A's Fans React to Las Vegas Stadium Groundbreaking
Shovels hit the dirt in Las Vegas, marking the start of a new chapter for the Athletics, but for many former fans, this moment is bittersweet. The groundbreaking ceremony signifies a departure from Oakland, where the team has called home for over half a century.
"There's no wrong way for a fan to deal with this," said Carl Moren, a former Athletics supporter and co-founder of The Last Dive Bar, an organization dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the Oakland Coliseum. "It's like losing a loved one; there's no wrong way to grieve." Moren's connection to the team runs deep—his father held season tickets long before he was born.
Reflecting on his past, Moren recalled attending games with his family. "As soon as I knew what was going on, we were going to A's, Warriors, and Raiders games all the time," he shared. However, his feelings have shifted dramatically. "I am not a fan of the team. I don't care what the team does on the field," he admitted.
Christopher Dobbins, president of Save Oakland Sports, voiced similar frustrations. "Super upset at the A's leadership for leaving. Also, it's kind of upsetting the City of Oakland didn't get it together to make it happen," he stated. While Dobbins has distanced himself from following the team, Moren finds himself unable to look away from the developments surrounding the move.
"Groundbreakings happen without the actual thing getting built," Moren noted, introducing a touch of irony. He referenced the German term "Schadenfreude," describing his mixed feelings about witnessing the team's struggles. "There seems to be a lot of hiccups along the way," he added.
Despite his skepticism about the timeline and costs involved, Moren believes the stadium will eventually materialize. A's owner John Fisher acknowledged the concerns surrounding the project. "We've got a lot of people here in Vegas and elsewhere who are cheering," Fisher remarked. "You know these projects are difficult. It's understandable that people are like, why isn't this open yesterday?"
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo attended the groundbreaking, emphasizing the economic benefits of the new stadium. "To me, it's economic drivers; it's jobs," he explained, highlighting the potential impact of the Athletics' relocation.
As uncertainty looms over the future of the franchise, Moren expressed a desire for resolution. "When there's all these questions that are floating around and unanswered and a lot of uncertainty, it can give you hope—and like that movie Shawshank Redemption, hope can drive a man crazy," he said. "I think in some ways it's like just put the nail in the coffin. Let's get this thing over with."
