| Having not seen many good reviews of Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, I wasn’t expecting much on my first visit there in 2000. But I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised.
Despite its dual use for football, the Coliseum had a fairly strong baseball feel to it. Only the massive structure in the outfield, known as "Mt. Davis," truly detracted from the experience. Before its construction in the '90s, the view beyond the outfield fence must have been picturesque.
The park had a lot of foul territory, but while watching the game, it wasn’t particularly noticeable—perhaps due to the gentle slope of the seating. That same slope did obscure sightlines somewhat. The main concourse was within view of the playing field, but oddly, fences had been erected at the back of each section, obscuring the view. The reasoning behind this was unclear, but presumably, it was meant to prevent people from standing around and watching the game—an unusual decision, given that most ballparks encourage spectators to take in the game from various vantage points.
The concourse featured a wide selection of concession stands, offering everything from burgers to Mexican food to sausages and standard ballpark fare. Prices were about average for a Major League park. The stadium was easily accessible from the freeway and had plenty of parking, though it came at a steep price of $14.
My first visit in 2000 was on the last day of the season—the day the Athletics clinched the West Division. The atmosphere was electric, with parking lots packed with tailgaters and the stands filled with passionate, screaming fans. This undoubtedly enhanced my enjoyment of the Coliseum, though I still believe it would have been an enjoyable place to see a game on any given day. A return visit in 2005 reaffirmed that Oakland fans were a truly passionate bunch.
Sadly, the end of an era arrived after the 2024 season, when the Athletics moved out, leaving the Coliseum without Major League Baseball for the first time in over five decades. While the ballpark always had its quirks and shortcomings, it was undeniably a place that fostered great baseball moments and a dedicated fan base.
|
