A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s to present four letters showing they have financing for $1.5 billion Vegas ball park Thursday

Artists rendering of Athletics Armadillo ballpark at the corner of Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana in Las Vegas which is scheduled for completion for April 2028 (from artist A’s rendering)

Sacramento A’s relocation podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel, the A’s are making a presentation at the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on the due date Thu Dec 5th when they are supposed to come up with their share of construction costs at the tune of $1.5 billion. The A’s will present four letters showing they have the financing available.

#2 This meeting is a big step for the A’s relocation process in their move to Las Vegas this will be the A’s fourth meeting with the Stadium Authority and noted the most important to date.

#3 Amongst the discussions are how the stadium will be constructed, how many years the team will be committed to the park, and what happens if the A’s want to get out of their deal before the 30 years runs out.

#4 The ballpark plans have the A’s constructing their stadium on nine acres of the 35 acre Tropicana on the Las Vegas strip located at the one of the busiest intersections in the world.

#5 The Stadium Authority will reviewing the documents to decide if they can move forward with the project what they will be looking forward as stated, “adequate financial security for the performance of the financial obligations of a developer partner (A’s) for the development and construction of the Major League Baseball stadium project.”

Join Daniel Dullum for the A’s Relocation podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: Mets-Dodgers do battle in game 6 tonight in LA; Chiefs shut down 49ers defense; Plus more news

The New York Mets Starling Marte belts an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game 5 of the NLCS at Citi Park in New York on Fri Oct 18, 2024 (AP News photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Charlie talk about the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets who do battle in game 6 tonight at Dodger Stadium. The Mets avoided being eliminated on Friday night after they held back the Dodgers 12-6 to move within a game of LA 3-2.

#2 Game 6 tonight the Dodgers have for the most part in this series had the pitching that had command over the Mets. Like in games 1, 3 and 4. It’s when the Mets have those break out games they can score in bunches. Will the Dodgers pitching be one of the biggest factors for the Mets in this game 6?

#3 Turning to pro football the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers met for the first time since the Super Bowl. The Chiefs are came in hot undefeated and are now 6-0 and had the 49ers number Sunday with a ten point win 28-18. The Chiefs defense held off 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and the 49ers offense Sunday.

#4 The Las Vegas Raiders continue to struggle. Since former Raider Devante Adams expressed his unhappiness with the Raiders before moving onto the Jets the Raiders seems to have fallen in the doldrums. Las Vegas has lost their game against the Los Angeles Rams today at So Fi Stadium 20-15. Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew just couldn’t get any offense going 15-34 for 154 and was intercepted three times.

#5 The future Las Vegas A’s unveiled renderings this week for their new Bally’s ballpark for the Vegas Strip targeted for the 2028 season. With the Tropicana imploded and the A’s playing in the interim in Sacramento the fact still remains that A’s owner John Fisher still has not come up with his share of the $1.5 billion for the construction costs for the A’s Vegas park.

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: Renderings released for A’s Vegas ballpark at Bally’s Casino location

A rendering from Marnell Architecture depicts initial plans for a new casino-resort centered around the Athletics’ Las Vegas ballpark on the Strip. (Image via Clark County)

On the Sacramento A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 The A’s who revealed their renderings for their new ballpark in Las Vegas will integrate the park with Bally’s Casino Resort. The new renderings look like an armadillo park as it would open as separate shells and have windows to let sunlight in.

#2 There are three phases to the property which would include a hotel tower 1000 to 1500 rooms it would include a casino, sports book, and a food hall and 4500 parking spaces. The capacity will not surpass 3,000 rooms.

#3 The park structure will be 290 feet high and will have seating capacity of 30,000. The renderings also reveal where the dugouts and home and visiting locker rooms will be located as well as a 100 level seating section.

#4 There are rendering for the second deck the 200 level section, third deck 300 section, there is a layout for the 400 section level which are the suites. It keeps on going there are the 600 and 700 level seats which are upper level seating.

#5 Daniel, keep in mind that the intersection of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd is the busiest intersection in the world. The A’s ballpark will accommodate 44,000 parking spaces when you also factor in the other surrounding casinos parking structures as well but that’s not to mention that gridlock will be a sure thing and don’t be surprised if there are some fans who won’t get in there seats on time. Public transit in Vegas is not the most convenient option unless you leave at least two hours early.

