A’s Stadium Receives Crucial Approvals from FAA and BOCC

The Athletics Las Vegas Ballpark has taken two steps forward as it received approvals from both the Clark County Planning Commission and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The FAA declared the nearly $1.8B, 320-foot-high baseball stadium will not present a problem for air traffic in the area. The new stadium, to be located at the former Tropicana site at the SEC of Las Vegas Blvd. and Tropicana Avenue, is to be designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, with HNTB serving as the architect of record.

The general contractor is a joint venture between Mortenson and McCarthy Building Companies. Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing engineering is being conducted by Henderson Engineers. Lochsa Engineering is the civil engineer, and Thornton Tomasetti is serving as the structural engineer.

The FAA report requires the A’s to install red flashing lights on the roof of the stadium. The FAA stated the proposal went out for public comment on Feb. 12 and did not receive a single response; the comment period ended on March 22. The decision is scheduled to be finalized on May 5, barring any petitions preventing its approval.

The FAA also ruled construction equipment is not allowed to exceed the maximum height of the stadium at any point. Developers are able to file a separate notice to use taller equipment if necessary. The FAA’s approval was necessary for the Planning Commission to approve land use permits for the project.

Commissioners approved permits allowing recreational/entertainment facilities, live entertainment, vocational training, office, outdoor dining/drinking/cooking and an outdoor market. With this approval, the A’s are rapidly approaching construction.

Commission approval also encompasses multiple waivers of development standards, such as reduced parking, traffic mitigation efforts and landscaping. The A’s have also been permitted to begin excavating the site prior to forming a development agreement with the County. This is intended to give the A’s the time needed to have the stadium prepared for the 2028 Major League Baseball season.

The design phase is still being finalized. Construction is expected to begin between April and June, with a representative of the A’s stating that an announcement with a groundbreaking date will be forthcoming.