Las Vegas Welcomes MLB: Athletics Set to Build $1.75 Billion Stadium on the Strip
Las Vegas is poised to make sports history once again as the Las Vegas Stadium Authority (LVSA) clears the final hurdles for the Oakland Athletics to relocate to the Strip. The $1.75 billion state-of-the-art stadium, set to open for the 2028 MLB season, marks a new chapter in the city’s evolution into a premier destination for professional sports.
A Major Milestone for Las Vegas Sports
The LVSA’s approval of lease, non-relocation, and development agreements ensures a 30-year commitment to keeping the Athletics in Las Vegas. Steve Hill, CEO and president of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, hailed the decision as a landmark moment for the city. “Today’s a real milestone. I think we should recognize that and celebrate that,” Hill said, drawing applause from attendees.
Sandy Dean, a board member for the Athletics, echoed this excitement, emphasizing the organization’s gratitude for the support that made this relocation possible.
Cutting-Edge Stadium Design
The Athletics’ new stadium will redefine fan experiences with cutting-edge features like an under-seat cooling system and a split lower bowl for closer views of the action. Designed as a domed venue with a capacity of 33,000, it will offer world-class amenities to players and fans alike.
While construction costs have risen by $250 million due to inflation and added features, the Athletics are committed to delivering a premier facility that aligns with Las Vegas’ reputation for excellence.
Financing the Vision
The $1.75 billion project includes $380 million in public funding from Nevada and Clark County, which will be allocated only after the Athletics invest at least $100 million. Team owner John Fisher has pledged $1.1 billion of his family’s wealth, with an additional $300 million loan secured through U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs.
Dean assured stakeholders that any additional costs would be borne by the team. “This may not be the last time the costs rise,” noted Hill, expressing confidence in Fisher’s financial ability to meet obligations.
A Boost for Las Vegas
The relocation of the Athletics will add another dimension to Las Vegas’ dynamic sports scene, joining the NFL’s Raiders, the NHL’s Golden Knights, and the WNBA’s Aces. With multiple championships already brought home by the Golden Knights and Aces, the city has proven its mettle as a hub for professional sports.
The addition of Major League Baseball positions Las Vegas as one of the most diverse sports markets in the United States, further solidifying its status as a global entertainment capital.
Looking Ahead
Groundbreaking for the new stadium is expected in the spring of 2025, aligning with a planned 2028 opening. Meanwhile, the Athletics will continue to play in West Sacramento for the next three seasons, following their final games in Oakland, where they played for 57 years.
This development also coincides with reports of the Athletics signing free-agent pitcher Luis Severino to a $67 million, three-year deal, marking the largest contract in the team’s history—a testament to the organization’s ambition as it prepares for its Las Vegas debut.
The Future of Sports in Las Vegas
Las Vegas’ transformation into a sports powerhouse continues with the arrival of Major League Baseball. As the city welcomes the Athletics, it reinforces its position as a premier destination for fans and athletes alike. The new stadium, combined with a thriving local sports culture, promises to make Las Vegas a central figure in the future of American sports Just Now News.Press.
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