Athletics have officially arrived in Sacramento. What is needed to establish MLB in the city?
The A’s have officially kicked off their home games in West Sacramento, marking the beginning of a three-year trial period before they potentially relocate to Las Vegas. However, amidst the excitement, there is a shared sentiment in the Sacramento region – can we demonstrate our suitability and persuade Major League Baseball (MLB) to establish a permanent team in our city?
Mike Testa from Visit Sacramento is optimistic about the opportunity the region has to showcase its readiness for a full-time baseball team over the next few years. But what criteria will MLB be looking for in a potential host city? Sports economist Patrick Rische believes that Sacramento will be competing with cities like Portland, Salt Lake City, and Nashville for the chance to bring a new team on board.
Rische emphasizes that strong attendance figures at stadiums, especially at higher price points, can convey a powerful message to MLB about the level of support in the market. He highlights the Sacramento Kings as an example of a team with a loyal fan base and significant financial backing. Vivek Ranadive, the owner of the Kings, is also the owner of the Sacramento River Cats, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and Sutter Health Park. Ranadive has shown interest in potentially owning an MLB franchise in the Sacramento area in the future.
However, Rische points out that Sacramento may need more corporate sponsors to bolster its appeal as a potential MLB destination. Without a figure like Ranadive willing to invest in the expansion fee and stadium construction, the city might be at a disadvantage. Testa acknowledges that Sacramento has made significant strides with the Sacramento Kings and the Golden 1 Center, demonstrating a capacity for corporate sponsorship, which could be a crucial factor in attracting an MLB team to the region.
As the A’s begin their stint in Sacramento, the city is faced with a challenge to prove its capability and readiness for a permanent baseball team. Testa believes that Sacramento is on the cusp of achieving great things and that the arrival of the A’s could be the defining moment. The city must showcase its strengths and potential as a baseball market to make a compelling case for attracting MLB franchise interest.
In conclusion, while Sacramento has made strides in preparing for a potential MLB team, there are still areas that need to be addressed, such as securing more corporate sponsors and ownership investment. The next few years will be critical in demonstrating the region’s determination and capability to support a full-time baseball team, showcasing its passion for sports and ability to be a thriving MLB market.