Phoenix Municipal, or “Muni” as it was affectionately referred to, saw the Oakland Athletics’ final Spring Training game as its home park last spring. Fans will miss the beautiful backdrop of the surrounding red mountains jetting out from behind left field, even the Sacramento-based KHTK sports radio reminisced about the stunning views this week on their morning show. Not to be as missed are the older amenities of the park, but hey we are accustomed to that with the Coliseum, so it felt like home.
More from Oakland A's News
- San Francisco Giants showing Oakland A’s offseason could be worse
- Lucas Luetge what Oakland A’s need in bullpen
- Oakland A’s bring Deolis Guerra back on minor league deal
- How much will Oakland A’s improvements matter in 2023?
- Oakland A’s giving Drew Rucinski a chance to prove himself
The A’s will now take over the former Spring Training home of the Chicago Cubs, which was actually opened in 1977 by the Oakland Athletics when it was newly built, 11 miles away in nearby Mesa at Hohokam Stadium. So while the name leaves something to be desired, (feel free to offer your nickname suggestions below), the city of Mesa and the Oakland Athletics are ensuring a happy homecoming for the A’s and their fans with almost $27 million in renovations of the stadium. Some of the state of the art features we can look forward to at Hohokam are a brand new HD scoreboard display (no doubt putting that of the O.Co to shame) and new seats and seating areas to enhance the fan experience.
It seems quite fitting that the newly remade team will have a new park to start off the 2015 season. This new stadium is more than just a new home, it really signifies a new beginning for the Athletics, who despite many first thoughts, are still All-In Again in 2015, as Ryan Heuer attests. If you have not experienced the splendor that is Spring Training, there’s no better time than this season when you can get an up-close view of the new guys to don the green and gold. The A’s open the gates in Hohokam against the Giants on March 3rd and finish off at home against the Angels on April 1st. Hope to see you there!