Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman has made headlines with her recent comments regarding the plan by the Oakland Athletics to build a $1.5 billion stadium in her city. In an interview with the Front Office Sports Today podcast, Goodman criticized the stadium plan, saying that it “does not make sense.” She urged the A’s ownership to go back to the drawing board and come up with a new plan in the Bay Area.
Goodman expressed her personal belief that the A’s should find a way to stay in Oakland and make their dream come true. However, she also mentioned that if that fails, Las Vegas would be a spectacular market for major league sports franchises. While Goodman’s statement may seem critical, she clarified on social media that she is excited about the prospect of Major League Baseball in her city.
The A’s new ballpark is planned for a nine-acre parcel on the Las Vegas Strip. However, Goodman argued that the congestion in that area makes it a less attractive location compared to a larger site in north Las Vegas, which she suggested. It is important to note that Goodman and the city do not have jurisdiction over the Strip, as it falls under the oversight of Clark County.
Goodman raised valid concerns about the feasibility of the proposed site, emphasizing that there are still many questions about whether it will fit. A’s owner John Fisher has also drawn criticism for failing to share updated renderings of the stadium to show how it will be situated on the lot. Fisher intends to complete the park in time for the 2028 season, leaving behind the aging Coliseum in Oakland. However, the team still needs to secure a facility for the interim three seasons.
One of the major obstacles the A’s face is the legal challenge to their plan to use $380 million of public financing for the Las Vegas project. This financial hurdle further complicates the team’s relocation plans. Despite the challenges, Fisher and the A’s remain determined to stay in Oakland and have expressed their desire to be located near the water.
Goodman acknowledged the strong appetite among the people of Oakland to keep the team in their city. She emphasized that she encounters people from Oakland frequently who express their desire to retain the team. However, she believes that it is the government’s responsibility to allocate the necessary funds to support the team’s ambitions.
Jorge Leon, president of the Oakland 68’s, a fan group, viewed Goodman’s criticism of the A’s stadium plan as a positive development. Leon appreciated her willingness to speak out and claimed that it was refreshing compared to politicians who typically try to attract sports teams to their own cities.
Mayor Carolyn Goodman’s critical stance towards the Oakland A’s stadium plan has sparked controversy. While she expressed a desire for Major League Baseball in Las Vegas, Goodman believes that the A’s should make every effort to stay in Oakland before considering a move. The feasibility of the proposed Las Vegas site and the legal challenges the team faces contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the stadium plans. Despite the mayor’s critique, there is a strong support base in Oakland that wants to keep the team. The future of the A’s remains uncertain, as they continue to navigate their options and strive to find a solution that satisfies all parties involved.
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