Daniel Dullum does the A’s Relocation podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Sacramento A’s relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s owner Fisher makes rare public statement regarding move to Vegas and Tropicana implosion

After standing 67 years (1957) the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas was imploded on Wed Oct 9, 2024 to make room for the incoming Sacramento A’s for the target dates 2028 or 2029 seasons. (AP News photo)

Sacramento A’s Relocation podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 Daniel, the Tropicana was founded in 1957 and was imploded Wednesday Oct 9th. The Tropicana was one of the longest standing hotel casinos in Las Vegas strip history. The now demolished lot will be designated for a new Las Vegas A’s ball park on nine acres and the rest of the property will used for building hotel towers and casinos.

#2 For preparation of the implosion of the two Tropicana towers that once housed tourists, dignitaries, guests, and those who stayed at the Tropicana just to roll the dice the public was kept away for safety reasons.

#3 The implosion lasted only 22 second and was livestreamed that included 555 drones and a fireworks show. The resort had closed on April 2nd just as the 2024 baseball season and what would be the A’s last and final season in Oakland.

#4 A statement from A’s owner John Fisher: “The demolition of the Tropicana is an important milestone in the process of bringing A’s baseball to the world-renowned Las Vegas Strip and the community of Southern Nevada,” said Fisher in a Baily’s news release right after the implosion. “We hope that, in time, this site will become a place of unforgettable experiences for fans of the game.” Some still doubt that Fisher can get his share of the construction costs and that the A’s will ever move to Las Vegas.

#5 It’s the first time a casino has been imploded since the Riviera was imploded to make room for the construction of the Las Vegas convention center. Only the Sahara remains standing as the last of the hotel and casinos built in the 1950s.

Daniel Dullum does the Sacramento A’s podcasts each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Raiders rank #1 in ticket sales can the A’s do the same in Vegas?

Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas home of the Las Vegas Raiders who are number one in tickets sold in the NFL. The Oakland A’s hope to duplicate that if and when they move into the Tropicana Hotel and Resort location in Las Vegas as planned in 2028 (USA Today file photo)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Las Vegas Raiders moved up three spots in the NFL rankings in ticket sales to number one for the second year. The Raiders do sell a lot of tickets to fans from the visiting teams but none the less they are at the number position at tickets sold is this something that the Oakland A’s are looking at in terms of possible tickets sold.

#2 Baseball could be different in ticket sales as less fans travel with their teams like they do in the NFL and Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday baseball has been noted for small crowds. The A’s are depending on sellouts to make their payments for the Vegas ballpark how much pressure does that put on them?

#3 Once again owner John Fisher and the A’s are depending on the Los Angeles investor to find investors to buy shares into the team and turn around and put money into the construction costs for the ballpark at the Tropicana without it the A’s could look elsewhere. Would you agree the situation at hand things are very much still up in the air?

#4 In some on line interviews with fans they say this is the last time they’ll be coming to see MLB and they will leave the game once the A’s leave Oakland do you find the sentiment has pretty much been echoed throughout the fan base?

#5 The A’s are setting their sights for the interim for Sacramento for 2025-2027 they will play in a park that seats 14,014 and will be the smallest facility in MLB. The A’s once again the Tropicana is built will continue to play in the smallest venue in MLB at 30,000.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead play by play announcer on the Oakland A’s Spanish radio network on 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburg and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O: MGM says lack of A’s ballpark blueprints is putting them behind schedule for construction; NBA All-Star contest winners; plus more news

The MGM Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas is waiting for an answer from the Oakland Athletics on a design that will connect a pedestrian bridge to the new ballpark. Without the design the MGM can not proceed with construction and the A’s non decision is holding up their plans. (Nevada Independent photo)

On Headline Sports podcast with Charlie O:

#1 Top topic lack of Las Vegas A’s plans are stalling MGM Grand remodeling plans. The MGM is waiting for the future Las Vegas A’s to come up with with blueprints so they can figure in their remodeling plans. MGM CEO Bill Hornbuckle said he’s been shown three different plans as to where the ballpark will sit on the site. Problem is the A’s do not have a definite design that has been decided on and Hornbuckle wants to get on with his construction at the MGM so he can build a pedestrian bridge to the ballpark.

#2 The A’s further have met with the Oakland Coliseum Joint Authority and have not come to an agreement for a lease extension that would have them play at the Coliseum from 2025-27 three years. Major League Baseball is in a bit of a pickle the A’s need to make a decision soon as the 2025 schedules come out in July but the City of Oakland wants MLB to guarantee an expansion team for Oakland and Rob Manfred said the Bay Area already has a team and that should be good enough.

#3 The Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry edged out the New York Liberty’s Sabrina Ionescu in the three point contest at the NBA All Star Game in Indianapolis Saturday night 29-26. Ionescu hit seven straight three points for the 26 points.

#4 Mac McClung won back to back slam dunk contests and is now the fifth NBA player to have back to back wins in the slam dunk competition. McClung surpassed Shaq O’Neil with a 50 point slam over all people Shaq who was holding the ball above his had for the record setting dunk.

