Baseball fans in Oakland, and across California, are holding their breath as the race for a new stadium location heats up. The Oakland A’s have been a staple of the Bay Area since the 1960s, and Oakland’s Howard Terminal has been proposed as the team’s new home. However, the city of Las Vegas has thrown its hat in the ring, courtesy of an upset Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred, offering a tempting alternative for the A’s. In this Home Run Hope showdown, who will come out on top?
Swing for the Fences: Oakland’s Howard Terminal Takes On Vegas
The Howard Terminal proposal promises a waterfront stadium with stunning views and easy access for fans. The area has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years, with new restaurants and entertainment venues popping up nearby. This new stadium would be a perfect fit for the revitalization of the area and bring new life to Oakland’s waterfront.
On the other hand, the Las Vegas proposals (taken as a whole though nothing is official) offers an enticing package with its location in the heart of the city’s vibrant entertainment district, The Las Vegas Strip. The ballpark stadium would be part of a larger development that includes a hotel and casino, which could attract even more tourism to the already bustling city. And, the high summer temperatures in Las Vegas could be a deterrent for fans attending outdoor games is avoided because the ballpark will have a retractable roof.
Catching the Winning Run: Can Oakland Keep Their A’s?
The Oakland A’s have been a beloved part of the Bay Area community for decades. They have a rich history and a loyal fanbase that has stuck with them through thick and thin. It would be devastating to see them leave Oakland. However, if Oakland is unable to provide a viable option for a new stadium in a reasonable amount of time, the A’s may have no choice but to move on to Sin City.
The city of Oakland is doing everything in its power to keep their team. They have presented a comprehensive plan for the Howard Terminal location and have worked hard to secure funding for the new stadium. But, that said, long-time Oakland blogger Zennie Abraham, once an employee of the City of Oakland in various capacities related to sports and economic development, has tirelessly noted that Oakland’s staff does not have the requisite talent and political will to get the job done. That problem has made Las Vegas emerge as best for the team and their fans.
Here’s Zennie Abraham’s Epic Interview with Oakland A’s President Dave Kaval
As the Home Run Hope showdown between Oakland’s Howard Terminal and Las Vegas comes down to the wire, both cities are eagerly awaiting the final decision. It’s a tough call, but one that will ultimately come down to what’s best for the future of the Oakland A’s. No matter what happens, one thing is for sure: the Bay Area will always be a baseball-loving community.