Oakland A’s Clash With Port Groups As Key Vote Looms

The Oakland A’s face issues in their current home while battling port and construction groups over their desired site for a new ballpark.

The team is seeking to relocate to Howard Terminal along the Oakland waterfront, a 55-acre stretch currently used as a truck parking lot, container yard, and training area for dock workers. 

• Groups representing port-related businesses have sued to block the stadium project, arguing that changing Howard Terminal’s status as a port-controlled facility would impact port operations and revenue, as well as worsen supply chain issues.
• San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission staff issued a report last month recommending that the team get use of the port.
• The commission, which took public comments on the port question at a hearing on Thursday, many from port workers opposing the project, will vote on whether to redesignate Howard Terminal on June 30.

The A’s have designs on a $12 billion project including housing, office space, and retail connected to the Jack London Square commerce area.

The team is also exploring real estate in Las Vegas as an alternative option.

Crumbling Coliseum

Team president Dave Kaval wrote to the RingCentral Coliseum stadium authority board on May 12, detailing numerous issues including broken seats, leaks and plumbing backups, security, stadium aesthetics, a feral cat population on the stadium grounds, and “a significant uptick in moths.”

The A’s attendance has plummeted to an MLB-low of 7,547 per home game.