Oakland A’s fans ponder fate of Coliseum’s future
OAKLAND, Calif. (CBS, KYMA/KECY) - The Oakland Coliseum, a venue that has seen many sports victories and community events. With the A's departure looming, the question on everyone's mind is: What lies ahead for this historic landmark?
Dale Tafoya has been a devoted supporter of the Oakland A’s his entire life.
“It’s crazy. I was born in 1971…I’m 51 years old…the A’s have been in Oakland all my life, so I’m still starting to digest it, slowly…it’s kinda surreal the future," Tafoya expressed.
Now, like many Bay Area residents, he is left wondering about the fate of the iconic Oakland Coliseum.
“I used to take Bart to Oakland Coliseum when I was a kid….I used to live in San Leandro. I used to hop on the Bay Fair Bart to Oakland and cross that bridge to the coliseum, so I would love to see that area rejuvenate with retail, housing or other sports, events…cause fans love their sports here," Tafoya detailed.
Bringing new life
Alameda County supervisor Nate Miley says he is determined to bring new life into the historic venue and ensure it remains a vibrant part of the community.
“We’re still looking to pursue a WNBA team; we’re working on soccer to be there at the coliseum, so there’s a number of sports opportunities that we can put in place at the Coliseum," Miley spoke.
Supervisor Miley says these plans might take at least another year to become a reality.
“The A’s have a contract, a license agreement to play at the coliseum till the end of 2024, so we need to determine whether the A’s wanna continue to stay or if they wanna leave early…if they’re going to stay here while the facility in Vegas is built after 2024…all of those were questions, and it isn’t just up to the A’s. Also, the Joint Powers Authority, the county, and the city would have a word in this as well," Miley added.
Insight of fans
Miley says that, for now, what’s clear is that this whole process will continue to be led by the African American Sports and Entertainment Group, using the insight of fans like Tafoya, of course.
“I would love for the legislature to really bring other franchise owner to consider that Coliseum site for other great sports to create memories that can take place in Oakland," Tafoya remarked.
Miley also said that the journey to reinvent the Oakland Coliseum is just beginning. They’re having public meetings once a month right here with the community to get a sense of what the city needs to do in this space.
