Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman has expressed her disapproval of the Oakland Athletics’ plan to build a $1.5 billion stadium in her city. According to Goodman, the stadium plan “does not make sense” and she believes that A’s ownership should come up with a new proposal for the Bay Area. In an interview with the Front Office Sports Today podcast, Goodman stated that she thinks the A’s should find a way to stay in Oakland and make their dream of a new stadium come true.
While Mayor Goodman says she is “excited about the prospect of Major League Baseball” in Las Vegas, she also suggests that the A’s should strive to maintain their relationship with Oakland. In a perfect world, she believes that the team should work things out with the city in which they are deeply rooted. However, if a resolution cannot be reached, Las Vegas is ready to offer a spectacular market for major league sports franchises.
One of Mayor Goodman’s main concerns with the A’s stadium plan stems from the chosen location on the Las Vegas Strip. Goodman argues that the congestion of the area makes the nine-acre parcel less appealing compared to a larger site in north Las Vegas, which she proposed instead. However, it should be noted that the mayor and the city government do not have jurisdiction over the Strip, as it falls under the oversight of Clark County.
The A’s owner, John Fisher, has faced criticism from Las Vegas locals for not sharing revised artist renderings of the stadium plan. The lack of transparency has raised questions about how the stadium will be situated on the lot. Fisher’s plan is to complete the stadium in time for the 2028 season and move away from the aging Coliseum in Oakland. However, the team has not yet secured a facility for the three interim seasons, leaving their future uncertain.
In addition to the concerns raised by Mayor Goodman, the A’s plans to use $380 million of public financing for the Las Vegas project are facing legal challenges. This further adds to the uncertainty surrounding the feasibility of the stadium plan. Despite these challenges, Goodman acknowledges that the A’s genuinely want to stay in Oakland and fulfill their dream of a waterfront stadium. She believes that there is an appetite among the people of Oakland to keep the team, but the government’s financial constraints pose a significant obstacle.
Jorge Leon, president of the Oakland 68’s fan group, sees Mayor Goodman’s questioning of the stadium plan as a positive development. Leon expresses surprise at politicians typically encouraging teams to move to their cities, and therefore views the mayor’s stance as a breath of fresh air. He believes that the people of Oakland deserve to keep their team and appreciates Goodman’s support for their cause.
The Las Vegas Mayor’s critical evaluation of the Oakland Athletics’ stadium plan highlights the intricacies involved in relocating a major league sports franchise. While the prospect of Major League Baseball in Las Vegas is enticing, the mayor emphasizes the importance of honoring the team’s connection to its current city and working towards a resolution with Oakland. Despite her reservations about the chosen location and the legal challenges faced by the project, Mayor Goodman acknowledges the A’s desire to stay in Oakland and the passion of the city’s residents. Ultimately, the future of the stadium plan remains uncertain, and it is clear that multiple factors must be considered before a final decision is made.
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