Tag: Tropicana Casino and Hotel

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

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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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Nevada Legislature joint session meets tonight on Holiday; Both committees to vote on Tropicana ballpark

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The Nevada State Legislature meeting on Tue May 16, 2023. The Legislature meets tonight Mon May 29, 2023 in Carson City in a special joint session that will lead to voting for tax credits for a Las Vegas A’s Tropicana ballpark. If the legislature votes no on the park the A’s may have to revisit their other alternative in talking to Oakland and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. (photo from the Nevada Independent)

On That’s Amaruy News and Commentary podcast:

#1 The Nevada Legislature announced late Sunday that they will meet on the Memorial Day Holiday in a joint session with the senate and the assembly. If approved the bill would need to signed by Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo.

#2The FAA also needs to approve the resolution as home plate faces the runaway at Las Vegas Airport. The FAA needs to look the safety path relative to the ballpark and lights and height of Tropicana Park.

#3 Amaury, wanted to ask you about the renderings, the ballpark will be built on nine acres with a retractable roof but the renderings look more larger than a nine acre area more like 19 acres. The arch over the park looks like a glass dome or see through structure could that the retractable roof.

#4 The renderings also face the strip but the plans are for the park to face the airport. The arch is as tall as the MGM Hotel and is that arch the retractable roof that folds on top of Tropicana Park?

#5 A’s president David Kaval basically said that the design that was presented is not the project in the literal sense but it was something to show the joint session tonight when making the case why it would make sense to have a the A’s in location and why it would be a benefit for Las Vegas residents and visitors.

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

MLB podcast with Charlie O: Big payroll Padres continue to struggle; Brewers Adames out of hospital on 10 day IL for concussion; plus more

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San Diego Padres Michael Wacha pitches during first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium in New York on Sat May 27, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the MLB podcast with Charlie O:

#1 The San Diego Padres (24-28) who took another loss on Saturday to the New York Yankees at Yankees Stadium, the Padres had big expectations this year but even with Fernando Tatis Jr, Juan Soto, and Manny Machado the Padres are holding down fourth place in the NL West still there a lot of the season to make that payroll payoff.

#2 During a game against the San Francisco Giants on Friday night at American Family Park the Milwaukee Brewers Willy Adames just avoided suffering fractures when he was sitting the dugout and was struck by teammate Brian Anderson that struck him in the head. Brewers manager Craig Counsell said that was a scary moment. Adames has been released from the hospital is in good spirits and is on the 10 IL for concussion protocols.

#3 Yankees manager Aaron Boone who has been kicked out of three of the last ten games said the last ejection was a weird experience. Last Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles Boone was arguing a third strike call and lost it when umpire Edwin Moscoso turned his back to him. It got heated and Crew chief Chris Guccione had to step in between them. Boone who had spittle came out of his mouth towards Moscoso’s direction ended up being suspended by MLB Sr Supervisor VP of on field operations Michael Hill after reviewing it Thursday night.

#4 There was damage control for the Los Angeles Dodgers who uninvited the Sisters of Perpetual who are a drag group who serve as a charity, protest and satirical performance were reinvited on Jun 16th after being disinvited. The Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw tweeted out that the Dodgers will be hosting a “Christian and Faith Night” at Dodger Stadium on Jul 30th. Can you talk a little about the politics of this situation.

#5 Charlie the Nevada State Legislature will have a chance to vote on the Oakland A’s Tropicana ballpark. Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo said that the ballpark tax credits in the neighborhood of $180 million won’t pass unless their a is budget passed for the state. State Legislature Democrats say they won’t for the resolution for the ballpark because that puts taxpayers at risk if the A’s fail to profit once the park is complete. But as you know what’s said up front is different than what’s negotiated behind closed doors.

Join Charlie O for the MLB podcast Sundays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: Vegas Renderings take on some looks of Oakland Coliseum

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Artist rendering of Tropicana Ballpark in Las Vegas in night game mode at the cost of $1.5 billion and the smallest venue in MLB with 30,000 seats near the Vegas strip (image from the Oakland Athletics)

On That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast:

#1 Amaury, the renderings are out on the Las Vegas A’s new ballpark. It’s a circular looking park that take on the shape of the original Oakland Coliseum but with much less seating 30,000 the smallest park in MLB. The park has a arch above it and it looks like a see through room that would be retractable.

