Athletics Kick Off Sacramento Stay Amid Uncertain Reception

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The transformation of Sutter Health Park into the temporary home of the Oakland Athletics marks a significant milestone for a city that has never been a regular host for Major League Baseball. The venue, originally designed for minor league play, features a single main level with a concourse primarily filled with suites—a stark contrast to typical major league stadiums. However, the A's are banking on this intimate setting to foster a unique fan experience.

At the press box previous to the season opener, former MLB player Steve Sax, who has local roots, reflected on the monumental significance of this moment. “I grew up in West Sacramento, just a stone’s throw away,” Sax shared, dreams of a major league baseball presence ignited in him since childhood. "The fact that baseball is now here, in West Sacramento, is absolutely mind-boggling."

The A's are slated to play in this park for a minimum of three seasons, starting with a sold-out match against the Chicago Cubs. This marks the team's first season outside of Oakland in 57 years, as they prepare for a permanent transition to a new stadium in Vegas.

Despite West Sacramento's proximity to Sacramento—less than ten minutes on foot across the Tower Bridge—the overall excitement for the A's arrival seems restrained. During a recent visit, a reporter noted a lack of visible enthusiasm throughout the community, akin to the cautious first interactions of a middle school dance.

Interestingly, the A's are sharing their new home with the Triple-A team, the Sacramento River Cats, who have already begun their season. While Sutter Health Park has undergone $40 million worth of renovations to accommodate the A's, indications of their impending arrival, such as a single purple ad for Las Vegas tourism in the outfield, felt sparse.

In the streets of Old Sacramento, where tourists flock to historic sites, just one vibrant “Welcome” banner for the A's could be seen. Apparel stores showcased A's merchandise, but many still featured the old Oakland logos, while unofficial “Sactown Athletics” gear emerged, which the A's team management is keen to downplay. With a patch signifying Sacramento on one sleeve and Vegas on the other, the A's want to retain the "Athletics" name without attaching themselves to any city for now.

“I'm calling them the Sacramento A's,” declared Sacramento mayor Kevin McCarty, committing to embrace the team despite their hesitance. “They’re here. Professional baseball is in town.”

However, the partnership between the A's and River Cats is complex. Both entities are navigating a unique arrangement that includes shared construction costs and revenue participation, giving rise to a collaborative atmosphere, yet one marked by uncertainty. Vice Chairman Sandy Dean commended the swift improvements made to the park, announcing significant upgrades such as a new scoreboard and advanced technology to support the grass field’s maintenance.

A grass field was chosen over synthetic turf after players voiced a preference for the natural playing surface, leading to the installation of Tahoma 31 Bermudagrass mixed with rye for resilience. It’s a significant decision, given that both teams will be using the field often, and concerns about its durability under such conditions have arisen.

Fans are decidedly split in their feelings toward the team’s relocation. While some express enthusiasm about having their team closer, others lament the loss from Oakland. As one local fan put it, “I’m happy to not drive two hours to Oakland anymore, but I wish the A's had just stayed in their original city.” This sentiment echoes in the community, where indifference or enthusiasm for the A's arrival exists in stark contrast.

As the A's begin their Sacramento chapter, their journey is tangled in a web of mixed loyalties and lingering discontent from their departure in Oakland—creating a unique yet challenging dynamic as they seek to establish their presence in a city where they are only temporary guests.

With commitment to enhancing their experiences on and off the field, the A's hope that as Sacramento rallies around them, they might ignite the passion required for a deeper connection with this new community—and who knows, perhaps even plant the seeds for a long-term MLB future here.