Planning to tailgate at an A’s home game? Learn the rules & parking lot restrictions
Baseball season is here, and fans are ready to cheer on the Athletics in West Sacramento.
However, the party starts far before the first pitch and often begins outside the ballpark with a grill and a cold drink.
The A’s will be hosting the Chicago Cubs for three games — Monday, March 31, through Wednesday, April 2 — at Sutter Health Park.
The home series will kick off at least a three-year stint at the 14,000-seat venue, which the MLB team will share with the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats until the team moves to Las Vegas.
To get the fans pumped before park gates open people may be planning tailgating parties. These gatherings have become a classic tradition and an expected part of sporting events.
Here’s what to know before planning a tailgate.
What is tailgating?
Tailgating is a social gathering that takes place in a parking lot or designated area before a game. It often involves food and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, and allows fans to celebrate their chosen team in the upcoming game.
Where can I tailgate around Sutter Health Park?
Tailgating is allowed within designated parking spaces at “preferred lots” near Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, according to the A’s.
Drivers can expect to pay $25 to $40 for parking on A’s game days.
These lots include:
- Green Lot, Market Street and Fifth Street
- Gold Lot, 804 Riverfront St.
- Main Lot, 400 Ballpark Drive
- Black Lot, 920 Fifth St.
Tailgating at non-preferred parking locations is strictly prohibited, according to the city of West Sacramento. This includes Ziggurat Garage.
Can I bring alcohol to the tailgate?
Though Sutter Health Park allows tailgating within lots, it has rules restricting alcohol consumption and open containers, according to the A’s website.
Per West Sacramento City Ordinance 88-6, no person may drink any alcoholic beverage or possess an open container of any alcoholic beverage while in a privately owned parking lot.
Can I bring pets?
There are no rules against bringing pets to the parking lot area but only certified service animals are allowed into Sutter Health Park. All other animals are prohibited, according to the A’s.
Can I barbecue in the parking lot?
Yes, there are no rules restricting barbecuing. Fans must stay within designated parking spots and not disrupt parking procedures, according to the A’s site.
Can I exit and reenter Sutter Health Park?
No. Once within Sutter Health Park gates, there is no re-entry to the ballpark.
When do ballpark gates open?
The general ballpark gates open 90 minutes before the game. Season ticket holders can enter the park two hours before game time.
Gate times are subject to change and will be updated on the Sutter Health Park website.
This story was originally published March 31, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that tailgating for Athletics baseball games is allowed at Ziggurat Garage in West Sacramento, based on information on the A’s website. Ziggurat Garage does not allow tailgating, the city of West Sacramento said. The error has been corrected.
