Major League Baseball team the Oakland Athletics (A’s) are set to move to Las Vegas after being granted permission to relocate by the league. The team’s owners have been pushing for a new stadium for years, and after years of stalled efforts in Oakland, the decision was made to look elsewhere.
The A’s plan to build a new $1 billion stadium in the Vegas area, marking the first time a major professional sports team has moved to the city. The new stadium is expected to be completed in time for the 2026 season.
The move has been met with mixed reactions from fans and residents in Oakland, with many expressing disappointment and frustration at losing the team. However, the team’s owners say that the move will help secure the future of the franchise and provide a better experience for fans.
In a statement, A’s president Dave Kaval said, “Today marks a major milestone in our quest to build a world-class ballpark for the incredible fans of the Las Vegas A’s. We are thrilled to bring the excitement of Major League Baseball to the city of Las Vegas, and we look forward to creating a state-of-the-art venue that will be the envy of the league.”
The move comes as Las Vegas continues to grow as a sports town, with the city now home to the NFL’s Raiders and the NHL’s Golden Knights. The addition of the A’s is expected to further boost the city’s profile as a sports destination.
While the move is still several years away, fans in Oakland will have a chance to say goodbye to the team during the next few seasons. The A’s plan to continue playing at the Oakland Coliseum until the new stadium in Las Vegas is ready.
Overall, the move to Las Vegas marks a major shift for the A’s, who have called Oakland home for nearly 60 years. While it remains to be seen how fans will respond to the move, the team’s owners are optimistic about the future of the franchise in its new home.
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