Athletics share first renderings of potential new baseball stadium on Las Vegas strip

Oakland Athletics fans are getting a first look at the club's potential new stadium in Las Vegas.

On Friday, the Athletics unveiled the first renderings of its proposed ballpark at the south end of the Las Vegas Strip, where the Tropicana hotel currently stands, as the franchise inches closer to relocating to Nevada from Oakland. The stadium is expected to cost a staggering $1.5 billion, with $395 million being contributed in public financing.

“We are excited to share our vision for the A’s potential new home,” team president Dave Kaval said in a statement. “As our first conceptual design, we will continue to refine the look and feel of the ballpark over the next year."

The design merges the classic A's colors, similar to the MGM hotel nearby, with the spirit of Las Vegas. The massive 30,000-seat stadium will feature a partially retractable roof that will overlook the iconic Strip and offer "some of the best views and connection to the Las Vegas skyline," designer Brad Schrock added. The state-of-art ballpark will not only be used for baseball, but will host concerts and other events in the community.

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Before construction can begin, legislation must be approved for public financing, and MLB must approve relocating the franchise from Oakland to Las Vegas. The A's have the blessing from MLB commissioner Rob Manfred to relocate after the organization has been unable to strike a deal to build a new stadium to stay in Oakland.

“Thanks to the vision of Bally’s and GLPI, we have the opportunity to bring baseball to one of the most energetic locations in Las Vegas," Kaval added. "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Nevada governor, legislative leaders, Clark County commissioners and the Southern Nevada communities as we move forward with plans on our new home.”

Contributing: Scott Boeck, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Las Vegas baseball stadium renderings shared by Athletics