The Oakland Athletics are moving closer to officially breaking ground on their new stadium in Las Vegas, marking a major milestone in their planned relocation. The team cleared an important hurdle last week when the Clark County Commission approved land-use permits for the future ballpark. This came shortly after the A’s unveiled updated stadium renderings and revealed a new Las Vegas-themed patch on their uniforms, created through a sponsorship with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, which will remain for the next three seasons.
While some final paperwork is still pending, there are no significant obstacles remaining to begin construction. A’s President Marc Badain said the team is targeting a June groundbreaking for the $1.75 billion stadium, which will seat approximately 33,000 fans and is expected to open in 2028. In the meantime, the A’s have begun a temporary stay in West Sacramento, California, playing at a Triple-A ballpark for at least the next three seasons.
“Locally, everyone understands this project is moving forward,” said Badain. “Nationally, there are still skeptics. There always will be. Some people make a career out of doubting the value of sports venues and their impact on communities. That kind of negativity is just part of the landscape.”
Badain brings valuable experience to the role, having served as president of the Raiders during their own relocation from Oakland to Las Vegas. He played a key role in developing Allegiant Stadium, the $2 billion NFL venue that opened in 2020. He praised the A’s project team, many of whom were also involved in the Allegiant Stadium effort, for their knowledge and continuity.
“When I came on board, the A’s had already assembled an outstanding group,” Badain noted. “Many of the same professionals from the Raiders project are contributing to the ballpark. Their experience has been a huge asset to the organization.”
Badain joined the A’s on March 6, stepping into a process that was already well underway. Sandy Dean, who previously served as acting president and now serves as vice chairman, continues to play a key leadership role. “We’re working every day to hit our goal of breaking ground in the second quarter,” Dean said.
Public funding for the stadium, which could reach up to $380 million, faced early opposition. But momentum shifted in December when the Las Vegas Stadium Authority approved three essential documents, clearing the way for the project to move ahead. During the most recent Clark County Commission meeting, public comments were unanimously in favor of the stadium, with union workers wearing bright green shirts that read, “Approve it and they will come.”
Once completed, the A’s will become the fourth major professional sports team in Las Vegas, joining the NFL’s Raiders, the NHL’s Golden Knights, and the WNBA’s Aces.
“The people here have seen firsthand how sports have helped diversify the economy and boost the city’s image,” Badain said. “Las Vegas used to be known purely for entertainment. Now it’s recognized as the sports and entertainment capital of the world.”
