Carrying merchandise promoting West Sacramento as the “baseball side of the river,” city officials celebrated the arrival of Major League Baseball’s Athletics. From left are West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel, Yolo County Supervisor Oscar E. Villegas, Councilmember Dawnté Early, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero, Councilmember Quirina Orozco, Councilmember Verna Sulpizio Hull and West Sacramento Police Chief Rob Strange. Photo courtesy of Kevin Fiscus Photography

WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - On March 27, the City of West Sacramento ushered in a new era of baseball, as it celebrated the historic arrival of Major League Baseball (MLB) to the region.

The occasion was marked by a special news conference at Sutter Health Park located at 400 Ballpark Drive, the home of the Triple-A River Cats, which now serves as the temporary home for the Athletics for the next three seasons.

West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero started off the conference announcing the city’s excitement and readiness for the arrival of the Athletics. From left in the front row are West Sacramento Police Chief Rob Strange, West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero and West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel. From left in the back row are Councilmember Dawnté Early, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Councilmember Quirina Orozco and Councilmember Verna Sulpizio Hull. Photo courtesy of Kevin Fiscus Photography

The event highlighted not only the excitement of MLB baseball coming to the region but also the economic and cultural opportunities it presents.

“We’ve always been a baseball city but today, we expand beyond our horizons,” said West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero, reflecting on the city’s deep roots in baseball, dating back to the opening of Sutter Health Park in 2000. “We are thrilled to welcome the A’s and this marks a major milestone for our city. It’s about more than just baseball; it’s about building a culture that celebrates what we have to offer.”

Mayor Guerrero also emphasized the city’s readiness for the national spotlight, pointing to recent upgrades at the ballpark.

Geared up in support of the Athletics are, from left, Councilmembers Dawnté Early, Quirina Orozco and Verna Sulpizio Hull celebrating the new chapter in West Sacramento’s history with the arrival of a Major League Baseball team to the area. Photo courtesy of Kevin Fiscus Photography

“Our partnership with the Sacramento Kings has elevated Sutter Health Park to MLB standards, proving that West Sacramento is ready for this moment,” Guerrero said. “We have what it takes to make this a seamless, successful experience for both our residents and visitors.”

The mayor also spoke about the city’s future growth.

“We have been doing a lot of work in developing this city, and once they come here, people will see how comfortable and enjoyable it is to hang out, spend time in our local restaurants,” Guerrero said. “We will definitely see economic growth.”

Guerrero emphasized the city’s identity, referring to West Sacramento as the “baseball side of the river.”

West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel spoke about infrastructure developments and the city’s preparation for the influx of visitors alongside city officials. From left in the front row are West Sacramento Police Chief Rob Strange, West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel and West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero. From left in the back row are Councilmember Dawnté Early, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Councilmember Quirina Orozco and Councilmember Verna Sulpizio Hull. Photo courtesy of Kevin Fiscus Photography

West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel echoed the sentiment, adding that the A’s arrival represents the culmination of a long-term vision for the city.

“Twenty-five years ago, this area was a landscape of industrial warehouses and rail lines. Today, the Bridge District has emerged as a thriving urban center, and now, welcoming the A’s is the next step in that growth,” Laurel said. “This is a new chapter, not just for West Sacramento, but for the entire region.”

Laurel also highlighted the city’s preparation for the influx of visitors, emphasizing improvements in traffic management and parking.

“We’ve coordinated with local law enforcement and businesses to ensure that fans have a safe, enjoyable experience,” Laurel said. “We’re also excited to promote tourism and create lasting economic opportunities for our local businesses. We have introduced new grant programs that are available to businesses in the city to make upgrades, to position themselves as best as possible for increased traffic and tourism.”

In attendance at the news conference at Sutter Health Park were from left West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel, Yolo County Supervisor Oscar E. Villegas, Councilmember Dawnté Early, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero, Councilmember Quirina Orozco, Councilmember Verna Sulpizio Hull and West Sacramento Police Chief Rob Strange. Photo courtesy of Kevin Fiscus Photography

West Sacramento Police Chief Rob Strange outlined the department’s efforts to ensure public safety during A’s games.

“Our officers are committed to ensuring a safe environment for fans and residents,” Strange said. “We’re working closely with local law enforcement and businesses to manage traffic and mitigate any impacts on the surrounding neighborhoods.”

“We’ve been preparing for this moment for a year,” Strange said. “The exhibition game last Sunday showed us that we’re ready and we’re confident that we’ll be able to provide a smooth, safe experience for everyone involved.”

The city’s preparation for the A’s arrival goes beyond traffic and security. Local businesses are also gearing up to capitalize on the increased foot traffic. For example, the Tree House Café, located at 630 3rd St near the ballpark, has added an outside bar and extended hours to accommodate the crowds.

West Sacramento Police Chief Rob Strange addressed concerns about traffic routes, parking control and security during the March 27 news conference at Sutter Health Park. From left in the front row are West Sacramento Police Chief Rob Strange, West Sacramento City Manager Aaron Laurel and West Sacramento Mayor Martha Guerrero. From left in the back row are Councilmember Dawnté Early, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, Councilmember Quirina Orozco and Councilmember Verna Sulpizio Hull. Photo courtesy of Kevin Fiscus Photography

“We are super excited. The owner has been keeping us updated and we’re hoping to be an after-party spot for fans,” said employee Brooke.

For local resident Elloy Portela, the arrival of the A’s is a welcomed change.

Originally from Monterey County and a lifelong A's fan, Portela recently moved to Sacramento and is thrilled to have a MLB team so close to home.

 “I feel like Sacramento is ready and I hope they stay,” Portela said. “I’m a business owner and I think it’s great what they’re going to bring for everybody.”

Resident Elloy Portela, a lifelong fan of the Athletics, is excited about the team's move to West Sacramento. Photo by Ornella Rossi

As the A’s take the field in their new home, the City of West Sacramento is ready to show what they have to offer.

“We’re stepping onto the national stage and we’re ready to make it a great experience for everyone,” said Laurel. “This is a unique opportunity for West Sacramento to shine and we’re excited to be part of it.”