Historic groundbreaking: Oakland athletics begin construction on $1.75 billion Las Vegas ballpark
Las Vegas reached another major milestone in its transformation into a premier sports destination as the Oakland Athletics officially broke ground on their new $1.75 billion ballpark, marking the beginning of what will become Major League Baseball’s presence in Sin City.
“We Are Vegas’ Team” – A new era begins
With construction vehicles, mounds of dirt, and the precise location where home plate will sit serving as the dramatic backdrop, Athletics Owner John Fisher delivered a clear message to the assembled crowd: “We are Vegas’ team.” The groundbreaking ceremony brought together an impressive gathering including MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, state and local government officials, Athletics legends Rollie Fingers and Dave Stewart, local Little League players, and hundreds of supporters.
The moment represents the culmination of years of planning and negotiations that will bring the fourth major professional sports franchise to Las Vegas, joining the NFL’s Raiders, NHL’s Golden Knights, and WNBA’s Aces in creating an unprecedented sports entertainment hub in the desert.
A $1.75 billion investment in Las Vegas’s future
The new ballpark will feature a capacity of 33,000, making it the smallest stadium in Major League Baseball, though still larger than Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Field when its upper levels are closed off. The intimate setting is designed to create an electric atmosphere that maximizes the fan experience while fitting perfectly into the Las Vegas entertainment landscape.
Nevada and Clark County have approved up to $380 million in public funding for the project, representing a significant investment in the city’s sports infrastructure. The ballpark is scheduled for completion in time for the 2028 season, giving Las Vegas baseball fans a firm timeline for their team’s arrival.
Prime strip location creates unique venue
The stadium will occupy nine acres of the 35-acre site owned by Bally’s, strategically positioned at the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. This prime Strip location required the dramatic overnight demolition of the Tropicana’s resort towers in October, clearing the way for what promises to be one of the most uniquely situated ballparks in professional sports.
Artist renderings reveal a stunning architectural design featuring five overlapping layers that bears a striking resemblance to Sydney’s iconic Opera House. The ballpark will include a glass window beyond the outfield that provides spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip, creating an outdoor feel that captures the essence of baseball while showcasing the city’s famous skyline.
Innovative design for desert climate
Understanding Las Vegas’s extreme summer heat, the stadium will feature an innovative cooling system that distributes air conditioning directly through the seats rather than relying on a centralized system. This approach should provide optimal comfort for fans during the scorching summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 100 degrees.
The design philosophy emphasizes creating an intimate, comfortable environment that encourages year-round attendance while taking advantage of Las Vegas’s beautiful weather during spring training and the early and late portions of the baseball season.
Leadership with proven Las Vegas experience
Athletics President Marc Badain brings invaluable experience to the project, having served in the same capacity for the NFL’s Raiders during their successful transition from Oakland to Las Vegas. Badain was instrumental in the Raiders’ move and the approval and construction of the $2 billion Allegiant Stadium, which opened in 2020.
“I have no doubt this is done in 2028,” Badain stated confidently. “You know the workforce here; they’re all here and ready to get going. It’s nice to see the validation a day like today brings and what the next three years will mean for the community and for the construction project and the jobs and everything else that you’re going to see as this building comes out of the ground starting as early as tonight.”
Building the next generation of fans
Fisher emphasized the team’s commitment to developing a local fan base from the ground up, particularly focusing on young fans. “We are a local team,” Fisher explained. “And we want to start from the youngest of fans, because if you can get the kids, you can get their parents. It takes less time than you think; what really takes time is to have a winner.”
This approach mirrors the successful strategies employed by the Golden Knights and Raiders, both of which have cultivated passionate local followings while maintaining their appeal to tourists and visitors.
Temporary home while awaiting Vegas debut
During the construction period, the Athletics are playing at a Class AAA ballpark in West Sacramento, California, approximately an hour from their former Oakland home. The team’s uniforms tell the story of their transition, with players wearing a patch of Sacramento’s Tower Bridge on one sleeve and a Las Vegas logo on the other, symbolizing their journey from past to future.
This arrangement, part of a three-year sponsorship with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, keeps the team competitive while building anticipation for their Las Vegas debut.
Las Vegas: The new sports capital
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed strong confidence in Las Vegas as a baseball market, citing three key factors: “I think that the demographics, the success that other sports have had, and the amount of tourism here, those three legs of the stool make this an ideal market for us. I have no doubt that this team is going to be really successful in Vegas.”
The Athletics’ arrival will complete Las Vegas’s transformation into a major league sports city. The Golden Knights brought Stanley Cup championship excitement, the Raiders delivered NFL prestige, and the Aces have dominated women’s basketball. Now, America’s pastime will add the final piece to this sports entertainment puzzle.
Economic impact and community benefits
The Las Vegas Stadium Authority approved lease, non-relocation and development documents in December, representing the final major steps needed for the Athletics to officially become Las Vegas’s team. The project is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs over the next three years, followed by hundreds of permanent positions once the ballpark opens.
Beyond the immediate economic impact, the ballpark will serve as a catalyst for further development in the area, potentially transforming the southern Strip corridor while providing year-round entertainment options for both residents and the millions of annual visitors to Las Vegas.
Looking toward 2028
As construction begins in earnest, Las Vegas baseball fans can start counting down to 2028, when they’ll witness their first Major League Baseball home opener. The groundbreaking represents more than just the beginning of construction – it’s the start of a new chapter in Las Vegas sports history and another bold statement that the Entertainment Capital of the World has become America’s newest sports destination.
Image Source: https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2025/jun/24/athletics-break-ground-on-new-vegas-ballpark/
Category: Sports, Real Estate, Business, Local News
Subcategory: Construction
Date: 06/24/2025
