Even as the once-rumored became a firm reality, the Sacramento River Cats held a special place in their hearts. There was nothing more crucial to them than making the highly-anticipated 25th anniversary season a resounding success. And they truly did. As the Triple-A affiliate of the Giants and set to host the Athletics for the next three seasons at Sutter Health Park, they earned the Freitas Award this season. Not only for their grace and flawless execution during difficult times in 2024 but for a remarkable year where significant growth was witnessed in key areas.

Marketing Director's Perspective

Sarah Hebel, the River Cats director of marketing, emphasized, "Our overall success is a result of our tightly-knit front office. We are all motivated by the same goal - to provide a clean, safe, fun, and family-friendly environment. It's a place where the greater Sacramento region can come together and enjoy America's favorite pastime." Even while simultaneously planning and preparing to host the Athletics next season, the team remained dedicated to offering exceptional service to their fans and focused on creating that unforgettable Sacramento River Cats fan experience that the community holds dear.

On the Field Success

During the season, the River Cats had the pleasure of hosting the Giants' top three prospects - first baseman Bryce Eldridge, shortstop Marco Luciano, and left-hander Carson Whisenhunt for varying lengths. This contributed to their impressive finish of 80-70, which was 13 more wins than the previous year. It was a testament to their on-field prowess and ability to develop talent.

Off the Field Boost

The team experienced a significant increase in multiple attendance metrics, truly highlighting their overall success. Per-game turnstile numbers saw an 8.8% rise. They sold the highest number of season ticket memberships since their inaugural year in 2000. On average, 5,563 fans attended each game, surpassing 400,000 total fans over the season for the first time in the post-pandemic era. This harkened back to a time when they led the entire minor leagues in attendance for nine consecutive seasons. Special ticket offers celebrating the anniversary season were a hit, and reintroducing the 2000 inaugural year throwback jersey was wildly popular among fans. They also held a well-received parade in advance of 2024 Opening Day in conjunction with the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and Bridge District.

Sustainability Practices

The organization showed its forward-thinking by being at the forefront of sustainability practices. This past season, they earned four medals from Green Operations & Advanced Leadership (GOAL) for their work in Waste Reduction, Diversity & Inclusion, and Sustainable Partnerships. It's a testament to their commitment to making a positive impact beyond the baseball field.

Perfect Fit for the Athletics

When the Athletics were looking for a temporary home as they left Oakland and awaited their new ballpark in Las Vegas (expected to be ready by 2028), geography played a significant role. The existing infrastructure of the Sacramento River Cats organization and its facility made it an ideal choice for both parties. Sutter Health Park will undergo a full renovation before the 2025 MLB season, with a new natural grass playing surface, a two-level clubhouse, and new premium seating options. These changes will benefit Sacramento in the long run and ensure the continued success of the River Cats.