The Athletics’ Identity Crisis in Sacramento
The Story
The Athletics' decision to omit "Sacramento" from their official team name during their temporary stay has alienated local fans, who view the move as a disrespectful and corporate rejection of their host city.
This lack of local branding, combined with a stadium environment that barely acknowledges the state capital, has resulted in dismal attendance and a sense that the organization is merely "squatting" while waiting for its move to Las Vegas.
This lack of local branding, combined with a stadium environment that barely acknowledges the state capital, has resulted in dismal attendance and a sense that the organization is merely "squatting" while waiting for its move to Las Vegas.
Why It Matters
The Athletics averaged 9,487 fans per game in their first Sacramento season, the worst draw in baseball, while keeping the city off the team name and out of the park except one dugout sign ABC10. Under pressure the club now wears Sacramento jerseys every Saturday home game in 2026 and sold out its April opener, yet crowds this season still rank last in the league Comstock's Magazine. The River Cats sharing their park lost 22 percent of theirs. The escape hatch stays on schedule: a $2 billion ballpark opens in Las Vegas in spring 2028, leaving 2027 as Sacramento's last audition.
Go Deeper
Read the original reporting at SF Gate.
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