The Las Vegas Athletics are stepping into a new era with two innovative recruiting assets designed to both retain their current players and draw in potential free agents.
Their ambitious $2 billion stadium, currently under construction, alongside the team’s experience and sales center located in Las Vegas, are proving to be powerful tools for engaging players and fans alike.
This new ballpark will serve as a gateway for players to visualize a major-league venue right on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. Meanwhile, the experience center—situated within the UnCommons mixed-use development in the southwest valley—offers an opportunity for the Athletics to showcase the exciting features that will be included in the stadium, which is expected to be completed by 2028.
According to David Forst, the general manager of the Athletics, these significant developments mark a pivotal moment for the franchise as they prepare to transition from Sacramento to Las Vegas in the near future. "I genuinely believe that this experience center and the stadium site are our top recruiting assets," Forst shared in a conversation with the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "With each passing day leading up to 2028, the reality of this project becomes increasingly tangible for the players.
"Many players might be surprised to learn about the progress we’ve made since breaking ground. Just ask Tyler; for him, it has become very real."
For instance, before outfielder Tyler Soderstrom inked his six-year, $86 million contract extension at the experience center in late December, the Athletics took him on a tour of the ballpark site. This visit gave Soderstrom a sneak peek of what could be his future home. "Standing at home plate, seeing left field, and imagining the stadium that hasn’t been built yet really energized me," Soderstrom remarked. "The excitement around the new ballpark, which will be on the Las Vegas Strip, offers so many possibilities for family and friends—it’s exhilarating!"
Aiming for a bright future in Las Vegas
Mark Kotsay, the Athletics' manager who boasts an extensive 17-year career in Major League Baseball—including four seasons with the A’s—has already established roots in Las Vegas by purchasing a home in Henderson last year. He’s well-positioned to address any concerns players may have about joining a young and dynamic team while living in Southern Nevada. Notably, he highlights the absence of state income tax as a significant perk, making the area an appealing choice for many.
"The core group of the team is a primary attraction for any prospective player," Kotsay explained. "Moreover, there are significant financial advantages tied to being in Nevada.
"And let’s not overlook the stadium itself. The venue is shaping up to be something extraordinary. If you visit the sales center, you’ll get a sense of just how vibrant this place is going to be. Walking the site gives you a palpable feel of the energy on Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue."
Kotsay, who has spent about half a year living in the area, emphasizes that there’s more to Las Vegas than just its famous Strip. He has been pleasantly surprised by the local community’s warmth and support. "Once you settle in and engage with the community, you realize it has a tight-knit, welcoming atmosphere that encourages everyone to come together," Kotsay noted. "Our mindset is to become part of the community and embrace that lifestyle.
"There’s a wealth of activities outside of the Strip, catering to families and cultural experiences. While the Strip offers entertainment, you can easily go hiking or jogging at Red Rock, just 20 to 30 minutes away. Or you could hop on your bike and explore the open highways. There’s truly a lot to love about this place!"
A long-awaited dream realized
After dedicating 25 years to the Athletics organization, Forst has witnessed numerous stadium proposals come and go without ever being realized. Therefore, witnessing the Las Vegas stadium taking shape on the south Strip feels like a long-time aspiration finally coming to fruition for him.
This new reality is poised to transform how the Athletics structure their roster, enabling them to keep emerging talents and attract free agents—something that has proven challenging in recent times.
"It’s incredibly thrilling," Forst expressed. "When we inaugurated the experience center earlier in December and I stood inside the cube, it was hard not to feel the essence of being in a ballpark.
"It’s difficult to articulate how long we’ve anticipated this moment and how it alters our approach. We’ve often operated as a transactional team, knowing we had a solid roster but feeling compelled to make changes. Now, we’re moving toward a future where we don’t have to function that way. That’s precisely why we do what we do!"
Feel free to reach out to Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or call 702-387-2920. You can also follow him on social media @mickakers.
