A’s Las Vegas ballpark designed for concerts, events beyond baseball

The Athletics' $2.1 billion Las Vegas ballpark is under construction with a design focused on hosting events 365 days a year, according to team executives. Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business Ross Bowen said the organization worked with concert promoters and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority to ensure the stadium has adequate power sources and loading capabilities for a variety of productions.

A key feature is the inclusion of two tunnels allowing semi-trucks to enter through right field and exit through left field. Bowen noted that T-Mobile Arena has missed out on events like the National Finals Rodeo because it has only one tunnel bay, while the older Thomas & Mack Center has two. The A's have not confirmed talks to bring the NFR to the new stadium.

The venue will use artificial turf so the field can be covered for non-baseball events. The team has also signed a deal for a distributed antenna system to guarantee cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the building, and plans to implement frictionless technology at general concessions to speed up service.

Steve Hill, president and CEO of the LVCVA, said the agency is already fielding inquiries from event organizers worldwide. Hill noted that Chief Sports Officer Janis Burke was in Geneva this week meeting with international sports commissions, adding that visitors are increasingly timing trips around specific events.

Vice President of Sales and Service Kelsey Bannister said the goal is to create a "Wow!" moment for every guest, from entry to exit. Beyond baseball and concerts, the organization aims to host family shows to keep the ballpark activated year-round.

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal