A’s want to play on real grass in Sacramento after concerns about heat on the turf surface

The A’s will play on natural grass in Sacramento rather than turf as originally planned, a change favored by players that was made out of concern about the heat.

Beginning in 2025, the A’s will share a stadium, Sutter Health Park, with their current tenant, the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. The MLB had previously planned to install a synthetic surface, not least because it would have been more durable since the field was home to two teams. But temperatures on a synthetic surface could still have been very high during warmups and batting practice.

“Since beginning this process, we have worked with the MLBPA to consider feedback from major and minor league players regarding the facilities, amenities and playing conditions in Sacramento,” a league spokesperson said. “Based on player feedback and guidance from longtime MLB field experts, MLB and the A’s have decided to maintain a natural grass field at SHP. Our shared primary concern is ensuring the best and safest playing surface for the A’s, River Cats and visiting players.

“Given players’ clear preference for natural grass and after weighing with the MLBPA the potential risks and benefits of retaining natural grass versus replacing the playing surface with artificial turf, all parties agree that we are committed to a natural grass field for Opening Day 2025. “

The MLBPA declined to comment.

Commissioner Rob Manfred said in July that league, union and MLB field consultant Murray Cook had selected a synthetic surface and that it would have “a specific hydration component in the form of water addition to cool the surface.”

The league planned — and still plans — to mitigate the heat by playing as many night games as possible in Sacramento.

According to a publication from the National Recreation and Park Association, temperatures on lawns rarely exceed 100 degrees, while lawns often exceed that mark.

In September, player agent Scott Boras publicly criticized the turf plan, citing “the health and safety concerns associated with the use of AstroTurf at the major league level, which results in heat in the Valley that often exceeds 100 degrees in the summer.” .”

Sacramento had its hottest 20-day stretch in history this summer.

MLB also considered a hybrid option that would have used a synthetic surface in the infield and turf in the outfield, but decided against it.

The A’s plan to play in Sacramento for at least three seasons, possibly four, before moving to Las Vegas. The team is aiming to open its new stadium in Las Vegas in 2028, but has the option to remain in Sacramento for this season if necessary.

Upcoming upgrades at Sutter Health Park include a new home clubhouse, a new batter’s eye to improve visibility, and dugout and bullpen renovations.

(File photo of A’s owner John Fisher announcing the team will play in Sacramento from 2025 to 2027: Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)