The air crackled with anticipation, not just for a thrilling showdown between baseball titans, but for the electric energy that pulsed through West Sacramento. The Oakland A’s hosting the New York Yankees wasn’t just a game; it was a town-wide celebration, drawing a massive crowd hungry for both home runs and the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling city. Local businesses braced themselves for a surge of activity, their storefronts glowing with the promise of a memorable night. As the first pitch flew, West Sacramento transformed into a sea of green and white, a vibrant testament to the unifying power of America’s pastime.
Business Bonanza in the Bridge District
The arrival of the New York Yankees to Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento was met with a wave of enthusiasm, not just from baseball fans, but also from local businesses who saw a significant boost in their patronage. The combination of the high-profile game, sunny weather, and the Mother’s Day holiday created a perfect storm for a bustling weekend in the city.
Drake’s: The Barn Sees Surge in Customers
Drake’s: The Barn, a popular brewery and entertainment venue in the Bridge District, experienced a notable increase in visitors during the Yankees game weekend. Bryson Fox, assistant general manager of Drake’s: The Barn, shared his observations, stating, “We’re really excited with the A’s in town, it’s been great since they joined us back in March. With the Yankees, we’re pulling in a lot of traffic from that too. We’ve seen a couple of patrons that are actually have flown in from New York, which is amazing,” Fox said.
Drake’s has naturally become a go-to spot for fans seeking pre- and post-game entertainment in The Bridge District. Fox noted that on a typical game day, the brewery can attract anywhere from 5,000 to 7,000 visitors. The venue’s popularity is attributed to its diverse offerings and vibrant atmosphere.
With tailgating not permitted at Sutter Health Park, Drake’s has effectively become a haven for baseball fans to gather before and after games. Fox highlighted the brewery’s commitment to providing a comprehensive entertainment experience, stating, “We offer so much variants here and activities. We do concerts, we do markets, we do all sorts of events. We have DJs here on the weekends. We have big traffic during game weekends as well, you know, so we’re here to serve our people.”
Whitey’s Jolly Kone: Family-Friendly Fun Catches the Buzz
Just a short distance from Drake’s is Whitey’s Jolly Kone, a beloved family-friendly restaurant that has been serving up sweet treats and good times since 1963.
The third-generation, family-owned business, run by Emile Whitey’s son and daughter, has seen a surge in customers as a result of the Yankees game weekend. Natalie Visger, an employee at Whitey’s Jolly Kone, explained, “They’ve added this entire outdoor seating, the patio and we also serve beer and wine now. So we’re really trying to expand the clientele and get a lot of people coming to Whitey’s that may have never visited before.”
Whitey’s Jolly Kone is planning to open a new restaurant named Emile’s Café in the summer, further expanding their reach and contributing to the vibrancy of West Sacramento. Visger emphasized the restaurant’s commitment to providing a welcoming and joyful atmosphere, stating, “I think when people come here, they have a great experience. It’s very homely and it’s very, as I said, family-oriented. We get a lot of kids coming in, a lot of ice cream cones. It’s just always a very happy environment to be around.”
Fan Frenzy: A Celebration of Baseball and Community
The excitement surrounding the Yankees-A’s game extended beyond the boundaries of the ballpark, permeating the entire Bridge District and creating a festive ambiance. Fans from both teams converged, eager to experience the thrill of the game and soak in the lively atmosphere.
Isaiah Ramirez, celebrating his last day in the United States Air Force, shared his experience, stating, “This is my last day in the United States Air Force, and so I came with my fellow airmen and my supervisors. Celebrate the last night that I have here in the military and you know we’re just here to celebrate a good time.”
The game weekend provided a platform for fans to connect with each other, share their passion for baseball, and revel in the camaraderie that defines the sport.
A Day for Baseball and Making Memories
Sunday’s Game Combined with Mother’s Day Holiday Boosts Attendance
The recent game between the Oakland Athletics and the New York Yankees at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento drew a significant crowd, not only due to the matchup between two prominent baseball teams but also because it coincided with Mother’s Day. The combination of these factors created a festive atmosphere and a memorable day for families and baseball enthusiasts.
Unionjournalism spoke with several fans who shared their experiences. Bryson Fox, assistant general manager of Drake’s: The Barn, a popular brewery and restaurant in the Bridge District, reported a surge in visitors on game day. “We’re really excited with the A’s in town, it’s been great since they joined us back in March,” Fox said. “With the Yankees, we’re pulling in a lot of traffic from that too. We’ve seen a couple of patrons that are actually have flown in from New York, which is amazing.”
Isaiah Ramirez, celebrating his last day in the United States Air Force, recounted how he and his fellow airmen chose Drake’s to mark the occasion. “This is my last day in the United States Air Force, and so I came with my fellow airmen and my supervisors,” Ramirez said. “Celebrate the last night that I have here in the military and you know we’re just here to celebrate a good time.”
Celebration of the A’s Presence in West Sacramento
The arrival of the Oakland Athletics to West Sacramento has been met with enthusiasm by the local community. The team’s presence has injected new energy into the city and created a sense of pride among residents. Baseball fans are delighted to have a major league team in their backyard, while businesses have benefited from the increased foot traffic and tourism.
This positive sentiment was evident at Whitey’s Jolly Kone, a family-owned restaurant that has been a West Sacramento institution since 1963. Natalie Visger, an employee at Whitey’s, highlighted the restaurant’s efforts to expand its appeal to accommodate the influx of visitors. “They’ve added this entire outdoor seating, the patio and we also serve beer and wine now,” Visger said. “So we’re really trying to expand the clientele and get a lot of people coming to Whitey’s that may have never visited before.”
Looking Ahead: Building on the Momentum
Long-Term Impact on Local Economy
The A’s move to West Sacramento has the potential to have a significant long-term impact on the local economy. The team’s presence is expected to attract tourists from throughout the region and beyond, boosting revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other businesses.
The revitalization of the Bridge District, the area surrounding Sutter Health Park, is a testament to the A’s impact. The development of new businesses, entertainment venues, and residential spaces is transforming the area into a vibrant destination.
Future Events and Opportunities
Sutter Health Park is already hosting a variety of events beyond baseball games, including concerts, festivals, and corporate gatherings. This diversification of programming is essential for maximizing the park’s economic impact and creating a year-round destination for residents and visitors alike.
Unionjournalism anticipates further collaboration between the A’s and local businesses in the future. This could involve joint marketing initiatives, special promotions, and opportunities for businesses to participate in A’s-related events. Such partnerships can create a mutually beneficial ecosystem where both the A’s and the local economy thrive.
Conclusion
The energy was palpable in West Sacramento as fans flocked to the city for the highly anticipated A’s-Yankees game. ABC10’s report highlights the undeniable economic boon this influx of baseball enthusiasts brought to local businesses. Restaurants, bars, and shops witnessed a surge in activity, brimming with the excitement and camaraderie that only a big sporting event can generate. This surge in foot traffic not only boosted immediate sales but also served as a powerful reminder of the potential for local businesses to thrive when large-scale events choose their city as a destination. The A’s-Yankees game was more than just a baseball match; it was a catalyst for economic growth and community engagement in West Sacramento. This event demonstrated the tangible impact that major sporting events can have on local economies, bringing in revenue and creating a sense of shared enthusiasm. As West Sacramento continues to evolve, it’s clear that strategically attracting such events can play a significant role in shaping its future, fostering a vibrant and thriving business community, and strengthening the city’s identity as a destination for entertainment and economic opportunity. The question remains: will West Sacramento capitalize on this momentum and attract even more major events in the years to come?