A’s starting Year 2 in Sacramento as expansion talks continue to simmer

The A’s on Friday begin Year 2 at West Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park against the backdrop of what local officials see as an “audition for a permanent, Major League team,” according to Annika Merrilees of the SACRAMENTO BEE. Sacramento Mayor Kevin McCarty has indicated that he and West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero “planned to launch a campaign this spring for an expansion team.” Solid crowds for the 75 A’s games at the park this season (six home games will be played in Las Vegas) “isn’t just critical” for the team, as experts have pointed out that the region’s expansion bit would be “bolstered by consistently high attendance.” A’s SVP/Sales & Business Operations Steve Fanelli said that season tickets -- which sold out last season -- have “seen ‘strong’ sales but haven’t matched 2025.” Merrilees noted paid attendance at A’s games in ‘25 averaged around 9,500 fans. To draw more, the club will offer some “cheaper single-game tickets, particularly in the first couple of months of the season,” when attendance is typically lower around the league. There also will be “more locally-themed promotions, like giveaways at home games on so-called ‘Sacramento Saturdays.’” Players during those games will “wear gold jerseys with green ‘Sacramento’ lettering” (SACRAMENTO BEE, 4/2).