A new scoreboard and more — what to know about A’s upgrades at Sutter Health Park
The offseason project to upgrade Sutter Health Park in time for the arrival of the Athletics and Major League Baseball is complete — and details have been made available by ballpark officials for the first time.
Highlights of the upgrades made to West Sacramento’s minor league ballpark include a new scoreboard as part of the upgraded video experience; enhancements to the natural grass playing surface; Wi-Fi network and technology upgrades; digital displays and audio enhancements; updated amenities in clubhouses, dugouts and bullpens; premium club areas for fans and season ticket holders; and concession upgrades, according to a news release.
The A’s are slated to play in West Sacramento’s minor league ballpark for the next three seasons, with an option for a fourth, between their move from Oakland to Las Vegas, where they plan to open a new stadium in 2028. They will share the stadium with the Triple-A River Cats, the top minor league affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. The ballpark and the River Cats are owned by the Sacramento Kings.
Here’s what fans should expect when the A’s begin their stint in the capital region when they host the Chicago Cubs on March 31.
High-resolution scoreboard
The new video board in right center field measures at 75 by 32 feet and will have twice the resolution of the old display, the release said. The previous video board that stood in a tower directly above center field has been removed and a new, enhanced batter’s eye now sits in front of it.
The stadium displays will feature Ross Brushback, a feature that ties directly to MLB’s stats interface, giving fans live game information including pitch, hit and runner data along with player statistics from the Major and minor leagues. There will also be faster replays and graphics.
Sustainable playing surface
After initially planning to use an artificial surface to account for the wear and tear of hosting the A’s and River Cats, that plan was scrapped after players pushed for a natural surface, given the heat of Sacramento’s summer months.
Beneath the newly rolled sod is what’s called “AirPAT” technology, which is said to “optimize root zone oxygenation, improve moisture management, and regulate subsurface temperatures,” which will ensure healthier and more resilient playing surface. The upgrades will reduce the reliance on chemical treatments, the release said. A fertilizer injection system has been installed to create optimal growing conditions while minimizing water usage.
There will also be drone monitoring, infrared scanning and infield moisture sensors to track the grass’ health in real time.
New technology
To increase Wi-Fi access, 125 access points have been installed for access to Wi-Fi7 to indoor spaces and Wi-Fi6 to outdoor areas including the seating bowl and concourses. A new data center was added for game day operations and broadcast needs.
Roughly 9,000 new strands of fiber optics were installed to allow for high-speed data transfer for cameras, the scoreboard and instant replay system, while 35,000 feet of fiber cables were installed throughout the ballpark for connectivity and critical operations.
Digital displays have replaced static signage and an upgraded sound system was installed to enhance the fan experience.
Major League comfort
A new home clubhouse for the A’s was built beyond the left field wall, featuring new training and treatment facilities, and what the release called “cutting edge performance technologies.” The player recovery center has two built in hot and cold tubs, a cryo-chamber, infrared sauna, massage therapy room, mental health and wellness space, and an on-site doctor’s office with X-ray capabilities.
The new weight room has two large roll-up doors to allow for outdoor workouts. Cooking on Wood will run the new modernized food facility giving players made-to-order options. There are also new hitting tunnels for home and visiting teams, bathrooms in the bullpens for convenience and expanded dugouts.
Fan upgrades
There will be new Clover Sport POS systems and digital menu boards across concession stands and portable vendors, which will be designed to improve speed of service and allow for mobile pickup ordering.
Additionally, four premium areas have been upgraded or added, including “The Rooftop” which has room for up to 130 guests; the “Diamond View Dugout” where fans can get in-seat service, including blankets and cold towels; the “Jackson Rancheria Legacy Club” and “Sky River Casino Solon Club” which have been redesigned and upgraded; and the “Gilt-Edge Club” which is an open-air hospitality space with new amenities.
This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 10:57 AM.
