The Oakland A‘s have taken a major step toward relocating their team to Las Vegas, signing an agreement to purchase land for a new ballpark. The purchase was confirmed by Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who expressed her deep disappointment with the decision.

The agreement is for the purchase of approximately 55 acres of land, located near the intersection of Interstate 15 and the Las Vegas Strip. The land is part of the larger Las Vegas Ballpark District, which has been in planning stages for several years and is expected to include a mix of residential, commercial, and retail developments.

The A’s have been looking to relocate outside of Oakland for some time, and Las Vegas has long been seen as a potential landing spot. The team has been vocal about its desire to move, citing the need for a new stadium to stay competitive in the long-term and a better fan experience.

The sale of the land is a major milestone for the A’s relocation, but the team still has many steps to take before the move is finalized. The team must still approve a design for the stadium and secure financing for the project. Additionally, the sale of the land must be approved by Clark County commissioners.

The A’s move to Las Vegas is not without its detractors, however. Mayor Goodman has been vocal in her opposition, citing the potential economic impact on Oakland and the displacement of the team’s loyal fan base. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf has also expressed her disappointment with the decision, saying that the city “will never stop rooting for the A’s.”

The Oakland A’s relocation to Las Vegas is still far from certain, but the purchase of land for a new ballpark is a major step forward in the process. The team and the city of Las Vegas remain hopeful that the project will be approved and the team will be able to call Las Vegas home in the near future.