THE A’S BRING MORE THAN BASEBALL TO THE REGION
In a move that has shaken up major league baseball and electrified the Sacramento region, the Oakland A’s (to be known as the Athletic’s) have announced their temporary relocation to West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park, where they will share the stadium with the Sacramento River Cats from 2025 through 2027. This unexpected twist comes as the A’s prepare for their eventual move to new Las Vegas ballpark, with construction of their new ballpark in Nevada still a few years out.
For three full seasons—2025, 2026, and 2027—Sutter Health Park, typically home to Triple-A baseball, will become the unlikely but exciting stage for Major League Baseball. That means Sacramento, long considered a passionate sports town without a major league ball club of its own, will be a temporary big-league city.
THERE’S ROOM FOR TWO
Sharing a stadium between a Major League and Minor League team is no small feat. The Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, have called Sutter Health Park home since 2000. They’ve built a loyal fan base and strong community presence. Now, with the A’s coming to town, logistics and scheduling will be more complex. With overlapping schedules to the tune of 151 games over 185 days, dual branding efforts, and new expectations for stadium experiences, the collaboration between the River Cats and A’s is set to be one of the most unique in professional sports. It will be a relationship to keep an eye on for sure.
Both organizations have pledged to work together to make the experience seamless for fans and players alike. Expect split home stands, creative scheduling, and potentially even doubleheaders or crossover events. Field maintenance crews will have their work cut out for them, but if done right, this could serve as a model for other shared facilities in the future.
The Sacramento skyline towers in the distance as fans fill Sutter Health Park on a sunny afternoon minutes before the first pitch.
WEST SACRAMENTO STEPS UP TO THE PLATE
Sutter Health Park, already regarded as one of the most beautiful and fan-friendly minor league ballparks in the country, will get some temporary upgrades to meet MLB standards. While it won’t match the scale of a full-fledged major league stadium, adjustments to the clubhouse facilities, media areas, lighting, and fan amenities are all expected.
For West Sacramento, this is a moment to shine on the national stage. Local leaders and city officials are embracing the opportunity, not only as a sports milestone but as a chance to showcase the city’s vibrancy, accessibility, and hospitality.
“This isn’t just a win for baseball fans,” said River Cats President Chip Maxson. “It’s a win for the whole region. We’re bringing in over 1,500 seasonal positions this year—double what we’d normally have—because the demand and excitement are going to be off the charts.”
Major League Baseball can be a smash win for a local economy.
AN ECONOMIC GRAND SLAM
The economic impact of MLB in Sacramento will be significant. Businesses from downtown to West Sacramento are gearing up for a spike in visitors, especially around game days. Hotels, restaurants, ride share services, and entertainment venues are expected to see a noticeable jump in activity. Both Sacramento and West Sacramento are preparing for a wave of out-of-town visitors eager to see MLB action up close in a unique and intimate setting.
The Sacramento Bee editorial board pointed out that this opportunity gives both cities a rare moment in the national spotlight, with long-term implications for future major events—and maybe even future franchises.
Local businesses near the West Sacramento ballpark—especially those in Old Sacramento, the Bridge District, and the R Street Corridor—are likely to experience rapid growth and increased visibility
A WALK-OFF HOME RUN OF BENEFITS
Residual benefits could include the following:
- Tourism Surge: With MLB fans traveling from across Northern California and beyond, local hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues are poised for a surge in traffic. Expect full bookings and packed dining rooms on game days.
- Job Creation: From stadium staffing and hospitality to transportation and local vendors, the A’s presence will generate hundreds of seasonal and part-time job opportunities.
Entertainment and dinning experiences are abundant along The R Street Corridor in Downtown Sacramento. Photo by the R Street Partnership, 2016.
- Media Exposure: Sacramento will benefit from consistent national coverage during the A’s stay, enhancing its visibility and appeal as a destination for future events and investments.
- Business Growth: Local businesses—especially those in the Bridge District and downtown Sacramento—will enjoy a ripple effect, as baseball fans explore the area before and after games. Pop-up shops, breweries, and other small businesses may see record numbers.
- Real Estate and Infrastructure: Long-term, the added attention could fast-track developments in West Sacramento and surrounding areas, further connecting the city to broader economic opportunities.
Small businesses and service providers will also reap the benefits—and as a longtime River Cats partner, Made in the Shade Tent Rentals is proud to be playing a role in this historic moment.
Drawings showing the plans for the Beer Garden tenting at Sutter Health Park
A LASTING PARTNERSHIP
As a corporate partner of the River Cats since 2004, Made in the Shade Tent Rentals has always taken pride in being part of the fan experience at Sutter Health Park. Over the years, we’ve had signage in the stadium affixed to our tent on the foul ball patio, more recently the beer garden. The 2025 season will see Made in the Shade advertising appearing on the in-stadium LED scoreboards at all River Cats home games.
When the River Cats began their stadium renovations we knew that tenting could address any shelter needs that could not be constructed. The time-frame for the renovation only left a short window of time to plan in-stadium tenting before the 2025 season kicked off. In early February the River Cats reached out to Made in the Shade—inquiring about potential areas within the ballpark that needed cover.
Made in the Shade crews install the Beer Garden tenting at Sutter Health Park as opening day 2025 draws near.
MADE IN THE SHADE ON DECK
Meeting onsite while concrete being poured or still drying was challenging. In the end we successfully aligned our inventory to the needs of the ballpark. MLB broadcasting trailers which will be placed across from the ballpark all season would need a large shade structure to cover the large trailers. We are also providing tenting for storage behind the centerfield gate. The ballpark did purchase a 10m x 5m structure from Losberger. This tent will house the post-game media interviews for both the home and visiting MLB teams. This structure comes with double doors and hard walls, however it is 100% temporary.
We are forever grateful for our partnership.
This isn’t just about business. It’s about community, tradition, and showing the world what Sacramento and West Sacramento can do when the spotlight is on.
A WIN IS A WIN
Sacramento has always been a city that punches above its weight in the sports world—from the fervent Kings fan base to the powerhouse success of Sac State and local high school athletics. The arrival of the A’s, even if only for three seasons, cements the region’s place as a legitimate sports hub.
And while the A’s may eventually head for the neon lights of Las Vegas, their temporary stay here will leave a lasting impact.
Opening night for the Athletics at Sutter Health Park. March 31, 2025. Image from VisitYolo.com
AN ENERGIZED OPENING NIGHT
On March 31, 2025, The Athletic’s welcomed the Chicago Cubs to Sutter Health Park. With a sold out crowd, any doubts about fan skepticism quickly faded. Although the A’s lost, West Sacramento and Sutter Health Park seemed to win, pulling off something no other minor league ballpark has been able to accomplish. Major League Baseball has a home in West Sacramento; albeit for the short term, it is a home nonetheless.
Note: This article includes insights from the Sacramento Bee’s opinion piece on the economic benefits of the A’s move to the region.
