The Unique Identity of Sacramento: A Temporary Home for the Athletics
As far back as the 19th-century Gold Rush, Sacramento has been known more as a way station than a destination in its own right. This vibrant city first gained notoriety when miners arrived by riverboat, eager to stock up on supplies before venturing into the rugged mountains. Today, it continues to serve as a convenient pit-stop for travelers heading to popular destinations like Lake Tahoe. Furthermore, Sacramento has long been a brief career stop for ambitious politicians en route to Washington D.C. For countless Californians, the city holds a special place in their hearts as the setting for that unforgettable fourth-grade field trip to the iconic State Capitol.
Given this backdrop, it’s almost poetic that Sacramento is now poised to welcome a Major League Baseball team—albeit temporarily. Following a tumultuous split with Oakland after an impressive 57-year run, the Athletics have set their sights on Las Vegas for a permanent home. In the interim, they needed a place to play while their new stadium is constructed on the Strip.
In a show of enthusiasm and support, the Sacramento region stepped up to host Major League Baseball for the next three years at its minor-league stadium. However, there’s a notable twist: the Athletics have opted not to embrace the city’s name in their branding.
As the team prepares for its home opener here on Monday, they will take the field not as the Sacramento Athletics, but simply as the Athletics. This decision has sparked mixed feelings among local fans. Yet, many Sacramentans are surprisingly accepting of this arrangement.
“Always the underdog,” observed Rachel Birnschein, 35, as she dined with friends at a bustling downtown plaza prior to a recent National Basketball Association game. “That’s the Sacramento mentality.” It seems that for residents like Rachel, the city’s identity as an underdog is not just a challenge, but a badge of honor that they wear proudly.
