After the franchise took a massive step this week toward building a new stadium in Las Vegas, the possibility that the Oakland A’s are likely on the move is becoming a reality. However, former A’s outfielder Jonny Gomes isn’t giving up yet.
On Saturday, Gomes, now an analyst for NBC Sports California, addressed the A’s potential move while urging fans to continue using their voices to keep the team in Oakland.
“It’s an emotional roller coaster right now. We’re actually seeing for the first time, they can move. They can move. The door will close,” Gomes said. “But, it is super premature. It’s not done yet. I think what we’re seeing a lot of is, a lot of these A’s fans starting to peak up and peak up, and they’re going to start having voices and being a lot louder.
“The door hasn’t closed on the Coliseum, hasn’t closed on Oakland. So, I’m not losing hope by any means.”
After years of whispers, the A’s made their intentions to move known early this week. On Wednesday, the team agreed to purchase 49 acres of land in Las Vegas for $1.5 billion, intending to build a 30,000-seat stadium on the grounds.
While the A’s lease at Oakland Coliseum isn’t up until 2025, there isn’t as much time to change the franchise’s course as some may think. A recent report indicates that the A’s could move as soon as next season, as the team has already secured a deal to play at Las Vegas Ballpark, home of their Triple-A affiliate, the Las Vegas Aviators.
Barring a miracle, the A’s are almost certainly bound for Sin City. Unfortunately, a move has been a long time coming for the A’s. After a disastrous 60-102 finish last season, the team is off to a dreadful 4-16 start to the 2023 campaign. Unsurprisingly, a lackluster club playing in a dilapidated stadium has yet to draw crowds. According to ESPN, the A’s have the lowest attendance in MLB by far, averaging only 11,025 fans a game.
