See new-look Sutter Health Park debut as Sacramento River Cats host San Francisco Giants

The most momentous baseball season in Sacramento’s history got underway Sunday, as Sutter Health Park debuted its offseason enhancements as the San Francisco Giants and the Sacramento River Cats played an exhibition game with the start of the season just around the corner.

The stadium will be shared this season by the Giants-affiliate River Cats and Major League Baseball’s Athletics, playing their first season outside since leaving Oakland.

A prominent new feature is the 75-foot by 32-foot video board in right-center field that has twice the resolution of the display it replaces, according to a news release from the West Sacramento ballpark.

There are also new premium seating areas – including a “The Rooftop,” a 130-seat group hospitality space in home-run territory.

For players, the field features a new natural grass playing surface, new clubhouse, expanded dugouts, hitting tunnels and other improvements.

The upgrades seemed to suit the River Cats, who defeated the Giants 4-3.

The River Cats will return to the field Friday for their season opener against the Albuquerque Isotopes. The A’s home opener is Monday, March 31.

This story was originally published March 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM.