MidValleySports.Com

By Tim Byrnes

Back in early March, longtime Athletics insider Brodie Brazil said, “If the A’s don’t break ground in the second quarter in 2025, then there will be serious issues reaching stadium completion by Opening Day 2028.

Last week, the seven Clark County Commissioners finally agreed to and approved vital land-use permits for the stadium location.

Aside from some mundane, expected documents and a few easily processed approvals, a mid-June shovel ceremony is a real possibility.

The planned $1.75 billion/33,000-seat stadium is going to be stunning. A partially retractable roof will give everyone an outdoor vibe in a climate-controlled environment.

A beautiful view of the Las Vegas Skyline will be alongside the mandatory Jumbotron.

The artist’s rendering for the bullpens is going to be rough for the opposing relievers.

Home and visitor bullpens will be stacked beyond the left field home run wall. The Athletics will be against the fence with the visitor bullpen above and behind them.

This is where it gets fun.

Above the visitors is a railing and cyclone fencing area for fans to access, resembling the famous “Ragger’s Rail” at San Diego State University (Now Tony Gwynn Stadium). Students would sit and stand at the rail and spend the entire game, driving the opposing bullpen crazy and getting them off their game.

The artist’s rendering shows about 25 feet between fans and players. That is going to be a popular spot for fun.

Victory Song: For decades, after home wins at the Oakland Coliseum, players and fans alike would rejoice and back slap to “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang.

Ownership has chosen to change the song so that everyone within earshot will hear and know that the A’s came through with a win.

With some diehard fans grumbling about tradition, A’s home wins are now accompanied by “California Love” by Tupac.

In the song, Tupac raps, “From Oakland to SacTown.” While they have only played the song a couple of times in the young season, the fans noticed, and it’s already a favorite. Some scream blasphemy, but ownership isn’t looking at having fan opinion as part of the equation.

Final Irony: Tupac was gunned down September 7th, 1996, a mere three miles from Tropicana Ave/Las Vegas Blvd and the future home of the Las Vegas Athletics.