Sacramento, historically viewed as a way station rather than a destination, is set to host a Major League Baseball team as the Athletics temporarily relocate from Oakland. This move follows the team's decision to pursue a permanent home in Las Vegas after a lengthy tenure in Oakland.
The Athletics will play at Sutter Health Park, a minor-league stadium in the Sacramento area, for three years. However, the team has opted not to adopt the city’s name, remaining simply as the Athletics. Many residents express acceptance of this arrangement, embracing the underdog spirit of their city.
With a population of approximately 2.5 million, Sacramento is often overshadowed by larger California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. Despite this, the region boasts a vibrant community and a growing downtown area, highlighted by a modern basketball arena and a burgeoning culinary scene.
Sacramento has long aspired to host a major league franchise, with previous attempts at establishing a baseball stadium remaining unfulfilled. The current minor-league park, which opened in 2000, will now serve as the temporary home for the Athletics.
Local residents are generally enthusiastic about the team’s arrival, appreciating the convenience of having a major league team nearby. However, some express disappointment over the lack of the city’s name in the team branding, viewing it as a slight against Sacramento.
The Athletics' management has stated that the team will not incorporate the city’s name until they move to Las Vegas, which is anticipated to happen in 2028. In a gesture to acknowledge their temporary home, the team will feature a sleeve patch depicting Sacramento's Tower Bridge, although they will also wear a patch indicating their future location in Las Vegas.
Despite mixed feelings about the team's branding choices, many Sacramento residents remain optimistic about the positive impact of hosting a Major League Baseball team, viewing it as an opportunity for the city to gain recognition and appreciation.