On June 23, a historic–and bittersweet–moment unfolded as Athletics owner John Fisher and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred officially broke ground on the A’s proposed $2 billion domed stadium near the Las Vegas Strip.
The ceremony, held on the former Tropicana Hotel site at Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard, featured golden shovels, MLB legends like Rollie Fingers and Dave Stewart, and a bold announcement: the team is targeting a debut in 2028.
Fisher stated that his family will fund the majority of the stadium, with about $380 million coming from public subsidies. Manfred expressed confidence in the project’s completion: “tremendous resources available to him…going to get built on time.” Yet concerns linger–tariff-related cost inflation, the expiration of MLB’s current CBA in 2027, and the absence of named investors keep the venture under intense scrutiny.
“Today is a celebration of the start of our construction process,” Fisher said. “It’s kind of a dream come true for me. The A’s have needed a new home for a long time. To look out there and see all these machines and the holes that are being dug where home plate is going to be, it’s a really positive place for us to be.”
Oakland Fans Feel the Sting
For many long-time A’s supporters in Oakland, the groundbreaking felt like a moment of finality. “Just put the nail in the coffin,” co-founder of The Last Dive Bar and former Athletics fan, Carl Moren said. His grief reflected a collective sense of abandonment–fans no longer invested in the team: “I am not a fan of the team. I don’t care what the team does on the field.”
The move prolongs a painful chapter in Oakland sports history, echoing the departures of the Raiders and Warriors. The Coliseum, once vibrant, has become a symbol of lost loyalty and fractured community ties. Fans are left separated from their team and their identity, watching real-time as what was once hope turns into a distant promise.
“There’s no wrong way for a fan to deal with this,” Moren said. “It’s like losing a loved one, there’s no wrong way to grieve.”
Social media users were quick to express their feelings on the event. One X user said, “Should have just stayed in Oakland and renovated the Coliseum, for one thing remove that grandstand beyond the outfield fence.”
Another had a more positive outlook on the groundbreaking, saying, “Let’s Go! Going to be great for the community. Welcome Las Vegas A’s!”
A Bold, New Vision
In contrast, Las Vegas embraced the new stadium and team as symbols of growth and opportunity. A’s leaders see a prime market: a mix of tourists, entertainment, and rising local interest. Industry leaders draw parallels with the Raiders and Golden Knights, noting Vegas’ track record in embracing and sustaining pro franchises.
“We’ve got a lot of people here in Vegas and elsewhere who are cheering,” Fisher said. “You know these projects are difficult. It’s understandable that people are like, why isn’t this open yesterday?”
The building will seat approximately 33,000 spectators–nearly doubling their current makeshift capacity at Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park (~14,000 seats being their temporary home). The design, by Bjarke Ingels Group, features a domed structure inspired by the Sydney Opera House, complete with large outdoor-style windows overlooking the Strip.
“The Athletics have a long and proud history,” Manfred said. “Nine World Series titles. Great players like Rickey Henderson, Dave Stewart, Vida Blue–the list goes on and on. I think of today as a new chapter in that great history.
“The A’s are going to build Las Vegas an unbelievable, awesome, iconic ballpark.”
Braden’s Emotional Reflection
Former pitcher and broadcaster Dallas Braden offered a heartfelt reminder of what the franchise has meant to those rooted in Oakland. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Braden struck a deeply personal chord:
“I was a little fella who got to grow up cheering for the green and gold. I was a little fella who got to grow up and play for the green and gold.
“And now, I’m a much older fella who gets to talk about the green and gold and what they have done on the baseball field. So I, just like many of you, am very excited for a day just like today.”
While the franchise moves on, voices like Braden’s serve as a bridge between eras–acknowledging the loss, but also honoring the legacy.
Uncertainty Beneath the Surface
Despite the optimism, questions remain. Fisher has hinted at additional private investment while selling his MLS franchise San Jose Earthquakes to raise capital. Meanwhile, the timeline is tight: the collective bargaining agreement is set to expire in 2027, raising the specter of a labor stoppage just as the stadium expects to open.
Additionally, construction costs could exceed initial estimates, particularly amidst heavy tariffs and global material shortages. These pressures underscore that while the groundbreaking is symbolic, much still needs to fall into place.
“Everyone there acknowledged that there’s no problems here,” David Samson, host of Nothing Personal with David Samson, said. “The ballpark will be built in a 31-month span, will be open for 2028 Opening Day, no problem…
“The more they spoke at that groundbreaking, the more I believe that they are so uber-focused on a day, that they’re not realizing the deleterious impact it has on your budget.”
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post ‘Just Put the Nail in the Coffin’: A’s Break Ground in Vegas appeared first on Heavy Sports.