Athletics Break Ground on $1.75 Billion Las Vegas Ballpark, Owner Declares: “We Are Vegas’ Team”
The Las Vegas Athletics broke ground June 23, 2025, on a $1.75 billion, 33,000-seat ballpark at Bally’s site on the Strip, beginning the team’s move from Oakland with a targeted opening for the 2028 MLB season.
Key takeaways
- Athletics Las Vegas Ballpark Groundbreaking: $1.75 billion project for a ~33,000-seat stadium aimed at opening for the 2028 MLB season.
- Site and design: Nine acres on a 35-acre Bally’s parcel at Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard, designed by BIG and HNTB.
- Funding: Nevada and Clark County approved up to $380 million in public support via tax credits and a special tax district.
- Interim play: The team will play at a Triple-A park in West Sacramento while the stadium is built.
Groundbreaking ceremony and message
Standing amid mounds of dirt, a marked home plate and heavy equipment, owner John Fisher used the ceremony to send a clear message: the Athletics intend to be a permanent major-league fixture in Las Vegas. Dignitaries included MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, former Athletics greats and local officials.
“We are Vegas’ team.” — John Fisher
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told attendees the league is confident the team will thrive in Las Vegas: “I have no doubt that this team is going to be really successful in Vegas.” These remarks were reported by ESPN.
Stadium design, site and capacity
The ballpark will seat about 33,000 fans and occupies nine acres on a larger Bally’s-owned parcel at the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard. The design, by Danish studio BIG and U.S. firm HNTB, features five overlapping arched volumes that have been likened to an armadillo.
An entrance with a large cable‑net glass wall is designed to give the venue a striking presence on the Las Vegas Strip and create a visual gateway for fans and visitors.
Construction timeline and progress
Team president Marc Badain reported fast-moving progress: the first deck pour is visible in the outfield, work on the second-level concourse is advancing from the third-base foul pole toward first base, and roughly half the decks had been poured by late June.
Planned milestones include steel work in the bowl beginning in March, completion of five of six buttresses by the end of the month (with the sixth by spring), and roof steel appearing in June followed by framing through summer and early fall. Escalators were scheduled to arrive on site in the coming weeks. Timeline details were summarized from reporting by ESPN and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Funding, public dollars and local approvals
The project uses a mix of private investment and public support. Nevada and Clark County approved up to $380 million in public funds through state tax credits and a Clark County special tax district. The Las Vegas Stadium Authority approved final lease and non‑relocation agreements in December 2024 to clear the way for construction.
Supporters argue public backing unlocks economic activity and keeps the project viable on the Strip. Skeptics question the use of taxpayer dollars for sports venues and call for tight oversight of promised benefits and transparent accountability — points local officials elsewhere can learn from.
Athletics relocation from Oakland and interim arrangements
The move ends a lengthy and sometimes contentious search for a new home after years in Oakland. The franchise plans to complete the transition by the 2028 season.
While the Las Vegas ballpark is built, the team will play home games at a Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento under a sponsorship arrangement that includes patches linking Sacramento’s Tower Bridge with Las Vegas branding. That temporary solution keeps the team playing relatively close to its California fan base for at least three seasons.
Las Vegas sports market
When it opens, the Athletics will join the Raiders, the NHL Golden Knights and the WNBA Aces as Las Vegas’ fourth major professional team, further cementing the city’s profile as a major sports hub and expanding year‑round event options on the Strip.
Proponents say an MLB team will draw visitors and boost revenue for restaurants, hotels and retail. Critics warn of potential oversupply and stress careful accounting of public promises and projected returns.
Implications for Paso Robles
Economic opportunities
- Travel and tourism: Paso Robles is roughly a three‑ to four‑hour drive from Las Vegas and has direct flights from some regional airports. The new MLB stadium may spur travel for residents and visitors combining wine‑country visits with games. Hotels, B&Bs, tour operators and limo services could see upticks in demand.
- Business partnerships: Wineries, restaurants and tour operators in Paso Robles might develop packages or partnerships with Nevada hospitality firms to market combined travel experiences for fans and visitors.
Fiscal and taxpayer questions
- Precedent on public funding: Conservative readers and officials in Paso Robles may view the $380 million in public support as a case study for reviewing incentives, projected returns and oversight mechanisms when local projects request subsidies.
- Lessons for local officials: Lease terms, non‑relocation clauses and tax district structures used in Las Vegas can inform clearer standards, transparency, and independent economic reviews in Paso Robles.
Community and cultural effects
- Fan migration: The Athletics’ move may shift some Bay Area loyalties and produce new fan communities across California. Paso Robles could see local fan clubs and youth baseball engagement tied to events like Little League outreach.
- Travel choices for families: Families in Paso Robles will weigh costs and convenience; local travel businesses can tailor value‑conscious packages and group options for game weekends.
Practical considerations for residents
- Transportation and scheduling: Residents should consider flight availability from San Luis Obispo County and Paso Robles, drive times and parking; group travel and charters may be economical for clubs and civic groups.
- Local business outreach: Chambers of commerce and business groups can proactively approach Las Vegas tourism and sports marketing teams to explore joint promotions, especially during MLB offseason periods.
Sources and further reading
- ESPN: Athletics celebrate groundbreaking for $1.75B Vegas stadium
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: As Las Vegas ballpark timeline — how the MLB team arrived at groundbreaking day
- Dezeen: BIG and HNTB design for Athletics Las Vegas stadium
Additional reporting from Times Media Service and team statements provided at the groundbreaking.
