In Carson City, Nev., on Tuesday, the Nevada State Senate approved a bill to fund the Oakland Athletics’ new stadium in Las Vegas, 200 miles east of the team's current home in California. On the same day, A's fans at a game were protesting the team's proposed relocation.
Nevada's stadium financing bill calls for contributing $380 million in public funding for the proposed $1.5 billion stadium. Lawmakers amended the measure before its approval Tuesday to strengthen its benefits for the community, the Associated Press reported.
The 13-8 Senate vote marks another step as the bill moves through the Democratic-controlled Legislature. The bill, which has the support of Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo, must now be considered by the state Assembly.
Related: A's Find New Site Along Vegas Strip to Build $1.5B Stadium
Just hours after the Nevada vote, A’s fans held a “reverse boycott” at the Oakland Coliseum during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays, according to a CNN report. Oakland fans were protesting the owner’s desire to relocate the MLB team.
Many of the 27,759 fans donned signs in opposition to the ownership team, in particular John Fisher.
Fans' signs urged the owners to “sell” the franchise. One sign was emblazoned with “sabotage,” while another issued a warning: “Vegas Beware,” CNN reported.
“The grass could be greener somewhere else and so, if it can happen to us it can happen to you, it can happen to anybody,” Stu Clary, who reportedly came up with the idea for the reverse boycott, told KNBR-TV. “The whole community loses out on something special if the A’s leave."
Throughout the game, fans chanted “Sell the team." Many wore green T-shirts with “SELL” written across the front.
In front of the packed-out Coliseum, the A’s beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 and continued their unlikely win streak – stretching the run to seven games, CNN reported.
“Tonight was as close to a playoff crowd as I’ve experienced managing. The energy and atmosphere was everything that this stadium can be,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay, per MLB.com. “For that to happen and for us, to play a good game all around in front of that crowd, I couldn’t be happier.”
“It was cool. It was really fun,” added A’s designated hitter Brent Rooker. “The fans came out and made it very clear how passionate they are about the city and this team, which was cool to see. We fed off that energy all night.”
After Athletics pitcher Trevor May recorded the last out, A’s fans threw trash onto the field to highlight their anger toward Fisher, despite the win.
From ticket sales, the Athletics raised $811,107 which will be donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank and the Oakland Public Education Fund.
The Athletics made an agreement in May with Bally’s Corp., along with Gaming and Leisure Properties, to build a stadium on Las Vegas Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue. The agreement is contingent upon MLB relocation approval and the passing of public financing legislation.
The new ballpark is expected to accommodate nearly 30,000 fans and bring in 2.5 million spectators annually, according to Bally’s.
The Athletics have played in the city of Oakland since 1968.
