The Oakland Athletics wrapped up a noteworthy season at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, solidifying their temporary home before the impending Vegas move. A's fans have stuck by their team throughout this transition, as "gold and green forever," said Monica Flores from Gilroy, according to KCRA. Despite being second-to-last in the AL West, the A's enjoyed support from an average of just under 9,500 fans over the course of the season, a commendable feat considering their below .500 record and fluctuating attendance.
As the Athletics gear up for their permanent move to Las Vegas in the 2028 season, Sacramento fans are cherishing these ephemeral years with the team. "It's better than going to Vegas, I'll tell you that!" Jason Key told CBS Sacramento. The city holds on to a sliver of hope that this temporary arrangement might pave the way for an MLB expansion in the future. In a show of support and festivities, the Fan Appreciation Weekend saw the Topps Truck Tour doling out baseball cards and kids running the bases, as reported by KCRA.
The final game of the season drew just under 9,000 fans, a bit shy of Sutter Health Park's 14,000 capacity. Nonetheless, the stadium's pre-season upgrades transformed it from a minor league ballpark to a standard that received player praise. "Hitter-friendly ballpark, we love that too," said A's first baseman Nick Kurtz, in a statement obtained by CBS Sacramento. The same news outlet divulged that next season, A's players will don alternate jerseys emboldened with Sacramento's name, an acknowledgment of the city's embrace of the team.
While local sentiment has been a mix of nostalgia and tentative excitement, the A's finish this season prompted mixed feelings from season ticket-holders. Despite tickets not having the anticipated resale value, loyal fans like Ron Barrett see it as part of the love for the team, telling CBS Sacramento, "Again, I'm an A's fan I love it." The players echoed a sentiment of local pride, with outfielder and designated hitter Brent Rooker admitting, "This is our city, right now," hinting at the intimate relationship they've established with the Sacramento community.
Though the season concluded with a 9-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals, featuring two home runs by Mike Yastrzemski, the Athletics look forward to returning to Sutter Health Park in April 2026, where they will face off against Houston in their home opener.
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