#2 Home plate face the Las Vegas Airport and the park is subject to FAA approval due to lighting and height when planes land and take off.

#3 The renderings of the field show that there’s lots of foul territory similar to that of the Oakland Coliseum

#4 Nevada and Clark County are committing to $380 million towards the park, $180 million in tax credits and $120 million from Clark County in issued bonds.

#5 That said Amaury how hard will this be for many of the current and former players, the fans, the jobs, that will be left behind in Oakland?

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the lead broadcast talent on the Oakland A’s Spanish Network on 1010 KIQI San Francisco and 1010 KIQI Pittsburg and Amaury does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Tony Renteria: A’s hope to end 7 game skid tonight vs. Astros ; Clark County officials have their doubts on Vegas ballpark

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Oakland Athletics’ Seth Brown hits a two-run home run on a pitch by Seattle Mariners starter Logan Gilbert during the first inning at T Mobile Park in Seattle on Thu May 25, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the A’s podcast with Tony R:

#1 The Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland A’s 3-2 Thursday night at T-Mobile Park in Seattle. The Mariners completed a four-game sweep of the A’s. This one wound up being the A’s seventh straight loss.

#2 The A’s starting pitcher, J.P.Sears, had an outstanding outing. Sears went five innings, allowing one run and three hits. Sears struck out three and did not walk a batter. His ERA dropped to 4.70.

#3 The A’s will host the Houston Astros at the Coliseum for three games starting Friday night. The A’s will send James Kaprielian (0-4, 8.68 ERA) to the mound. The Astros will counter with Hunter Brown(4-1, 3.20ERA)

#4 The Nevada Legislature is going to take a vote on passing the tax credits for a new ballpark at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino this or next week before the June 5th deadline. The legislature is offering $180 million in tax credits. Nevada residents are skeptical of the deal because the team left what they called a binding agreement at the I-15 and Dean Martin location which was 49 acres for a nine acre location at Tropicana which is not facing the strip on Las Vegas Blvd.

#5 Clark County officials have expressed worry that the tax payers could be on the hook for tax credits if the Tropicana park turns out to be financial boondoggle. In the long run voters will remember who voted for a failed project and may vote those legislators out of office. This is not a sure money maker for Las Vegas or the State of Nevada.

Tony R filled in for Daniel Dullum who does the A’s podcasts Fridays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry Feitelberg: What the tentative agreement between A’s and State of Nevada on ballpark mean

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Tropicana Casino and Hotel in Las Vegas site of a 30,000 seat ballpark for the Oakland A’s. The home plate towards the outfield will be facing the Las Vegas Airport (photo by KSNV 3 TV Las Vegas)

On the Oakland A’s podcast with Jerry F:

#1 The Oakland A’s took another step closer to getting the working for their $1.5 billion ballpark reality as the A’s and the major players in Nevada government have reached tentative agreement. There were no details on what numbers the state or Clark County would be on the hook for?

#2 The power of the government are at hand in making the millions of dollars part of that reality, Governor Joe Lombardo, legislative representatives, Clark County, the Nevada State Treasurer, took the step to make sure they put a financial plan together to get the tax credits lined up in a row.

#3 Jerry, bill language needs to be put together and get passed in the legislature and this needs to be put together before the June 5th deadline. No doubt the legislatures want to get this sorted out before they go on their one year hiatus.

#4 A’s president David Kaval said he’s thrilled about the support he got from the state and Clark County saying , “We look forward to advancing this legislation in a responsible way,” 

#5 Gov Lombardo said that the cost of the stadium would be 25% less of the public financing of the proposal, the Tropicana a retractable roof park would be the third lowest financed park of the 14 MLB ballparks built this century.

Jerry does the Oakland A’s podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: Nevada Governor announces agreement to bring A’s to Vegas

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Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo waves to the crowd shorty after he was inaugurated governor in Jan 2023. Lombardo announced on Wed May 24, 2023 that the State of Nevada and the Oakland A’s have reached an agreement to finance a 30,000 seat ballpark at the Tropicana Casino and Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas Review Journal file photo)

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

The Las Vegas Culinary Union has assured it’s working staff if the Oakland A’s and the State of Nevada will have union protected jobs at the Tropicana Casino and Resort. The Culinary Union is the strongest union in Vegas and they are assured union paying jobs as the Tropicana plans to build another tower across the street from the ballpark. The old tower will be torn down and the newer tower will be part of the square block with the A’s who will have their ballpark on nine acres of land.

