The Las Vegas ballpark project for the Athletics is advancing steadily, with significant milestones achieved. The team must now focus on completing the entitlement and permitting process with Clark County for the $1.75 billion stadium. This involves obtaining approvals for land use, zoning, traffic, and design plans. Construction is expected to start between April and June to ensure the 33,000-seat venue is ready for the 2028 MLB season. Meanwhile, the A’s will play in a Triple-A ballpark in Sacramento.

The entitlement phase is crucial, ensuring compliance with county regulations. The development agreement with the county and phased permitting will facilitate timely progress. Design work continues, with groundbreaking planned once construction drawings reach 30% completion. Coordination with Bally’s Corp. for an integrated resort is ongoing. Public funding of up to $380 million will be available after the team invests its first $100 million, while private funding includes a $1.1 billion equity contribution from the owner's family and a $300 million loan.

Preparing the Groundwork: Entitlements and Permits

The initial phase of the Las Vegas ballpark project focuses on securing all necessary approvals from Clark County. This stage involves detailed negotiations and agreements that will pave the way for construction. The Athletics are working closely with local authorities to ensure that all regulatory requirements are met, including land use, zoning, traffic management, and design specifications. The timeline is critical, as the team aims to open the new stadium by April 2028, necessitating a construction start between April and June.

Entitlements are the foundation of any major development project, and for the Athletics, this means aligning their plans with Clark County’s regulations. The team has already held several constructive meetings with county officials, who have shown willingness to collaborate and meet the necessary timelines. The development agreement with the county is part of this process, ensuring that all parties are aligned. Additionally, phased permitting allows for flexibility in the construction schedule. For instance, a dirt-moving permit can be issued before the full building permit, enabling site preparation to begin early. Six main permit packages are associated with the project, and the team is preparing to secure one or two of these to kickstart the construction process.

Design and Funding: Building the Future Stadium

As the Athletics move forward with the entitlement process, they are simultaneously progressing with the design and financial aspects of the project. The design phase is divided into multiple stages, leading up to the final construction drawings. Once these drawings reach 30% completion, the team will break ground on the stadium. The design team will continue refining the plans even as construction begins, ensuring that the project stays on track. Coordination with Bally’s Corp., which will develop an integrated resort on adjacent land, is also a priority to ensure seamless integration of both projects.

Funding for the $1.75 billion ballpark comes from a combination of public and private sources. Up to $380 million in public funds from the state and Clark County will be made available once the Athletics invest the first $100 million of their own money. So far, the team has spent $40 million on design work. Private funding includes a $1.1 billion equity contribution from the family of team owner John Fisher and a $300 million construction loan from Goldman Sachs and U.S. Bank. The careful balance of public and private investment underscores the commitment to delivering a world-class facility that will enhance the sports landscape in Las Vegas.