The Oakland Athletics are in the midst of a long-term plan to move to Las Vegas. The team has an agreement with Bally’s and Gaming & Leisure Properties to build a new ballpark on the Tropicana hotel site along the Las Vegas Strip.
However, the project is still in the early stages, and it is unclear when the A’s will be able to move to Las Vegas.
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Oakland Athletics lackluster attendance
In the meantime, the A’s have been playing their home games at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The Coliseum is one of the oldest and most outdated stadiums in Major League Baseball. It is also located in a less-than-ideal location in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
As a result, the A’s have struggled to attract fans to their games in Oakland. The team’s average attendance this season is just 8,695, which is the lowest in the American League. They are the only team that is averaging less than 10,000 fans per game.
The prospect of yet another uninspiring season in Oakland is unlikely to bolster attendance figures.
On Monday, they hit another low. The A’s drew an announced crowd of 2,064, their smallest for a home game fans were allowed to attend since drawing 1,037 against Texas on Sept. 19, 1979.
In 2005, the Montreal Expos, the most recent Major League Baseball team to relocate, made the move to Washington DC and rebranded themselves as the Nationals.
Throughout the season, they encountered challenges on and off the field. Despite playing home games in Montreal and San Juan, Puerto Rico, the team drew an average attendance of 9,356 fans.
Regrettably, their roster was significantly reduced, resulting in a less formidable team that could only muster 67 wins throughout the season.
Las Vegas Ballpark
The A’s have been exploring the possibility of playing their home games in Las Vegas while they wait for their new ballpark to be built. The team has already played a few exhibition games at Las Vegas Ballpark, the home of the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators.
Las Vegas Ballpark is a state-of-the-art facility that opened in 2019. It seats 10,000 fans, which is similar to the capacity of Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The ballpark is also in a prime location, just off the Las Vegas Strip.
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The A’s have not yet decided on whether they will play their home games in Las Vegas. However, the team’s recent history suggests that they are serious about the possibility. The A’s have played well in Las Vegas, and they have a strong fan base in the city.
If the A’s do decide to play their home games in Las Vegas, it would be a major coup for the city. It would also be a major blow to Oakland, losing its Major League Baseball team.
The A’s can find solace in their long-range plan amidst dwindling crowds in Oakland and contemplation of playing in a minor league park for at least two years. Despite the present challenges, their focus remains on the bigger picture.
Only time will tell what the A’s will decide.
However, recent history suggests that Las Vegas is a real possibility for the team’s future home.
Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball when he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends.
In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accounting. He leverages this expertise to provide insightful betting analysis for all sports, identifying value based on overlooked factors.
Education
Tony graduated with honors from NM State University, earning a BA in Mass Communications and Journalism. During his time at the university, he actively participated in organizing Study Abroad Fairs and was a dedicated member of the College Democrats.
Tony also volunteered at the student-run radio station (KRUX), contributing to the success of its annual fundraising event, KRUXFest.
Furthermore, he served as a volunteer cameraman for the student-run news station (KRWG22) twice a week and held the position of sports editor for the student newspaper.
Apart from his academic and extracurricular accomplishments, Tony also enjoyed participating in student-run intramurals, playing on both basketball and flag football teams.
Professional Achievements
New Mexico Press Association Scholarship
Runner-Up, Page Design, Associated College Press/ College Media Advisers
Runner-Up, Top College Newspaper Columnist, Associated College Press/ College Media Advisers