West Sacramento Welcomes Major League Baseball Amid Excitement and Optimism

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The long-awaited arrival of Major League Baseball in West Sacramento kicked off on April 1, 2025, as residents and businesses celebrated the Oakland Athletics‘ first game at Sutter Health Park against the Chicago Cubs. This historic matchup marked the A’s transition from Oakland, where they spent 57 years, and fans have greeted it with enthusiasm and curiosity.

As the game commenced, local businesses, especially those near the stadium, reported a significant increase in foot traffic. Owner Fro at Treehouse Cafe, just 0.3 miles from Sutter Health Park, expressed his astonishment at the turnout. “We were blown away. So many out-of-town Cubs fans actually hung out here,” Fro said, hoping the energy would continue throughout the season.

Fans lined up for the game, still buzzing from the atmosphere of the inaugural major league event. Despite a disappointing first game outcome, where the A’s lost 18-3, the community spirit remained strong. “It’s going to be a really good thing, especially for West Sacramento,” said local resident Frances Rotolo, expressing optimism about the economic impact. “It’s gonna bring in a lot of income.”

Another local, David Shary, echoed that sentiment, noting the positive impact on his town. “It was a lot better than I thought. I thought it was going to be chaotic, but it wasn’t,” he said, reflecting on the seamless transition into hosting major league games.

While Fro considers hiring additional staff to accommodate the expected crowds, local authorities reported no significant traffic issues during the home opener. According to West Sacramento authorities, the event was well managed, setting a positive precedent for the remaining 80 games this season.

The A’s debut at Sutter Health Park was a blend of excitement and anticipation as fans reminisced about baseball’s impact on their community. “For the first time, sitting here with the field, I actually felt like this is major leagues,” Fro remarked, highlighting the emotional significance for the locals. The A’s will play a total of at least three seasons here while plans unfold for a new stadium in Las Vegas.

In a park historically reserved for minor league matches, A’s Management highlighted the changes made to accommodate their new presence. Improvements included new field technology, a revamped clubhouse, and infrastructure enhancements valued at over $40 million. A’s Vice Chairman Sandy Dean noted, “There’s been a complete transformation for major league readiness. This is very major-league-like.”

Despite the celebrations, some fans in attendance showed mixed feelings regarding the A’s relocation and their historical ties to Oakland. A section of the crowd wore T-shirts demanding, “Sell the team,” a reminder of the lingering tensions surrounding the ownership and fan relationships. “I thought I’d rather be at the Oakland Coliseum,” read one sweatshirt, reminiscent of the recent past.

As excitement builds for future games, West Sacramento prepares to embrace this transition into major league territory. With unique offerings, including the chance to experience game excitement from nearby businesses, the community is rallying to make this moment a success. Coach Mark Kotsay encapsulated the moment, stating, “We recognize the need for a temporary home until we get to where we’re going. We’re fully prepared to embrace this as our home for the next three years.”