Athletics to play on natural grass in Sacramento next year

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Starting with the 2025 MLB season, the Athletics—formerly the Oakland Athletics and soon to be the Las Vegas Athletics—will move to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, Calif., and play on natural grass instead of synthetic turf. The club will share the ballpark with the Sacramento River Cats, the San Francisco Giants’ Triple-A affiliate, until a stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., is ready.

“Based on feedback from players, as well as guidance from MLB’s long-time field expert, MLB, the A’s and Sutter Health Park have decided to maintain a natural grass field,” an MLB spokesperson told mlb.com. “Our shared, primary concern is ensuring the best and safest playing surface for the A’s, River Cats, and visiting players.”

According to an article on mlb.com, one of the main concerns with synthetic turf at Sutter Health Park was the climate and conditions in Sacramento during the summer, when temperatures regularly reached 100 degrees. Synthetic turf retains more heat than natural grass, which makes conditions more uncomfortable for players.

In addition to the determination on natural grass, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced several other renovations are underway at Sutter Health Park in preparation for the arrival of the A’s next season. These renovations include new clubhouse facilities, a new locker room, a weight room and a training room.

A new batter’s eye will be installed to enable additional television broadcast angles and address any player concerns about glare and visibility. The dugouts will also be renovated to create more space for players and equipment, as well as improved seating and renovated bullpens.