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The Oakland Athletics have been playing their final games at the Oakland Coliseum before leaving their longtime home. After a 5-4 victory in the series opener, they lost 5-1 to the Texas Rangers in the second game of the series.
Fans are feeling emotional as they witness their last moments in the stadium, knowing that only memories will remain after the team departs. Many are taking souvenirs from the stadium, including sand from the ballpark.
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Athletics staff have been seen filling fans' water bottles and bags with sand to take as keepsakes. Heartbroken fans reacted to clips of these moments on X (formerly Twitter), with some criticizing MLB for the club’s move from Oakland.
“Just doesn't feel right,” a fan said.
“Disgraceful that MLB is allowing this team to leave Oakland. Some things are not meant to be anywhere else,” another fan said.
“I walked that field for little league day back in 89,90 and I grabbed a handful of dirt and put it in my pocket. That team was a part of some folks. Got damned shame” another fan wrote.
Several other emotional fans continued to share their reactions:
“This is heartbreaking,” a comment reads.
“Sad man I feel for the Oakland fans😔,” another comment reads.
“Heartbreaking stuff, dude. I hate this,” someone wrote.
The Oakland Athletics announced last year their plans to build a stadium in Las Vegas by 2028. The club will temporarily play at a minor league park in West Sacramento after they could not agree on a lease extension at their current stadium.
Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay reflects on the large crowd expected for the final memorable experience at the Coliseum
The Oakland Athletics are expecting around 46,000 fans to attend their final game at the Oakland Coliseum. Discussing the expectations of a large crowd, Oakland Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said (via USA Today):
“I think the players are excited about playing in front of a sellout. I think the largest crowd we played in front of the last three seasons has been the reverse boycott crowd, which was 33,000. It will be a special day. I don’t think fans are going to want to leave the stadium."
“This is an opportunity for the fans to come in and see it for the last time, to take it in for the last time, to share it with their families, the history and what it means.’’
The Athletics (68-90) with a .430 winning percentage are ranked fourth in the AL West. They will face the Texas Rangers in their series finale on Thursday at Oakland Coliseum.
