Oakland A’s: Dave Kaval says Las Vegas will absolutely work

Apr 1, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics president Dave Kaval in the stadium before the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics president Dave Kaval in the stadium before the game against the Houston Astros at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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If the Oakland A’s do not get their desired stadium at Howard Terminal, they may not consider that to be a major loss. Based on various quotes, they were impressed with what they saw on their excursion to Las Vegas.

According to team president Dave Kaval, the A’s feel that Las Vegas would be a viable option. In fact, Kaval said “I don’t think there’s any reason to think this couldn’t work” regarding a move to Las Vegas. The team is even considering how to balance out of town fans and tourists amongst home fans and A’s faithful.

Oakland A’s have good feeling about Las Vegas

It had previously been felt that a team in Las Vegas would have to depend too much on tourists to be viable. However, that has been disproved by the success of the Golden Knights at the box office. While tourists and out of town fans will be a consideration, having another source of entertainment is something that the city would want.

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With sports gambling having been legalized, and even embraced to a degree by Major League Baseball, it is seemingly a matter of time before a team ends up in Las Vegas. If the A’s do not move there, the city would seemingly be atop the list for an expansion team, whenever the league feels that they can move on from their ballpark concerns in Oakland and Tampa Bay.

Based on Kaval’s comments, it would seem as though a franchise in the city would work. Las Vegas is certainly an intriguing destination and draw for the A’s, especially with their desire to build that new stadium with a slight increase of their hotel tax. The A’s are certainly sending a message to the Oakland City Council with these statements.

It is also worth wondering how much of these statements are posturing by the A’s front office and ownership. They had constructed the entire Rooted in Oakland campaign in response to the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas, and have been adamant about how much they want to remain in town. But money, and a new ballpark, talk loudly.

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The Oakland A’s have a good feeling about Las Vegas and the potential of the city. They are sending a message directly to the Oakland City Council.