The Triple-A ballpark in West Sacramento, Sutter Health Park, will need upgrades before the Athletics begin playing there next season in order to meet MLB standards. League commissioner Rob Manfred recently shared the improvements that will be made to ensure that the Sacramento River Cats’ home field is ready to host big league players for several years.
According to Manfred, the upgrades will include constructing a separate building adjacent to the stadium for the home clubhouse, renovating the visiting clubhouse, installing new artificial turf, and upgrading camera capabilities for major-league quality broadcasts. Additionally, revenue-associated renovations such as club seating and video boards are being done in the stadium to enhance the fan experience.
The A’s, in partnership with Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive, announced their temporary move to Sutter Health Park from 2025 through at least 2027 after their Oakland Coliseum lease expires at the end of the 2024 season. The agreement includes an option for a fourth year in case their proposed Las Vegas ballpark is not ready by the 2028 season.
After news of the A’s move was made public, an MLBPA spokesperson indicated that the union would need to approve Sutter Health Park meeting league standards. While there is excitement about MLB games coming to Sacramento, there is still work to be done before the A’s can settle in and make the park their temporary home.