Athletics to Play at Sutter Health Park: Natural Grass Chosen for Safety Amidst Sacramento's Sweltering Summers

October 22, 2024
Athletics to Play at Sutter Health Park: Natural Grass Chosen for Safety Amidst Sacramento's Sweltering Summers
  • The Oakland Athletics will temporarily relocate to Sacramento, playing home games at Sutter Health Park from 2025 to 2027 while their new stadium in Las Vegas is under construction.

  • Initially, MLB planned to install artificial turf, but concerns about extreme summer heat in Sacramento, which can reach up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, led to the reconsideration.

  • A new clubhouse for the Athletics is under construction, featuring a locker room, weight room, and training room, alongside renovations to dugouts and bullpens.

  • Field surface consultant Murray Cook confirmed that a grass surface is viable for Sutter Health Park, which has had grass since its opening in 2000.

  • Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt expressed satisfaction with the decision to use natural grass, emphasizing the players' preference for grass surfaces.

  • In a collaborative decision with the MLB Players Association, MLB and the Athletics have opted for a natural grass field at Sutter Health Park, prioritizing player safety and comfort.

  • MLB plans to renovate Sutter Health Park's facilities, including clubhouses and dugouts, ahead of the 2025 season.

  • The Athletics will open their home schedule against the Chicago Cubs on March 31, 2025, marking a new chapter in their franchise history.

  • If the new ballpark in Las Vegas is not completed on time, the Athletics can extend their stay in Sacramento for an additional season.

  • This decision comes after the A's completed their last season in Oakland, signaling a significant transition for the team.

  • Sacramento experienced its hottest recorded 20-day stretch in June and July 2023, averaging 103.8 degrees, highlighting the importance of player safety in the decision-making process.

  • Sutter Health Park, home to the Sacramento River Cats, has a seating capacity of approximately 10,500 and will host the Athletics' games.

Summary based on 3 sources


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