Four years after starting the relocation process, and two years after a special Nevada legislative session, dignitaries officially broke ground on the future A’s Stadium in Las Vegas. That long-awaited first dig was commemorated with shovels attached to baseball bats and an explosion of green and gold confetti. It was also a celebration of the high level of collaboration it took to make the A’s move to Las Vegas a reality.

"...We would not be here today were it not for some of 

the hard work that went into making this a reality." 

- Rob Manfred, Commissioner, MLB

"When you have 30 teams, you get a chance to work with governments around the United States. And those of you who live here in Nevada should take great comfort in the efficiency and effectiveness of your elected officials," said MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. "And trust me, we would not be here today were it not for some of the hard work that went into making this a reality."

The stadium is set to open in 2028. It is being built on a nine-acre site that was home to Tropicana Las Vegas. It will have a capacity of 33,000 and host events year-round.

"To me, it’s economic drivers. It’s jobs, it’s the ability to be the true entertainment capital of the world," said Governor Joe Lombardo from the podium. "So here we are today. The conversations still continue. But I anticipate the pile drivers behind me will be hitting the ground sometime this evening, and, in 2028, we’ll be throwing a pitch across that plate."

Nevada Week spoke one-on-one with A’s President Marc Badain about the costs associated with the stadium. He says the stadium is on track to come in with a price tag of $1.75 billion, and as of now, it is fully funded. Team owner John Fisher and his family are still committing $1 billion to the project, and Badain says they are ready if the price goes up.

"The Fisher family has made a commitment, and they’re prepared to fund any amount, any overage, and that’s one of the reasons we’re standing here today," he said.

Badain is the former president of the Las Vegas Raiders. He oversaw their relocation process to Las Vegas as well as the construction of Allegiant Stadium. The A’s hired Badain earlier this year. He says it takes a cast of thousands to bring everything together for the stadium, and he is thrilled to be a part of it.

"Anytime you do something for a second time, it’s a lot easier," Badain said, "It’s like doing a movie sequel. You know the players, you know the director, you know the producer. You put the right people in the right place and we’ve got a great team that’s effectuating the plan."

The A’s are in last place in the American League West, and they have suffered poor performances in recent years. But A’s Assistant General Manager Billy Owens tells Nevada Week he isn’t worried.

“The record’s not great right now, but you can see the young talent pulling through,” he said.

"We are the hottest ticket in the sports world, 

and I’m so excited to welcome the A’s to Las Vegas." 

- Shelley Berkley, Mayor, Las Vegas

Owens highlighted the talents of young players like Jacob Wilson and Nick Kurtz. He also shared his excitement about being a part of this historic time in Las Vegas sports.  

"Las Vegas is special. I go back to Jerry Tarkanian, Thomas & Mack Center, seeing the Las Vegas Knights win an NHL Championship, the Aces win a WNBA Championship. It’s kind of the mecca for sports, the Raiders coming here, having the Super Bowl here. So baseball is obviously the next step. I’m sure the NBA will be here at some point," Owens said.

It’s a sentiment echoed by City of Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley. Although she says her role in this project is limited — because the Las Vegas Strip, where the stadium is located, is within Clark County’s jurisdiction — she is thrilled the A’s chose to make Las Vegas their next home.

"Where else would any team in any sport want to be than Las Vegas right now? We are the hottest ticket in the sports world, and I’m so excited to welcome the A’s to Las Vegas," she said.