The Oakland Athletics’ future Las Vegas stadium has officially crossed the $2 billion mark in projected costs, but team executives insist construction remains on schedule for its planned 2028 debut.
Athletics President Marc Badain told the Las Vegas Stadium Authority on Thursday that half of the stadium’s concrete foundation is already complete and that a guaranteed maximum price for the project will be finalized “shortly.” He confirmed team owner John Fisher’s earlier statement that overall costs have climbed from the original $1.5 billion estimate to more than $2 billion.
“Some of that prep work has already been done,” Badain said. “There are only certain things that you can do until the permits are in place.” He added that fans should see “vertical work” rising from the Strip site by late September or early October.
The 33,000-seat ballpark, set to replace the demolished Tropicana on a 9-acre site, will be one of the most expensive stadiums in U.S. sports history. Its budget now exceeds Allegiant Stadium’s $1.9 billion price tag, though still trails the $2.3 billion Sphere.
Fisher defended the higher costs, pointing to the unique design ambitions for the project. “The costs have gone up as more detail comes in. That’s fine,” he said. “From the very beginning, we wanted a design that was unique. Vegas is one of the most unique towns in the world. We wanted a building that would symbolize the excitement and uniqueness that is the market.”
Under the financing structure approved by lawmakers in 2023, the A’s are using $350 million in public funding through SB1, with loans from U.S. Bank and Goldman Sachs providing another $300 million. Fisher committed to covering the remainder, which has grown significantly since the original $1.1 billion private share.
“What John committed to was that there would be a public contribution, and he would make sure that the rest was available,” said Stadium Authority Board Chairman Steve Hill. “Nothing has changed along those lines.”
As with Allegiant Stadium, the A’s are paying for early-stage work before public funds are tapped. Once the final budget is set, tax revenue already collected in the stadium district will be released to support bond payments.
Alongside construction updates, the Stadium Authority also advanced community benefit plans tied to the project. Former U.S. Attorney Jason Frierson was appointed chairman of the team’s oversight committee, which will manage at least $2 million annually in cash and in-kind contributions once the A’s begin play in 2028.
The team has already pledged $500,000 annually in contributions until one year after its first Las Vegas season. After that, its minimum commitment rises to either $2 million or 1 percent of ticket sales. Expanded programs include scholarships, internships requiring Nevada residency, and local hiring initiatives.
“Many of us have worked with Jason over the years, and I'm thrilled that he's willing to take on the role,” Hill said.
With construction accelerating, steel placement expected in early 2026, and community benefits oversight now in place, officials remain confident the project will stay on track despite its escalating price tag.
Originally reported by Howard Stutz in The Nevada Independent.
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