By Mauricio Segura May 26, 2025
Photo: Mauricio Segura - GBT / Opening Day Series vs Cubs April 2, 2025
As the Athletics settle into their temporary home at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, a peculiar challenge has emerged, not on the field, but in the stands. The team's traditional chant, "Let's go Oak-land!" echoes with a sense of nostalgia, yet it no longer aligns with their current location. In an effort to bridge this gap, the A's have introduced a new preferred chant: "Let's go A's!"
This transition, however, has been met with mixed reactions. The scoreboard now prompts fans with the new chant, but many loyal supporters continue to rally with the familiar "Let's go Oak-land!" Others have experimented with localized versions like "Let's Go Sac-to" and "Sac-ra-men-to," though these have yet to gain significant traction.
The team's reluctance to fully embrace Sacramento, opting not to include the city's name on jerseys or in official branding, has contributed to this identity crisis. This decision has left some fans feeling disconnected, questioning why they should invest emotionally in a team that seems hesitant to reciprocate their support. "I love the A's. I was born 47 years ago already with green blood in my veins," Logan Travis of Carmichael told me prior to the A's hosting the Phillies on May 23rd. "OK, so they left Oakland and are now in my backyard. Not ideal, although the commute is closer, I'd still prefer them to have stayed in Oakland. But they'll be here for three or more years. Give Sacramento a little recognition while you're here, and I mean a lot more than just a patch on your sleeve. Calling them the Sacramento A's while they play in Sacramento is not going to ruin the Las Vegas experience once they finalize the transition, in fact, it will enhance their brand within the local community while they are here!"
Adding to the complexity is the unintended parallel between the new chant and a previous one that haunted the team: "Sell the team." This three-word protest, directed at owner John Fisher during the final seasons in Oakland, shares a rhythmic similarity with "Let's go A's!" The association is hard to ignore, especially as some fans in Sacramento still sport "Sell" shirts and express lingering discontent with the franchise's leadership.
Despite these challenges, the A's organization remains hopeful that "Let's go A's!" will resonate with fans and become a unifying cheer that transcends geographic boundaries. The chant's simplicity and adaptability could serve as a constant through the team's eventual move to Las Vegas.
Ultimately, the success of this new rallying cry rests in the hands, and voices, of the fans. Their acceptance or rejection of "Let's go A's!" will shape the team's cultural identity during this transitional period. As the Athletics navigate this complex landscape, one thing is clear, a chant is more than just words, it's a symbol of community, pride, and belonging.
