A Look at the A's New "Temporary" Home

     When the Oakland A’s decided to relocate, the plan always included a short stop, somewhere, before settling into their future home. But as the wheels of stadium construction spin slowly, Sacramento, specifically Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, became the unexpected, yet energizing, temporary destination for the franchise. With the A’s now sharing the site of the Triple-A River Cats. Let's take a closer look at the new "temporary" home of the green and gold.

Built in under nine months and opened in May 2000 as Raley Field, Sutter Health Park sprang up on a former warehouse and rail yard site, directly anchoring West Sacramento’s Bridge District riverfront. What once was industrial grit is now a lively chain of eateries, housing developments, and riverside promenades that capitalize on sweeping views of downtown Sacramento and the emblematic Tower Bridge. Known as Raley Field until 2019, it became Sutter Health Park to reflect a new partnership with the healthcare giant that helped fund its ongoing upgrades .

In preparation for the A’s three-season residency (2025–2027), the ballpark hasn’t merely been tweaked, it’s been reborn. A stunning 75′ × 32′ high-resolution video board now dominates right-center, powered by Ross XPression to deliver real-time MLB and minor league graphics, instant replays, and dynamic lighting integration. The natural grass playing surface has also enjoyed an overhaul with advanced turf technology to handle moisture, temperature, and mid-season replacement needs.

Players aren’t left behind. The clubhouse is now two stories of top-tier recovery facilities that rival many newer MLB parks: hot and cold tubs, a cryo-chamber, infrared sauna, massage and mental-health areas, even on-site medical offices complete with X-ray. Visiting teams enjoy their own weight room, coaches’ lockers, a training area, and a dedicated hitting tunnel. Manager Mark Kotsay praised the updated facilities, noting both player and fan amenities have been “laid out really well”.

Still, not everything is seamless. Some media setups feel cramped, and first games have drawn mixed reactions. Yet, attendance has jumped roughly 50% over the final Oakland season, and even huge weekend matchups, like the Yankees series, created that big‑game atmosphere . That buzz is just the first chapter of Sacramento’s big-league story while eyes remain fixed on Las Vegas.

Though a temporary tenant, the A’s are embracing Sacramento. With fan events and joint promotions involving the NBA Kings, owners of the River Cats, both communities are rallying around the shared cathedral by the river. And despite an 18–3 loss in their first game, local pride was palpable: this was baseball at a scale the city hasn’t seen since the legendary Solons left town decades ago.

The park’s backdrop alone is worth the trip: the golden Tower Bridge shimmering beyond right field, the downtown skyline framed perfectly on Home Run Hill, and the distinctive Ziggurat building glowing at dusk. Between innings, fans can wander Stairwell Four to browse River Cats memorabilia or climb through the family-friendly replica Tower Bridge in the “Down on the Farm” zone. The barnyard splash zones and vineyards, yes, a real vineyard, bring playful and classy alike under one big-league roof.

When the game’s final out echoes through the stands, the Bridge District’s vibrant dining scene beckons. Just steps away, Drake’s The Barn is a local favorite, its taproom buzzes still with postgame excitement brewing through Seven days a week specials and watch party camaraderie. For sit-down comfort, The Firehouse Restaurant in Old Sacramento offers a genteel colonial-era ambiance and fresh, seasonal fare. Craving something casual? Head to Davis Street Taqueria for killer carne asada tacos or grab a craft cocktail at the sleek Hank’s Tavern.

Craving upscale? Gloria’s Waterfront provides New American cuisine on the riverfront patio, ideal for celebrating a hard-fought extra‑innings victory. And before the evening game, head to The Waffle Experience, a cozy breakfast‑all‑day spot scooping up savory chicken‑and‑waffles or sweet berry bomb crepes. For a pre‑game craft beer and charcuterie mix, Postmodern Tavern offers excellent pours, artisanal cheese plates, and easy vibes.

From historic beginnings to modern revivals, Sutter Health Park is more than a temporary fix, it’s a storybook ballpark that captures Sacramento’s heart and hustle. As the A’s bide time en route to Vegas, this pocket of the Bridge District pulses with energy, community, and the simple majesty of a game under the sun‑kissed golden gate. Whether you’re all‑in for baseball or just in it for the bites, this stay‑put summer offers a season worth remembering.