A’s ditch plans for artificial turf, opt for natural grass at Sutter Health Park, sources say
The Athletics are scrapping their plans for artificial turf and opting for natural grass when they move to West Sacramento next season to play at Sutter Health Park.
Multiple sources, who were not authorized to speak but were familiar with the situation, told The Sacramento Bee that the change was preferred by players and made out of concern for the heat during the region’s hot summer months.
An artificial surface was initially planned because the stadium was being shared by the A’s and incumbent Sacramento River Cats, the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and would be durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of two teams combining to play 156 regular season games on the field.
It’s believed the playing surface was the last major outstanding issue regarding upgrading the playing conditions at Sutter Health Park while Major League Baseball, the A’s and the players’ union work to make the minor league ballpark suitable for major league games.
The Athletic’s Evan Drellich was the first to report the planned change to natural grass.
Earlier this year, MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association agreed to consult with an outside field expert to evaluate the best options for the playing surface. The field expert recently determined that a natural surface would be viable while two teams share the ballpark. The league and players decided a natural playing surface would be the best option for Sacramento’s climate and conditions.
“Since the beginning of this process, we have worked collaboratively with the MLBPA to incorporate feedback from major and minor league players regarding the facilities, amenities, and playing conditions in Sacramento,” an MLB spokesman wrote in an e-mail. “Based on feedback from players, as well as guidance from MLB’s longtime field expert, MLB, the A’s and Sutter Health Park have decided to maintain a natural grass field.
“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,” the league said.
A’s officials announced last spring they would be playing at least three seasons in West Sacramento while they construct a new stadium on the Las Vegas Strip they hope to open in 2028. There is an option to continue at Sutter Health Park for a fourth season in 2028 for stadium delays.
Notable player agent Scott Boras was vocal in his criticism of having artificial turf at Sutter Health Park, citing the how turf is often far warmer than natural grass. Only five of Major League Baseball’s 30 ballparks have artificial surfaces, but they are either indoor facilities or have retractable roofs. Sutter Health Park would have been MLB’s only outdoor ballpark without natural grass.
In addition to the playing surface, construction of new home and away clubhouses are ongoing. A new batter’s eye screen will be installed beyond the center field wall after players raised concerns about visibility and glare. The dugouts will be remodeled to give players more space and improved seating options, and the bullpens beyond the right field wall will also be renovated.
This story was originally published October 21, 2024 at 2:38 PM.
