Oakland Coliseum, a multi-purpose stadium in Oakland, California, has been a significant site in the world of sports, particularly Major League Baseball (MLB). As the home of the Oakland Athletics (A’s), it has seen numerous historic moments and has stood as a testament to the enduring love of baseball in the Bay Area.
Stadium Facts about Oakland Coliseum
- Location: Oakland, California
- Opened On: September 18, 1966
- Home Team: Oakland Athletics (American League)
- Stadium Nicknames: “The Coliseum”
- Dimensions: Left Field – 330 feet, Center Field – 400 feet, Right Field – 330 feet
- Capacity: Baseball: 46,847 (as of 2021)
- Attendance Record: 56,310 (June 26, 2004, against the San Francisco Giants)
- Surface: Grass
- Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
- Owner: City of Oakland and Alameda County
- Construction Cost: $25.5 million (1966)
- Renovation Costs: $200 million (1995-1996)
The History
Opened in 1966, the Oakland Coliseum was originally built as a multi-sport facility. It became the home of the Oakland Athletics in 1968 after the team’s relocation from Kansas City. Over the years, the Coliseum has hosted numerous significant sports events, reflecting its versatile design and importance in Oakland’s sports culture.
Design and Features
The Coliseum is one of the last remaining “cookie-cutter” stadiums, designed to accommodate both baseball and football. Its most notable feature is the vast, multi-tiered seating arrangement, which includes the “Mount Davis” section, added during the 1990s renovations. The stadium is also known for its expansive foul territory, which affects play to this day.
Renovations
Significant renovations occurred in the mid-1990s, primarily to accommodate the return of the NFL’s Oakland Raiders. These changes included the addition of Mount Davis, which drastically altered the stadium’s appearance and atmosphere. However, these renovations have been subject to criticism, particularly from baseball purists.
Facilities
Despite its age, the Oakland Coliseum has maintained a range of facilities to enhance the fan experience. These include varied concession stands offering classic ballpark fare, merchandise shops selling Athletics gear, and hospitality areas for special events. The Coliseum’s no-frills approach places the focus firmly on the on-field action.
Memorable Moments at Oakland Coliseum
- 1972-74 World Series: Hosting the A’s World Series victories during their 1970s dynasty.
- Catfish Hunter’s Perfect Game: On May 8, 1968, Hunter pitched the first perfect game in the American League in 46 years.
- Rickey Henderson’s Stolen Base Record: Breaking Lou Brock’s career stolen base record in 1991.
- 20-Game Win Streak: The A’s set an American League record in 2002, famously dramatized in the film “Moneyball.”
- Billy Beane’s “Moneyball” Era: The Coliseum was the backdrop for one of baseball’s most famous modern strategies.
Interesting Baseball History at Oakland Coliseum
- Multi-Sport Design: One of the few remaining examples of a multi-purpose stadium in the U.S.
- Influence on Baseball Economics: Home to the Athletics’ innovative approaches to team building under financial constraints.
- Diverse Range of Events: The Coliseum has seen everything from historic baseball games to major concerts and community events.
- Longevity and Resilience: Despite proposals for a new stadium, the Coliseum has remained the A’s home for over five decades.
Non-Baseball Events
The Oakland Coliseum has played host to a variety of events outside of baseball, including NFL games (as the former home of the Raiders), soccer matches, concerts featuring major artists, and other large-scale community events. Its ability to host diverse events underlines its role as a multi-functional venue in the Bay Area. The range of non-baseball events speaks to the Coliseum’s importance as a cultural and entertainment venue in Oakland and the greater Bay Area.
