A’s fans and those from visiting teams.”

Yolo County Supervisor Oscar Villegas, who governs the Sutter Health Park region and serves with Mayor Guerrero on the Financing Authority board, said he is proud to support the temporary relocation of “this fantastic franchise” to West Sacramento.

“Hosting the Athletics in Yolo County represents a significant opportunity for economic growth and community enrichment,” Villegas said. “I am confident that this will foster a profound sense of community among our residents."

Residents now have two mascots to be proud of, with A’s mascot, Stomper, joining Dinger and Sacramento River Cat’s mascot. The A’s have captured nine World Series titles, including four since moving to Oakland in 1968.

“We’re prepared to accommodate the A’s and the River Cats to ensure a seamless transition for both teams and their fans,” Laurel said.