The upcoming series between the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland Athletics is set to take place over the next three nights at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, an unusual minor-league venue for a Major League Baseball matchup. The games are expected to draw significant crowds thanks to the large contingent of Giants fans in the area, contrasting sharply with the A’s struggles to attract local support.
Despite the small capacity of just over 14,000 at Sutter Health Park, only four of the A’s 42 home games have sold out this season. This dismal attendance reflects the A’s poor performance at home, where they currently hold a league-worst record of 15-27 and have the lowest attendance average in franchise history during a non-pandemic season, at just 9,722 fans per game.
Giants manager Bob Melvin, who previously managed the A’s, acknowledged that the weekend games might be particularly lively, as Bay Area sports fans come together to support their teams. The high temperatures forecasted for the weekend could present challenges, as players adjust to the conditions which include a lack of amenities typically found in MLB stadiums, such as a tunnel from the dugouts to the clubhouses.
Local sentiments indicate a lack of attachment to the A’s, primarily due to the team’s temporary status in Sacramento amid ongoing talks for relocation to Las Vegas. Although fans appreciate the young talent on the A’s roster, many see little reason to invest emotionally in a team that may not be in the area long-term, leading to a broader sense of detachment.
Vivek Ranadivé, owner of the Sacramento Kings and River Cats, is facilitating the A’s temporary stay in Sacramento and has expressed a desire for a permanent MLB team in the city. While MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred supports expanding the league, there are no immediate plans for relocation or expansion.
As the Giants prepare to face their rivals, they hope to bolster their lineup with third baseman Matt Chapman, who is recovering from a right hand injury. If he successfully completes a rehab game, he may join the Giants for either Saturday or Sunday’s match.
This series is a unique opportunity for local baseball fans to support the teams, blending regional enthusiasm and the hope for future MLB developments in Sacramento. The outcome of this short series could resonate beyond the games themselves, potentially impacting the narrative surrounding baseball in the California capital.