Nevada governor Joe Lombardo announced on Wednesday a tentative agreement between the A’s and the State of Nevada a bill that will go forward to the Nevada Legislature that would bring Major League Baseball to Las Vegas. “The agreement follows month of negotiations between the state, the county, and the A’s and I believe it gives us a tremendous opportunity to continue building on the professional sports infrastructure of Southern Nevada.” said Lombardo.

The agreement will be drafted into legislation and later will be introduced to the Nevada State Legislature that will allow the public and lawmakers to debate over the project. Las Vegas A’s team president David Kaval said “We’re very appreciative of the support from the State of Nevada and Clark County leadership. We want to thank Governor Lombardo the Legislative leadership, the treasurer, and Clark County Commissioners and staff on the collaborative process. We look forward to advancing this legislation in a responsible way.”

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

That’s Amaury News and Commentary: It comes down to $75 million?

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Tropicana Hotel and Casino front entrance in Las Vegas future home of the Oakland A’s in 2027 (file photo from booking.com)

It comes down to $75 million?

That’s Amaury New and Commentary

Amaury Pi-González

1-Athletics picked Wild Wild West land-site for their new stadium. The ask for public funds was $500 million

2-Days later they changed site-location and dealt with the Tropicana. Then they asked for $395 million in public funds.

3-The State of Nevada offered the A’s $320 million toward reducing the asking price of $395 million. They need $75 million to “play ball”.

4-Today (May 20) they are negotiating the gap of $75 million, which is the missing piece for the A’s to complete their $1.5 billion, 30,000 seat park.

5 – June 5 all funding must be complete and be presented to the Nevada Legislature. If the deadline is missed, the governor will get involved.

6 -Bally’s Corp, told the local Las Vegas media (reported by the Las Vegas Business Journal) last week that they hoped providing the Athletics with free land would push lawmakers to continue the momentum toward landing the team in Southern Nevada and Major League Baseball approving their relocation from Oakland.

Place your bets ladies and gentlemen.

Amaury Pi Gonzalez has been covering the Oakland A’s move to the Las Vegas Tropicana Hotel and Casino ballpark development story and does News and Commentary podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

That’s Amaury News and Commentary podcast: 100s of jobs to be lost in Oakland as A’s head to Vegas; Legislature to vote on Tropicana site this week

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Las Vegas ballpark at night the home of the Las Vegas Aviators the Oakland A’s minor league triple A club. The A’s could end up sharing the Ballpark with the Aviators at the end of the 2023 season leaving the Oakland Coliseum (Las Vegas Ballpark photo)

On That’s Amaury’s podcast:

#1 Amaury, One of the biggest concerns in the Oakland A’s move to Las Vegas is the hundreds of jobs that will be lost, in talking with the other broadcasters, writers, radio and TV production staff, official scorers, MLB clock staff, front office staff, fans, concession staff, custodians, engineers, grounds crew, security, and many we haven’t named here that’s a lot of people out of work in bad economy.

#2 Bally’s Corp who struck a deal with the A’s to begin construction at the Tropicana site this summer this is all contingent on an agreement that needs to be reached this week in the Nevada Legislature that would fund part of the park for $395 million.

#3 The Wild Wild West location was looking promising that had 49 acres but the A’s didn’t want to pay the back taxes at that location and the cost was higher to build and move there to the tune of $500 million the Tropicana location looks like the sure thing and it was a place that the A’s were considering when moving to Vegas in the beginning.

#4 With the Tropicana location it’s just nine acres almost no room for the office space, the retail space, the condos that A’s owner John Fisher was consider putting in at Howard Terminal. With nine acres sounds like it’s just enough room for the ballpark only.

#5 Some critics are comparing this A’s season to last season of former defunct clubs like the Washington Senators who moved to Texas, the St Louis Browns who moved to Baltimore, Boston Braves who moved to Atlanta, who saw small crowds during the regular season and the Senators in their last game in1971 had fans riot in their last home game grabbing anything that wasn’t nailed down.

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