An MLB team is soon on its way to Las Vegas for the first time, with preparations underway to develop the ballpark on the former site of the Tropicana. The initial projected price of building the stadium was $1.5bn, but the figure has now risen to $1.75bn due to inflation and the addition of more features.
$380m of the total development cost will be covered by public funding
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported how the Athletics franchise needs to cover any budget overruns, so the Las Vegas public doesn’t need to foot any of the expense. Up to $380m of the total development cost will be covered by public funding.
Despite some concerns over the Fisher family’s ability to cover their end of the deal, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is happy with the assurances the league received.
New features encompassing 70,000 square feet include extra suites and more spaces for general admission tickets. The new ballpark will be the first in the MLB to provide under-seat cooling.
The new arena will hold 33,000 people when it’s ready to go in 2028. The Athletics are also investing in their new temporary home in Sacramento, with the team moving from Oakland ahead of the 2025 season. It needed to bring Sutter Health Park up to MLB standards as it seats just 10,000 people and doesn’t offer too many amenities.