News Summary
The Oakland Athletics are preparing to move to Las Vegas, with their first regular-season games scheduled for June 2026. To support this transition, the team is constructing a new $2 billion stadium and has established a community benefits program aimed at positively impacting the local community. This program includes financial commitments and aims to engage local businesses and workers. The move represents a new chapter for the Athletics, who previously played at Oakland Coliseum.
Las Vegas will soon become the new home for the Oakland Athletics, as the team prepares to play its first regular-season games in the city in June 2026. This significant moment will mark the Athletics’ inaugural matchup in Southern Nevada, occurring at the Las Vegas Ballpark in Summerlin against the Milwaukee Brewers from June 8-10, followed by a series against the Colorado Rockies from June 12-14.
In anticipation of the move, the Athletics are currently constructing a new stadium, estimated to cost around $2 billion. The project’s financing is in place, and team owner John Fisher has confirmed that funding will adequately cover the final expenses. The construction phase is making steady progress, with vertical work expected to begin by the end of September or early October, following the successful pouring of the concrete foundation.
To ensure the team’s commitment to the Las Vegas community, Jason Frierson has been appointed as the chairman of the Athletics’ community benefits program board. His role will include overseeing the team’s adherence to its financial commitments, which include contributing at least $2 million annually to community initiatives once they officially play in Las Vegas. Notably, the Athletics did not have a community benefits partnership agreement during their 57-year tenure in Oakland.
Details of the Community Benefits Agreement
The community benefits program includes several vital components aimed at promoting local engagement and support. The organization has committed to saving up to $500,000 annually in contributions until one year after their first playing season in Las Vegas. Subsequently, the contributions will rise to either $2 million or 1% of ticket sales revenue, whichever amount is greater.
A notable goal set within the agreement is to ensure that 51% of construction workers on the stadium project are women, minorities, veterans, or disabled workers. Additionally, 15% of contracts must be awarded to locally owned small businesses. The program also encompasses educational initiatives, collaborating with local partners such as the Neon Museum and Las Vegas Aviators, to enhance community engagement.
Background on the Stadium and Its Financing
The Las Vegas Stadium Authority approved the community benefits program last year, aligning with public financing legislation that provided $350 million for the Athletics’ stadium. This move follows previous public financial support extended to the NFL’s Raiders, who received $750 million for Allegiant Stadium in 2016. Over the years, the Athletics have demonstrated their commitment to the local community, having supported youth baseball and softball teams for the past three years and sponsored more than 40 events in 2025.
Prior to their relocation to Las Vegas, the Athletics shared the Oakland Coliseum with the Raiders, where they operated without any community benefits program facilitated by government entities. As part of their commitment to enhancing their presence in Las Vegas, the team aims to prioritize the inclusion of local resources and contribute positively to the community moving forward.
Historical Context in Las Vegas
Historically, the Athletics have participated in preseason games at Las Vegas Ballpark and have a background of playing in Las Vegas during spring training or when venue issues arose in the past. However, the 2026 regular-season games will offer the first complete season of play within the city, marking a new chapter for the organization.
As the Athletics prepare for the transition, community leaders and fans alike are eager to witness how the team’s presence will positively impact Las Vegas, setting new standards for community involvement and support within the sports arena.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Oakland Athletics Break Ground on Las Vegas Stadium
Additional Resources
- The Nevada Independent
- Fox 5 Vegas
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- MLB.com
- The Stadium Business
- Wikipedia: Oakland Athletics
- Google Search: Las Vegas Athletics stadium
- Google Scholar: Las Vegas Athletics
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Oakland Athletics
- Google News: Athletics Las Vegas community benefits
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