#5 Wanted to get a chance to ask you about the firing of former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks who got the blame for the 49ers loss in the Super Bowl. Talk about what mistakes he made and how does a defensive coordinator who contributed highly on his defense takes a team to the Super Bowl and ends up getting fired?

Join Charlie O for Headline Sports podcasts Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: A’s might not have enough votes to pass Nevada ballpark bill in the Assembly

From left to right, Community Benefits Planning Consultant Yolanda King, Oakland A’s vice president Catherine Aker and A’s president David Kaval sit at a committee meeting regarding SB1 the public funding for the A’s ballpark at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino on Wed Jun 7, 2023 at the Nevada State Legislature in Carson City NV (photo from the Nevada Independent)

On the A’s podcast with Daniel:

#1 Daniel, the Nevada State Assembly who were supposed to vote on Thursday on using public funds to tax credit the proposed Tropicana ballpark but once again the vote has been delayed and is expected to resume on Monday.

#2 Both members of the senate and assembly after haggling all day on SB1 have adjourned extending the special session. The Senate and Assembly had adjourned last Monday without an initial committee vote and no vote had taken place all of last week.

#3 Throughout the day at the Assembly Legislature assembly members and lawmakers were around with Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo who was signing bills. SB1 is still being debated as no decision and no vote as of yet. Democratic senators are looking for health care benefits for kids, food for the poor and elderly and school subsidies.

#4 Democrats who make up a majority of the Legislature 13-8 have expressed frustration over the lack of changes in the A’s ballpark bill Sen. Rochelle Nguyen (D-Las Vegas) said “To say I’m extremely disappointed that no work has been done on this bill over the past 10 days is an understatement.”

#5 Daniel, among some of the changes that Democratic lawmakers are pushing for is entertainment tax that would need to be applied at A’s home games. The NHL’s Las Vegas Golden Knights, the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders and the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces are exempt from the entertainment tax which would have been 9 percent. Also the A’s would need to make the same contributions like they had in Oakland to food banks in Las Vegas.

Join Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum: Special session possibly needed for A’s ballpark vote past Jun 5th deadline

The possible future new home of the Las Vegas Athletics at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel as seen on May 9, 2023 (file photo Nevada Independent)

On the A’s podcast with Daniel Dullum:

#1 Daniel there is talk now that some owners are against the Oakland A’s getting a free pass from being allowed not have to pay for the relocation fee to Vegas and it’s not sitting very well with the owners.

#2 One thing about not enforcing the relocation fee is that this might set a precedent for future moves in MLB and clubs will want that relocation fee waved.

#3 If MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred was to wave the relocation fee that might make a difference in how owners will vote and that might have them vote no on the A’s moving out of Oakland.

#4 Daniel in the event that the Nevada State Assembly votes no on public funding for the Tropicana ballpark at the tune of $395 million. $185 from the State of Nevada and Clark County $145 million. There has been talk that the A’s will seek other cities that will have them and not return to Oakland. That said the Mayor of Oakland Sheng Thao has said that she would take a phone call from the A’s if it doesn’t work out in Vegas.

#5 The Assembly met in Carson City as you know last Monday Memorial Day and it sounded very much like a favorable meeting for the new park but two items stand in the way the one we talked about at the top of the show with MLB owners possibly objecting to move the A’s because they don’t have to pay a relocation fee and the other public pressure on the Nevada Assembly showing in a recent poll that over 80% of Las Vegas residents are opposed to using public funds to pay for the park and 21% are in favor for using public funds for the park.

#6 Sacramento has also shown interest in the A’s moving to Northern California in the event that the Las Vegas deal falls through.

Join Daniel Dullum for the Oakland A’s podcasts each Friday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Even If they Strike Out in Las Vegas, A’s are not coming back to Oakland

The proposed site of the Oakland A’s new ballpark at Tropicana Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas. The Nevada Legislation votes this week with a deadline of Mon Jun 5, 2023 (photo by the Las Vegas Review Journal)

Even If they Strike Out in Las Vegas, A’s are not coming back to Oakland

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–During my recent Podcast here I mentioned that the Oakland A’s cannot wait to leave Oakland. I was correct. Nevada State Senate hearing this past Monday. A joint meeting of the Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance committees in Carson City. It was also video-conference at the Grant Sawyer State Office Building in Las Vegas.

Representatives for the A’s stated that if funding for the ballpark in Las Vegas doesn’t happen and they cannot get a deal, the A’s will explore other cities as relocation options, like Portland, Nashville and Salt Lake City, instead of going back to Oakland.

