Manfred Confident in A’s Las Vegas Timeline
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred provided an optimistic update on the Athletics’ move to Las Vegas, expressing confidence that the team will be on track to start playing in their new stadium by 2028. Speaking to reporters in Phoenix, Manfred stated, "I don’t think the timeline has changed. I believe we’re going to be on time to go in 2028." The Athletics have already agreed to spend the 2025-2027 seasons at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento before making the permanent move to their new home in Sin City. Manfred’s positive outlook is a reassuring sign for A’s fans and stakeholders, despite the uncertainty of when construction in Las Vegas will begin.
Current Home in West Sacramento
Manfred recently visited Sutter Health Park, which will serve as the Athletics’ temporary home for the next few seasons. The park, also home to the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A Sacramento River Cats, received high praise from the commissioner. "It was a really positive day," Manfred said. "I’m glad I took the time to do it before Opening Day. I think the level of excitement in the community is really palpable." The park’s facilities and the surrounding community’s enthusiasm have set a strong foundation for the A’s as they prepare for the new chapter in their franchise’s history.
Player and Manager Optimism
Numerous A’s stars, including Brent Rooker and Lawrence Butler, have embraced the unique circumstances of playing in West Sacramento. Both players have expressed excitement and positivity about the upcoming season, which is a significant morale boost for the team. Manager Mark Kotsay, whose contract was recently extended through at least 2028, shares this optimism. Kotsay’s leadership and the team’s busy offseason activities are expected to contribute to an improvement over their 69-93 record from the previous season. The A’s are positioning themselves for a competitive and exciting campaign in 2025 and beyond.
A’s 2025 Season Schedule
The Athletics are set to kick off their 2025 MLB season with a four-game series against the Seattle Mariners on March 27. They will then host the Chicago Cubs for a three-game series at Sutter Health Park starting on March 31. This schedule offers a mix of challenging and exciting matchups, providing the team with a strong start to their new chapter. The natural spectacle of the Athletics playing in West Sacramento for the first time in 57 years since leaving the Oakland Coliseum adds an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation for fans and the broader MLB community.
Manfred’s Optimism and Expectations
Manfred’s confidence extends beyond the A’s move to Las Vegas and their temporary home in West Sacramento. He expressed high expectations for Major League Baseball’s overall attendance and performance in 2025. "At the risk of jinxing myself, we do have great [attendance] expectations for 2025," Manfred said. The commissioner believes that the league has made significant improvements in the quality of play over the past few years. The current generation of talented players is bringing a crisp, athletic, and action-packed game to the field, enhancing the fan experience and driving interest in the sport.
A’s Future in Las Vegas
While the A’s and their fans await the groundbreaking in Las Vegas, the team’s immediate future in West Sacramento looks promising. The combination of a positive community response, player enthusiasm, and a strong managerial presence sets a solid foundation for the upcoming season. Manfred’s unwavering support and optimism about the A’s relocation plan provide further assurance that the team’s journey to Sin City is on the right track. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on the A’s as they embark on this new and exciting chapter in their franchise’s history.
