River Cats will share ballpark with A's in 2025

The A’s will play on natural grass when they move to Sutter Health Park in Sacramento next season, rather than on synthetic turf. The club will share the ballpark with the Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the Giants, until a planned stadium in Las Vegas 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 said. “Our shared, primary concern is ensuring the best and safest playing surface for the A’s, River Cats, and visiting players.

“In light of the players’ clear preference for natural grass, and after weighing with the MLBPA the potential risks and benefits of maintaining natural grass versus replacing the playing surface with synthetic turf, all the parties are aligned in moving forward with a natural grass field for Opening Day 2025.”

• What to know about A's relocation to West Sacramento

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 top 100 degrees. Synthetic turf would retain more heat than natural grass, making conditions more uncomfortable for players on the field on days with very high temperatures.

In addition to the determination on natural grass, MLB announced that several other renovations are underway at Sutter Health Park in preparation for the arrival of the A’s next season. Those include new clubhouse facilities, featuring a new locker room, weight room and 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 be renovated to create more space for players and equipment, as well as improved seating. And the bullpens also will be renovated.