In other words, if they ‘strike out’ in Las Vegas, they will not entertain the idea of coming back to the table for more negotiations in Oakland. The whole session during Memorial Day lasted six hours.

Including opinions (via telephone calls) pro and con from residents, although since the chairman of the committee did not request that citizens participating disclosed their area code, there were some comments that some people from Oakland called, to “boycott” and vote against the team playing in Sin City.

The Legislative session (only hearing on the A’s stadium plan) revealed the real plans for the A’s in Las Vegas as their representatives, lawmakers and finance experts all participated. Oakland Athletics Consultant Jeremy Aguero spoke, below some of the most important points he made: – There will be no new taxes –

Project could be sustained within the sports and entertainment improving district. – State has the opportunity to recoup at least $90 million of its $180 million (Nevada is shelling $180 million in funds, while Clark County $120 million) – Relocation to Las Vegas by the major league team will NOT lead to the relocation of their Triple-A team Las Vegas Aviators.

The A’s will also have to enter into a non-relocation agreement with Las Vegas Stadium Authority for at least 30 years, Representatives for the A’s continue to make their points about the events that would take place at their new Tropicana location, like: 82 A’s games and other sports events like soccer, college baseball, volleyball, concerts, etc.

Quote by one of the A’s representatives, “This is just NOT for baseball events” He also estimated baseball events would draw 2,296,000, an average of 28,000 X 82 games. Gov. Joe Lombardo, State Treasurer Zach Conine, Clark County and the A’s all together announced the agreement for the stadium bill last week, saying Nevada’s commitment would be less than 25% of the projected $1. 5 billion project.

Governor Lombardo is expected to sign the bill if approved by all parties in Carson City, with a deadline of June 5. If approved, major league baseball will move to take a vote by all team owners, which is expected to pass with little opposition.

Where will the A’s play, since the date for inauguration of their new place in Las Vegas is now 2028 remains to be seen. They could play the whole 2024 season at the Oakland Coliseum (which they own by a 50% share and still have a lease) or they could just be playing their last season in Oakland, as like I previously stated, they cannot wait to leave Oakland.

Sacramento has also shown interest in hosting the A’s while they build a new park. From 2000 to 2014 the Sacramento Rivercats where the Triple A affiliate for the Oakland A’s, since then they are the SF Giants. Finally. If anybody wonders if Oakland could get another major league team, via an expansion team it will not be easy.

They still need a new ballpark in Oakland and as it looks now, the Howard Terminal is becoming another trivia question for the ages. It could take even longer than 2028 for the Athletics to get back to major league baseball in the city of Oakland.

If you hear this Commissioner talking about expansion in Oakland, congratulations you have a great story to tell. Las Vegas has sports fever as their Las Vegas Golden Knights are in the NHL Finals. They are facing the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead broadcast voice on the Oakland A’s Spanish Radio Network Le Grande 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 990 KATD Pittsburgh and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: A’s Tropicana ballpark looking to pass as Unions and Assembly lean towards funding project

From left, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Steve Hill, State Treasurer Zach Conine and Applied Analysis founder Jeremy Aguero testify on SB509 on Monday, May 29, 2023 in Carson City. (David Calvert/The Nevada Independent)

On the A’s podcast with Jerry F:

#1 Jerry, talk about how the Senate Committee on Finance and Assembly Committee on Ways and Means took a look at Senate bill SB509 how guest/visitor drives room rates and occupancy for “heads in beds”

#2 Design regarding opening and closing the roof on hot nights in June, July, and August and it’s hot how the design of the roof will cover the ballpark.

#3 Where will the A’s benefit from on the most local residents vs. tourists? The Raiders draw is more tourists than locals. Will the tourists outdraw local tourist for a new Tropicana ballpark?

#4 The Assemblywoman Neal asked how the needs of the taxpayers and residents of Nevada who need those tax dollars that could go towards to education, homelessness and county and local government. Assemblyman Jeremy Arguello said that the jobs and dollars from services would generate taxes that would pay for those public services.

#5 Monday night’s joint committee meeting was to get a feel for the finance of the Tropicana Park this would be the one and only meeting and a vote will be scheduled later. Do you get a sense based on the talking points tonight that the Assembly weighing the costs are leaning heavily towards for the park.

#6 Assemblywoman Monroe-Moreno said “my answer right now is hell no can you show me how to get to a yes.” Monroe-Moreno said the A’s attendance in Oakland is abysmal and that A’s management has done a poor job with running the club how will that be different in Las Vegas?Assemblyman Arguello said that bringing the A’s to Las Vegas would be attraction and with a new facility they would drive more fans then what their getting now in Oakland.

Join Jerry Feitelberg for his usual A’s podcasts Thursdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com