The Athletics Moving to Las Vegas: Economic Impact and Stadium Timeline
Las Vegas has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing sports cities in the United States. Over the past decade, the city has welcomed several major professional teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Las Vegas Aces. Now, another major franchise is joining the city’s expanding sports scene: the Oakland Athletics, who are relocating to Las Vegas and building a brand-new stadium on the Strip.
The arrival of Major League Baseball represents a significant milestone for the city. It is expected to boost tourism, create thousands of jobs, generate billions in economic activity, and further solidify Las Vegas as a global sports destination.
What the stadium could look like
Photo: mlb.com
Why the A’s Are Moving to Las Vegas
The Athletics played in Oakland for more than five decades, but the franchise struggled for years to secure funding for a new stadium there. After negotiations with the city of Oakland collapsed, the team began exploring relocation options, eventually focusing on Las Vegas.
Las Vegas quickly emerged as the leading candidate because of its growing population, strong tourism industry, and successful track record with major sports franchises. State and local leaders supported the move as part of a long-term strategy to expand the city’s sports and entertainment economy.
The relocation deal includes building a brand-new ballpark on the site of the former Tropicana Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip. The historic hotel closed in April 2024 and was demolished later that year to make room for the stadium and surrounding developments.
Details About the New Las Vegas Stadium
The new stadium will be a state-of-the-art venue designed specifically for Major League Baseball and large entertainment events.
Key features of the project include:
- Approximately 33,000 seats
- A fixed roof design to protect fans from the desert heat
- Large windows facing the Las Vegas Strip
- A three-acre entertainment plaza
- Modern premium seating and luxury suites
- Advanced digital displays and scoreboards
The stadium is expected to cost roughly $2 billion, making it one of the most expensive baseball venues ever built.
Funding comes from a combination of private investment from the team ownership and public financing approved by Nevada lawmakers.
Tropicana Demolition
Photo: Global News
Construction Timeline
Construction on the new ballpark is already underway. Work began with preparation and foundation construction after the demolition of the Tropicana site.
Important milestones include:
2024
- Tropicana hotel closes and is demolished
- Site preparation begins
2025
- Construction officially begins
- Groundbreaking ceremony held June 23, 2025
2026
- Foundation work completed
- Structural steel construction begins
2027
- Stadium structure topped out
- Seating installation begins
- Playing field installed
2028
- Final inspections and certificate of occupancy
- Opening day for Major League Baseball in Las Vegas
Officials expect the stadium to be completed in time for the 2028 MLB season, marking the official arrival of Major League Baseball in Las Vegas.
What the area around the stadium could look like
Photo: The Nevada Independent
Temporary Plans Before the Stadium Opens
While construction continues, the Athletics will temporarily play games outside Las Vegas. The team has been based in Sacramento during the transition period, and some games may occasionally be hosted in Las Vegas as promotional events.
For example, the team has planned a small number of games at the Las Vegas Ballpark, home of the Las Vegas Aviators, to help build local fan interest before the new stadium opens.
Economic Impact on Las Vegas
The arrival of Major League Baseball is expected to have a major economic impact on the Las Vegas region.
Large sports venues often serve as economic catalysts for nearby development, tourism, and job creation.
Construction Jobs
Building the stadium alone is expected to generate thousands of construction jobs. Local contractors and union workers are involved in the project, bringing significant wages and economic activity to the region during the construction phase.
The stadium project will also require suppliers, engineers, architects, and logistics companies, further boosting the local economy.
Tourism Growth
Las Vegas is already one of the most visited cities in the United States, welcoming more than 40 million visitors each year. The addition of a Major League Baseball team will bring even more tourists to the city.
Unlike football, which only has a handful of home games each season, baseball teams host 81 home games per year. This means the new stadium will attract visitors almost daily during the baseball season.
Fans traveling from across the country may visit Las Vegas specifically to watch their favorite teams play against the Athletics.
This increased tourism will benefit:
- Hotels
- Restaurants
- Casinos
- Transportation services
- Retail businesses
Local Business Opportunities
The stadium’s location on the Las Vegas Strip means nearby businesses are likely to benefit from increased foot traffic on game days.
Restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues around the stadium area will see more customers during baseball season.
Additionally, the stadium development plan includes new hotels and entertainment areas surrounding the ballpark, creating even more economic opportunities for the city.
Increased Tax Revenue
Another major benefit of the stadium is increased tax revenue.
Tourism spending generated by baseball games will contribute to local sales taxes, hotel taxes, and entertainment taxes. These revenues help fund public services, infrastructure, and community programs throughout Southern Nevada.
Even critics of public stadium funding acknowledge that major league sports franchises often bring significant economic activity to host cities.
Strengthening Las Vegas as a Sports City
The addition of Major League Baseball further strengthens Las Vegas as one of the top sports markets in the country.
Over the past decade, the city has transformed into a major destination for professional sports.
Major events hosted in Las Vegas now include:
- NFL games
- NHL games
- WNBA games
- UFC fights
- Formula 1 races
- NCAA tournaments
Adding MLB to that list makes Las Vegas one of the few cities in the United States with teams in multiple major professional leagues.
This growing sports reputation helps attract international events and major media attention.
Long-Term Development Around the Stadium
Large sports venues often spark additional development in surrounding areas. The new ballpark is expected to serve as the centerpiece of a broader entertainment district near the south end of the Strip.
Planned developments around the stadium include:
- Hotel towers
- Entertainment venues
- Retail spaces
- Restaurants and nightlife
These projects will continue to generate economic growth long after the stadium opens.
Challenges and Concerns
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, some critics have raised concerns about the stadium’s financing and long-term impact.
Public funding of approximately $380 million was approved to support the project, which sparked debate among some lawmakers and residents.
Others have questioned whether the team will draw enough local fans or rely heavily on tourists for attendance.
However, many city leaders believe the project will follow the success of Allegiant Stadium and further strengthen Las Vegas as a global sports destination.
The Future of Baseball in Las Vegas
If construction continues on schedule, the Athletics will begin playing in their new Las Vegas stadium in 2028. The opening will mark the first time a Major League Baseball team calls Las Vegas home.
The project represents more than just a new sports venue. It symbolizes the city’s transformation into a major professional sports hub.
With the combination of tourism, entertainment, and major league sports, Las Vegas is positioning itself as one of the most unique sports markets in the world.
For residents and visitors alike, the arrival of baseball will add another exciting dimension to a city already known for world-class entertainment.
