BBaseball fans in Sacramento are experiencing a shift with the Athletics (formerly the Oakland Athletics) relocating to Sutter Health Park, marking a new era for the storied franchise. After spending decades at the Oakland Coliseum, the A’s green and gold now grace the diamond in California’s capital city, bringing Major League Baseball to Sacramento for the first time. This transition creates an exciting opportunity for Sacramento fans who previously had to travel to experience MLB action. Sutter Health Park, formerly known as Raley Field and home to the Triple-A Sacramento Rivercats, has undergone changes to accommodate the major league club and its fans in a more intimate setting offering spectators a closer connection to the game. For the Athletics, this move represents a chance to connect with new fans while maintaining ties to their loyal Bay Area following.

Sacramento has embraced its role as the temporary home of the green and gold, creating a vibrant baseball atmosphere along the banks of the Sacramento River. This riverside location pairs seamlessly with City Cruises Sacramento, allowing fans to extend their game day with pre-game historic cruises, cocktail cruises, or post-game Alive After Five voyages on the water, creating a natural partnership between Sacramento’s newest sporting attraction and its waterfront traditions.

A Legacy in Transition

The Athletics franchise carries one of baseball’s richest legacies, now entering a new and unexpected chapter with its temporary move to Sacramento. The team’s journey spans three cities and twelve decades of baseball history. Legendary manager Connie Mack led Philadelphia to five World Series championships, guiding iconic players like Lefty Grove and Jimmie Foxx to greatness.

• Originally founded in 1901 as the Philadelphia Athletics.
• In 1955, the team relocated to Kansas City, before making its most significant move to Oakland in 1968 where it would establish a remarkable period of baseball supremacy.
• The early 1970s brought three consecutive World Series titles (1972-1974) under manager Dick Williams and later Alvin Dark, featuring unbelievable talent like Reggie Jackson, Catfish Hunter, and Rollie Fingers.
• In the late 1980s, the team experienced a revival with the “Bash Brothers” era of Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire, capturing the earthquake-interrupted 1989 World Series.
• In the early 2000s, General Manager Billy Beane transformed baseball operations with the Moneyball strategy, using advanced analytics to achieve impressive results on a limited budget.

Throughout decades of triumph, innovation, and struggle, the Athletics have maintained a reputation for developing exceptional talent.

Sacramento Baseball Field: A Brief History from Raley Field to Sutter Health Park

• 2000: Opened as Raley Field in West Sacramento, built specifically for the Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland A’s at the time)
• May 15, 2000: Hosted its first official minor league game.
• 2000-2004: Served as home to the River Cats while they were the Triple-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.
• 2005–2014: Continued as the River Cats’ home field, winning multiple “Best Minor League Ballpark” awards.
• 2015: The River Cats changed their MLB affiliation from the Oakland Athletics to the San Francisco Giants
• 2019: Renamed from Raley Field to Sutter Health Park as part of a naming rights agreement.
• 2020: Season disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• 2021–2023: Resumed operations as the home of the River Cats (Giants affiliate).
• 2023: Announced as the temporary home of the Oakland Athletics for the 2025-2027 MLB seasons.
• 2024: Beginning preparations and renovations to meet Major League Baseball standards.
• 2025: Set to welcome the Oakland A’s for their first full MLB season in Sacramento while the team awaits completion of their Las Vegas stadium.

The stadium was built at a cost of approximately 46.5 million dollars and features a capacity of approximately 14, 000 fans, with views of the Sacramento River and Tower Bridge.

Where Baseball Meets the River: A Sacramento Tradition

The natural connection between Sacramento’s historic riverfront and America’s pastime feels especially poignant, as they have both long served as gathering places for community celebration and shared experience. Just as the river has been the city’s lifeblood since its founding, baseball has connected generations of Northern Californians through a shared love of the game. Now with the A’s temporary home mere steps from the water’s edge, fans can easily transition from the excited roar of the crowd to the peaceful flow of the river, creating a game day experience that honors both Sacramento’s natural beauty and its newest sporting treasure.

Aboard City Cruises vessels, A’s fans can elevate their baseball experience with signature green and gold cocktails and specialty “game day” drinks providing the perfect refreshment while cruising the Sacramento River. Fans can enjoy post-game fireworks on select dates from the ultimate vantage point as they illuminate the night sky and reflect off the water. These floating celebrations provide the perfect opportunity, from capturing sunsets to group shots with fellow fans raising a glass with their A’s memorabilia-all with spectacular views of the city skyline and iconic Tower Bridge.

Hit it Out of the Park: Combine Athletics Excitement with a Sacramento Cruise

Few experiences rival the thrill of hearing the crack of the bat paired with the serene feeling of being on the water. With City Cruises and the Athletics, you can combine the excitement of baseball with stunning waterfront views for an unforgettable day. Whether you’re celebrating a win or simply soaking in the sights, experience the perfect conclusion to your A’s game by stepping aboard a luxurious yacht, where the celebration continues with signature cocktails and unbeatable views of Sacramento’s riverfront. There’s simply no better way to extend the magic of baseball season than gliding along the water with a backdrop like no other. It’s a home run experience that will last long after the final pitch. Check out this season’s schedule here. We cannot wait to welcome you aboard one of our stunning vessels.