The Oakland Athletics have unveiled images of their upcoming 33,000-seat stadium located on the Las Vegas Strip. The stadium will feature a massive five-tier roof that will cover the entire structure.
Drawing inspiration from baseball pennants, the design of the stadium has been compared to the iconic Sydney Opera House by some. Others have likened the tiers of the roof to the scales of an armadillo.
The venue, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and HNTB, will be located on nine acres of the 35-acre Tropicana casino site. It will provide a stunning view of the Las Vegas skyline, promising an exceptional fan experience, as stated by A’s owner John Fisher.
Scheduled to commence in 2028, the A’s will begin playing games at the new ballpark. This move comes after approval from Major League Baseball owners for the franchise to relocate from the Bay Area to Nevada in November.
The outfield will feature the world's largest cable-net glass window, as announced in a press release on Tuesday. Additionally, it will house an 18,000-square-foot jumbotron, which is the biggest screen in the MLB.
The A's will move to the new ballpark in 2028.
The A's will move to the new ballpark in 2028.
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Around the venue, there will be up to 2,500 parking spots and a large plaza spanning between two and three acres. However, it's the striking roof that has truly caught the eye of fans.
Fisher doesn't mind being compared to the Sydney Opera House and the armadillo. "I believe the armadillo is a creature that doesn't get enough credit, and I feel the same way about the A's at times," he shared with the San Francisco Chronicle.
Being compared to the Sydney Opera House is a big compliment, as it is a building that has stood strong over the years.
The roof's design includes overlapping layers to shield visitors from the hot Las Vegas sun and let in natural light at the same time.
"The architecture that resulted is compared to a spherical armadillo, influenced by the local climate. It is meant to welcome the vibrant life of the Strip and encourage exploration," shared Bjarke Ingels, founder and creative director of BIG.
"In the city known for its spectacular displays, the 'armadillo' of A is specifically crafted for passive shading and maximizing natural light. This architectural design is a direct response to the unique climate of Nevada, creating a fresh and distinct icon in Las Vegas."
The ballpark will have views of the Las Vegas skyline.
The ballpark will have views of the Las Vegas skyline.
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BIG, the lead designer in the project, also put forward a design for the A’s new ballpark in Oakland which was never built.
The A's, criticized by many fans, will be moving from Oakland to Las Vegas. They will become the fourth sporting franchise in the city, joining the Golden Knights (NHL), Aces (WNBA), and Raiders (NFL).
Editor's P/S:
The upcoming Oakland Athletics stadium in Las Vegas is an architectural marvel that promises an unparalleled fan experience. Inspired by baseball pennants and the iconic Sydney Opera House, its striking five-tier roof provides ample shade while allowing natural light to permeate the space. The world's largest cable-net glass window in the outfield and an 18,000-square-foot jumbotron add to the stadium's allure. The design is a testament to the creativity of BIG and HNTB, creating a unique and memorable destination for baseball enthusiasts.
The move to Las Vegas marks a significant chapter in the A's history, bringing them into a vibrant and growing sports city. While the departure from Oakland has garnered criticism from some fans, the new stadium offers a modern and state-of-the-art facility that will enhance the gameday experience for years to come. The stadium's location on the Las Vegas Strip provides stunning views of the city skyline, adding to the overall spectacle of attending an A's game. With its innovative design and prime location, the new stadium promises to be a major attraction for both locals and visitors alike.