The Oakland Athletics played their final game in Oakland on Thursday, marking the end of an era for the city’s major professional sports presence. After 55 years at the Oakland Coliseum, the A’s will move to Sacramento before relocating to Las Vegas, closing the chapter on Oakland’s last remaining major league team.
Why are the A’s leaving Oakland?
The Athletics are moving to Las Vegas, where they plan to build a new stadium, set to open by 2028. In the meantime, the team will play in a minor league park in West Sacramento for at least three seasons.
The departure comes after failed negotiations for a new stadium in Oakland, leaving fans heartbroken and outraged. Many blame team owner John Fisher for not investing enough in the team or the city.
What professional teams have left Oakland in recent years?
Oakland has lost several major sports teams in recent years. The NFL’s Raiders moved to Las Vegas in 2020, and the Golden State Warriors relocated to San Francisco’s Chase Center in 2019. Now, with the A’s departure, Oakland says goodbye to its last remaining professional sports franchise.
What’s next for Oakland and its fans?
The A’s move to Las Vegas leaves many questions about Oakland’s future as a sports city, and whether it will ever see a major league franchise again. Fans mourn the loss and share memories of a lifetime at the Oakland Coliseum.
How are A’s fans reacting?
Fans have expressed their frustration and sadness, particularly toward owner John Fisher. Throughout the season, chants of “sell the team” echoed through the Coliseum. The once-loyal fanbase feels Fisher’s focus on profit over performance has led to the team’s decline, both on and off the field. Attendance has plummeted, with Oakland ranking last in MLB attendance this season.