The Oakland Athletics have unveiled plans for their new $1.5 billion stadium in Las Vegas, showcasing a design reminiscent of the iconic Sydney Opera House. The proposed 33,000-seat domed stadium is set to feature five overlapping layers and a glass window offering views of the Las Vegas Strip, creating an outdoor ambiance within the stadium.
One of the standout features of the stadium is an 18,000-square-foot video board, which would be the largest in Major League Baseball. The architectural design is being spearheaded by Bjarke Ingels Group and HNTB, aiming to blend creativity with technical expertise to enhance the overall fan experience.
The stadium will be constructed on a nine-acre portion of the 35-acre site owned by Bally's at the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. The current Tropicana resort at the location will be demolished to make way for the stadium and a hotel, with $380 million in taxpayer funds approved by the Nevada Legislature contributing to the $1.5 billion budget.
Bally's Chairman expressed excitement about the project, highlighting its potential to enrich the Las Vegas entertainment landscape. Plans also include 2,500 parking spots, with additional nearby garages available for fan use.
Once completed, the stadium will be the smallest in MLB, with a capacity of 33,000 seats. The A's are targeting a move-in date of 2028, pending construction progress and any potential delays. The team has received approval from MLB owners to relocate, but logistical details are still being finalized.
While the A's are committed to playing in Oakland for the current season, discussions are ongoing regarding their future home games beyond 2024. Options include playing at the Giants' stadium across the bay or temporary moves to Salt Lake City or Sacramento.
Despite setting a 2028 target for the Las Vegas move, uncertainties remain that could impact the timeline. In the meantime, the A's are gearing up for spring training exhibition games at the Triple-A Las Vegas Ballpark this weekend.
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