Unanimous Approval Signals Smooth Progress (Image Credits: Flickr)
Clark County – Commissioners took a significant step forward Tuesday by unanimously approving a reimbursement resolution that caps bond sales at $135 million to aid construction of the Oakland Athletics’ $2 billion ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip.[1][2]
Unanimous Approval Signals Smooth Progress
The board passed the measure as part of its consent agenda during the morning meeting, bypassing public discussion. This resolution establishes the maximum principal amount for bonds at $135 million. It serves primarily as a tax compliance measure, enabling the county to reimburse project expenditures with tax-exempt bond proceeds once sold.[1]
County spokeswoman Jennifer Cooper explained the timing in an email. “As the A’s have been constructing the stadium, they have incurred costs associated with the project that are substantial in nature,” she stated. “While bonds are not being issued soon, this reimbursement resolution allows the County to identify the costs being incurred now to pay down the bonds once they are issued.”[1]
Such resolutions ensure fiscal discipline without immediate bond issuance. The process mirrors past efforts, like the rapid $650 million bond sale in 2018 for Allegiant Stadium.[1]
Construction Advances at Former Tropicana Site
Workers have poured two levels of concourse decking across most of the ballpark’s footprint, forming a distinctive C-shape structure. The project remains on track for its 2028 opening at the 9-acre site previously occupied by the Tropicana hotel.[1]
The Athletics secured a development agreement with the county last fall. Before accessing full public funds during construction, the team must invest $100 million upfront and establish a guaranteed maximum price. As of December 2024, executives reported $40 million already spent in planning phases.[1]
Navigating the $2 Billion Funding Puzzle
Public contributions cap at $380 million, supplemented by a $300 million construction loan. A’s owner John Fisher covers the balance. A special tax district around the site, approved last year, already generates revenue from construction activity to repay county bonds.[1]
The team pursues additional private sources. Deals include $175 million from Aramark Sports+ for concessions and minority ownership, plus $70 million from a Korean investment group featuring former MLB pitcher Chan Ho Park. Premium seating personal seat licenses (PSLs) loom next, with details forthcoming at Thursday’s Las Vegas Stadium Authority meeting. The Raiders raised $548 million through PSLs for Allegiant Stadium.[1]
| Funding Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Public Funding | Up to $380 million |
| Construction Loan | $300 million |
| County Bonds (Reimbursable) | $135 million cap |
| Aramark Deal | $175 million |
| Korean Group Investment | $70 million |
Toward a 2028 Home Run on the Strip
The first financial update from the tax district arrives Thursday, alongside PSL program introductions. These steps build confidence in the project’s momentum. Clark County’s efficient handling echoes its support for Allegiant Stadium, where a 0.88 percent hotel room tax repays bonds.[1]
Officials emphasize the ballpark’s role in elevating Las Vegas as a sports hub. Construction pace suggests no delays ahead.
- Reimbursement resolution caps bonds at $135 million for tax-compliant reimbursements.[1]
- Stadium hits structural milestones with concourse decking in place.
- Hybrid funding mixes public support, loans, and private investments like PSLs.
This approval reinforces the Athletics’ commitment to Las Vegas, blending public partnership with private innovation for a landmark venue. What do you think about the ballpark’s progress? Tell us in the comments.[1]
