The Oakland Athletics have unveiled stunning renderings of their planned $1.5 billion stadium in Las Vegas, showcasing a design reminiscent of the iconic Sydney Opera House. The proposed domed stadium, slated to accommodate 33,000 seats, is projected to become a prominent feature of the Las Vegas Strip skyline, with construction aimed for completion by 2028.
Designed by the renowned architectural firms Bjarke Ingels Group and HNTB, the stadium boasts five overlapping layers and a striking glass window offering panoramic views of the bustling Strip. Notably, it will house an impressive 18,000-square-foot video board, set to be the largest in Major League Baseball.
Situated on nine acres of land owned by Bally’s at the corner of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, the stadium project includes $380 million in taxpayer funds approved by the Nevada Legislature. Bally’s Chairman Soo Kim expressed excitement over the venture, labeling it a “once-in-a-generation project” and emphasizing plans for a comprehensive site development.
Parking provisions for the stadium include approximately 2,500 spots, complemented by nearby garages for additional convenience. Despite its capacity of 33,000 seats, the new stadium would be the smallest in MLB, contrasting with Tropicana Field’s capacity of just under 40,000.
The move to Las Vegas was unanimously approved by MLB owners in November, signaling a significant shift for the Oakland Athletics. However, uncertainties remain regarding the timeline and logistics of the relocation. While the A’s are committed to staying in Oakland for the current season, negotiations are ongoing for future home games beyond 2024.
Potential temporary home venues include the San Francisco Giants’ stadium across the bay, as well as alternatives in Salt Lake City or Sacramento. Nevertheless, the A’s have earmarked 2028 as the target date for their Las Vegas debut, pending any construction or legal setbacks.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for the upcoming spring training exhibition games, set to take place at the Triple-A Las Vegas Ballpark. The A’s hope these games will not only showcase their talents but also generate excitement for their impending move to Las Vegas.
With the unveiling of these renderings, the Oakland Athletics have provided a glimpse into what promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the Las Vegas entertainment landscape. As plans progress and timelines solidify, baseball fans eagerly anticipate the day when the first pitch is thrown in this innovative and visually striking new stadium.
