By Mauricio Segura May 30, 2025
Photo: Courtesy of the Athletics
When the Oakland Athletics set up camp at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento for the 2025 season, they faced the formidable task of transforming a minor league facility into a temporary Major League home. While fans might notice the new scoreboard or enhanced seating, the most significant upgrades occurred behind the scenes, particularly in the construction of a state-of-the-art clubhouse designed to meet MLB standards.
Situated beyond the left-field wall, the newly constructed two-story clubhouse serves as the central hub for player preparation and recovery. The facility boasts a spacious locker room, a modern kitchen and dining area operated by Cooking on Wood, and separate spaces for visiting teams, coaches, and umpires. An indoor-outdoor weight room, featuring large roll-up doors, allows players to train in fresh air during Sacramento's hot summers.
The Player Training and Recovery Center is a standout feature, equipped with built-in Grimm hot and cold tubs, a cryo-chamber, an infrared sauna, a massage therapy room, and a dedicated mental health and wellness space. An on-site doctor's office with X-ray capabilities ensures immediate medical attention when needed.
Despite these enhancements, some players have expressed concerns. Pitcher Luis Severino, who signed a three-year, $67 million deal with the team, noted that the clubhouse's location disrupts his routine. "This just is not a big league park," he remarked, highlighting the challenges of having to walk a longer distance between the dugout and the clubhouse.
Visiting players have had varied reactions. Mets reliever Ryne Stanek described the visiting facilities as functional but cramped, comparing them to older MLB venues like pre-renovation Wrigley Field. "I really can't complain," he said. "The building here is a little bit of a maze, but it's got everything you need."
To support the increased demands of hosting an MLB team, Sutter Health Park underwent significant technological enhancements. The stadium now boasts 125 HPE Networking Wireless Access Points, delivering Wi-Fi7 coverage to indoor spaces and Wi-Fi6 coverage across the bowl, concourse, and outdoor areas. A new data center and 35,000 feet of fiber optics were installed to enhance connectivity and support critical operations.
While the upgrades have brought Sutter Health Park closer to MLB standards, the transition has not been without challenges. The Athletics' players and staff continue to adapt to their temporary home, balancing the benefits of the new facilities with the limitations inherent in a minor league ballpark. As the team awaits the completion of their new stadium in Las Vegas, the clubhouse at Sutter Health Park stands as a testament to their commitment to maintaining a professional environment during this transitional period.
Despite the hurdles, the A's have made significant strides in transforming Sutter Health Park into a functional MLB venue. The new clubhouse and player amenities reflect a concerted effort to provide a supportive environment for athletes, even if the journey from the dugout to the locker room requires a bit more legwork than usual.
