Athletics release renderings of planned Las Vegas ballpark

By Casey Harrison (contact)

Friday, May 26, 2023 | 11:14 a.m.

The Athletics today released renderings of a proposed $1.5 billion ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip, as lawmakers work on introducing a bill to create a public financing package to help build the stadium.

Images show what the proposed 30,000-seat, retractable-roof stadium would look like inside and outside.

The renderings place the stadium at the southeast intersection of Tropicana Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard, adjacent to the MGM Grand, New York New York and Excalibur.

Home plate would face north, with views of several Strip properties when the stadium roof is open, the renderings show.

If built with a 30,000-seat capacity, the ballpark would be the smallest in baseball — which the team contends would make it among “the most intimate settings” for a Major League park.

“We are excited to share our vision for the A’s potential new home,” A’s President Dave Kaval said in a statement. “As our first conceptual design, we will continue to refine the look and feel of the ballpark over the next year.”

“We hope our project goes beyond a traditional ballpark and serves as a catalyst for community development and engagement,” he said. “It follows in the footsteps and success of the professional sports teams that come before us, in creating union jobs, stimulating economic growth, and fostering investments in the community.”

The stadium would be available for entertainment and “community engagement” use, and would host A’s games, along with concerts and other events, the team said.

The proposed design pays “homage to the rich history of the Athletics” and the “unique spirit” of Las Vegas, according to a news release.

Brad Schrock, director of design for the A’s and owner of Schrock KC Architecture, said the state-of-the-art facility will also feature “innovative architecture” and emphasize sustainability and environmentally conscious amenities that focus on the “peak” fan experience.

“From the minute we stepped onto the Tropicana site nearly two years ago, it was immediately obvious what a fantastic fit it would be for a new A’s ballpark in Las Vegas,” Schrock said in a statement.

“The natural orientation of the ballpark creates not only some of the best views and connection to the Las Vegas skyline from the seating bowl but also opens up the ballpark to the corner in a way that creates opportunities for an amazing energetic public space with open and expansive views into the ballpark.”

On Wednesday, Gov. Joe Lombardo announced the state had come to an agreement with the A’s on a public funding package that will be forwarded to the Legislature for consideration. As of Friday morning, a bill had not been filed.

The plan calls for the creation of a Sports and Entertainment Improvement District for a publicly owned stadium, Lombardo’s office said.

The public-private partnership includes public financing of less than 25% of the construction cost, Lombardo’s office said.

Lawmakers have until the end of the legislative session June 5 to approve the funding package, unless Lombardo extends the session or summons lawmakers to convene for a special legislative session.

Bally’s Corp. announced May 15 it had reached a binding agreement with the A’s to build a stadium on nine acres at the site of the Tropicana. The deal was made in conjunction with the real estate investment firm Gaming & Leisure Properties Inc., which owns the land at the site.

Bally’s, which operates the Tropicana, said it intends to keep the resort open for the foreseeable future as it evaluates options for a broader redevelopment of the remainder of the site adjacent to the ballpark.

The A’s have until January to have a redevelopment plan approved by Major League Baseball.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said Thursday that MLB owners could vote to approve the A’s relocation to Las Vegas during the upcoming owner meetings June 13-15.