Plans for New MLB Stadium in Las Vegas Revealed

Article by : Erik Gibbs Mar 6, 2024

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After over half a century of baseball in the Bay Area, the Oakland Athletics are poised to bid farewell to their longtime home as they relocate to Las Vegas in 2028. Following in the footsteps of the Raiders’ move to Sin City in 2020, the A’s are set to embrace their new chapter in a cutting-edge sports venue.

Recently, the A’s unveiled conceptual images of the proposed ballpark, generating excitement for the impending shift. The design showcases interconnected dome-like structures, reminiscent of the iconic Sydney Opera House, with a prominent large screen suspended over the field.

Collaborating with design firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and infrastructure company HNTB, the A’s aim to create a state-of-the-art venue for their forthcoming era.

About the project, John Fisher, the primary owner and managing partner of the Athletics, shared his anticipation for the upcoming phase. In an official statement, he highlighted the collaborative synergy between BIG’s creative prowess and HNTB’s technical proficiency, emphasizing the potential for an innovative and bold design that promises an unparalleled fan experience.

The aspiration is to contribute to the vibrant ambiance of the Las Vegas Strip, establishing a hospitable setting for the entire Southern Nevada community.

Detailing the vision for the project, Bjarke Ingels, the founder and creative director of BIG, discussed what went into the design. He explained that the new home of the A’s in Vegas is tailored in response to the city’s distinctive culture and climate.

Five pennant arches form an enclosure for the ballpark, offering shade from the Nevada sun while allowing the soft daylight from the north to filter through. A substantial window frames a panoramic view of the Strip’s lively atmosphere and the iconic skyline of the New York New York hotel.

This design ensures the prevention of direct sunlight while allowing gentle daylight to illuminate the field naturally.

Ingels made a vivid analogy for the outcome, comparing it to a spherical armadillo, a creature well-known to the locals. At the same time, it will create an open and inviting space for the lively atmosphere of the Strip.

In the city known for its spectacles, the A’s ‘armadillo’ is crafted for passive shading and natural light, serving as an architectural response to the Nevada climate and establishing a unique vernacular icon in Vegas.

Nestled beside the Tropicana Hotel near Harry Reid International Airport, the upcoming sports venue is set to become part of a larger complex, potentially featuring a resort. The shift from Oakland to Las Vegas, accompanied by the construction of the new ballpark, barring any unexpected delays, is anticipated to conclude by the 2028 season.