It has been a rocky debut season for the Athletics in Sacramento as they await their move to Las Vegas in 2028.
Despite preseason optimism from some baseball insiders, who saw them as possible dark horse contenders for a wild-card spot, the Athletics have struggled to find success.
With one of the worst records in the American League and a frustrated fan base, the team is battling low attendance and discontent among season ticket holders, setting the stage for a challenging summer at Sutter Health Park.
Season Ticket Holder Drama Adds to Athletics’ Underwhelming Season
The Athletics are spending their next three seasons in Sacramento at Sutter Health Park, but the initial excitement among fans has faded as losses pile up and crowds shrink. The team’s struggles on the field are matched by growing frustration off it, as season ticket holders find themselves unable to recoup their investments.
Some Athletics’ season ticket holders told local media they are upset about declining ticket prices, which make it nearly impossible to resell tickets for a profit.
With tickets on the secondary market often selling for $50 to $100 less than face value, many holders are considering opting out of their plans. This trend could further impact the already dwindling attendance, making it tougher for the team to generate a lively home environment.
The Athletics have posted a home record of 15-27 at Sutter Health Park, largely due to pitching woes. The team’s ERA at home stands at 5.67, reflecting ongoing struggles on the mound.
In an effort to address these issues, the Athletics signed starting pitcher Luis Severino to the most lucrative contract in franchise history. However, Severino has not lived up to expectations, going 2-7 with a 5.09 ERA overall, and 0-7 with a 6.79 ERA at home.
Severino has been outspoken about the challenges of playing at Sutter Health Park, and he is not alone. Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler has also criticized the mound, calling it terrible and comparing it to cement.
“The mound is terrible.” -Zack Wheeler via NBC Sport Philadelphia
Clay Wood would never. pic.twitter.com/R1JUtkZIRN
— Last Dive Bar 🏟 (@LastDiveBar) May 24, 2025
Despite the tough season, there are bright spots for fans to rally around. The A’s have built a strong core of young players, including Jacob Wilson, Nick Kurtz, Lawrence Butler, and Tyler Soderstrom.
Wilson, in particular, has emerged as a star, earning the starting shortstop spot for the American League All-Star team and ranking second in the league with a .339 batting average. He is also the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year.
Jacob Wilson LAUNCHES one to left 💣
He leads MLB with 32 multi-hit games! pic.twitter.com/UHO9mxeRlK
— MLB (@MLB) June 20, 2025
Watching Wilson and the rest of the young core develop could help keep fans engaged over the next few years.
However, the looming move to Las Vegas in 2028, with a new stadium currently under development, may temper the enthusiasm of Sacramento supporters, who could be left feeling that their city is just a temporary stop on the Athletics’ journey.