Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum: Home of the Oakland Athletics

Nestled in the heart of Oakland, California, the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum serves as the proud home of Major League Baseball’s Oakland Athletics.

With its rich history and vibrant atmosphere, the Coliseum has been a cherished destination for baseball fans from all over the world since its opening in 1966.

Part of the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Complex, the venue is conveniently located near Interstate 880, making it easily accessible for fans attending games and events.

The Coliseum has a seating capacity of 46,847, which can be expanded up to 56,782 for special events.

It has held several significant milestones throughout its golden years, including multiple championship victories by the Oakland Athletics. Additionally, it has also served as a host for numerous iconic moments in baseball, such as intense playoffs and spirited games that have left indelible memories in the minds of the fans.

With various seating options and unique amenities like The Treehouse, a destination area above the left-field bleachers, the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum ensures an enjoyable experience for every fan.

As it stands today, the stadium represents a combination of history, triumph, and unwavering support from the fans and the Athletics community as a whole.

History and Development

Early Years

The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, also known as the Oakland Coliseum, opened in 1966 during a period of urban divestment and economic decline.

The Coliseum was built to provide a multi-purpose stadium for various sports teams in the Oakland area.

It was initially constructed to house the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL) and the Athletics of Major League Baseball (MLB), who moved from Kansas City in 1968.

Site preparations for the Coliseum began in 1961, and construction started in 1962 after approval from the City of Oakland and Alameda County.

With a financing of $25 million, the stadium took a few years to complete.

Renovations

The Oakland Coliseum has undergone multiple renovations to improve its functionality and capacity.

The most significant renovation occurred during the mid-1990s when the stadium was expanded to accommodate the return of the Oakland Raiders, who had temporarily moved to Los Angeles between 1981 and 1994.

Some key features of the renovated Coliseum include:

• A seating capacity of 46,847 for baseball games, which can be expanded up to 56,782 for other events
• An attendance record of 56,310 for baseball games and 62,784 for football games
• Various seating options to provide an enjoyable experience for fans

As the home stadium of the Oakland Athletics, the Oakland Coliseum has seen its share of triumph and heartbreak in its history.

Oakland Athletics

The Oakland Athletics, also known as the A’s, are a Major League Baseball team based in Oakland, California. They play their home games at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, an iconic stadium located at 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621.

The A’s have always been a significant part of the Coliseum’s history, and the venue has witnessed numerous unforgettable moments.

Memorable Moments

• 1989 World Series Championship: The A’s secured their most recent World Series title in 1989 after defeating the San Francisco Giants in a four-game sweep, amidst the infamous Loma Prieta earthquake that struck the Bay Area before Game 3.
• 20-Game Winning Streak (2002): The A’s held an impressive 20-game winning streak in the 2002 season, setting an American League record. This groundbreaking achievement was also depicted in the movie “Moneyball,” which highlights the team’s innovative management and player recruitment strategies.

Notable Players

Some of the most notable Oakland Athletics players to have graced the Coliseum field include:

• Reggie Jackson: Known as “Mr. October,” Reggie Jackson played for the A’s from 1967 to 1975 and returned in 1987. During his time with the team, Jackson helped the A’s secure three consecutive World Series Championships between 1972 and 1974.
• Rickey Henderson: Widely regarded as the greatest leadoff hitter and base runner in MLB history, Rickey Henderson played for the Athletics in several stints between 1979 and 1998. Henderson still holds the record for most stolen bases in a career.
• Dennis Eckersley: As a standout relief pitcher for the A’s from 1987 to 1995, Dennis Eckersley was crucial in the team’s success during this period. He won the Cy Young and American League MVP awards in 1992.

Facilities and Features

Seating Capacity

The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum has a varying seating capacity, depending on its configuration. It can seat 46,847 people and expand up to 56,782 for specific events.

The attendance record for baseball is 56,310 and 62,784 for football. The upper deck, known as “Mount Davis” by fans, was added as part of a 1996 renovation for the Raiders’ return to Oakland.

Amenities

The Coliseum is not only the home of the Oakland Athletics, but it also hosts concerts, conventions, and other large gatherings.

As a cashless venue, the Oakland Coliseum has made transactions convenient for fans.

Some of the notable amenities offered at the stadium include:

• Information booths: First game and birthday certificates/pins can be picked up at all information booths.
• Concessions: The stadium offers a variety of food and beverage options, catering to various preferences and dietary needs.
• Mobility assistance: For fans with limited mobility, the Coliseum provides ADA-accessible seating and assistance.

While the stadium is quite accommodating, it’s important to note that other specifics may vary depending on the event or game being hosted.

It’s always a good idea to check with the Oakland Coliseum or the Oakland Athletics directly for more information.

Events and Concerts

Major Sporting Events

The Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, also known as the Oakland Coliseum, is the proud home of the Oakland Athletics.

The stadium regularly hosts thrilling baseball games, including matches against rival teams.

For example, on June 14, 2023, the Athletics played against the Tampa Bay Rays, followed by another face-off on June 15, 2023, at 12:37 pm and on June 16, 2023, at 6:40 pm.

Fans attending these events can expect a lively atmosphere and dedicated support for their home team.

Some fans even organized a “reverse boycott” event at the Coliseum on June 13, 2023, to demonstrate their passion for the Athletics.

All ticket revenue from this particular game was donated to the Alameda County Community Food Bank and the Oakland Public Education Fund.

Live Performances

In addition to major sporting events, the Oakland Coliseum also hosts live performances, featuring renowned artists and providing memorable experiences for attendees.

One such upcoming event is the Erykah Badu: Unfollow Me Tour featuring Yasiin Bey, scheduled for June 21, 2023. Another notable performance is by comedian Kapil Sharma, which will take place on July 22, 2023.

Attending a concert at the Oakland Coliseum promises an evening of excellent entertainment, with ample parking options and premium experiences available to enhance the overall experience.

Transportation and Accessibility

Public Transit

To reach Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum via public transportation, you have three main options:

• Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART): Take BART and get off at the Coliseum Station. Then, simply cross the pedestrian bridge to reach the Coliseum.
• Capitol Corridor (AmTrak): Amtrak passengers can also get off at the Coliseum Station and use the same pedestrian bridge.
• AC Transit: Utilize AC Transit services to get to the Coliseum area.

These public transit options make traveling to Oakland Coliseum convenient and accessible for those who choose not to drive or park at the venue.

Parking

The Oakland Coliseum is easily accessible from I-880 for those who prefer to drive.

The A’s and the California Department of Transportation have partnered to provide comprehensive information on driving to the stadium.

When attending an event, make sure to check for parking information specific to the occasion, as availability and prices may vary.