The Oakland Athletics closed the chapter on nearly six decades of baseball at the Oakland Coliseum in a heartfelt farewell on Thursday. In front of a sold-out crowd of 46,889 fans, the A’s played their final game in Oakland against the Texas Rangers, marking the end of an era filled with unforgettable moments and cherished memories.
Former A's ace Barry Zito sings the national anthem 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wDDw9Vwf3Z
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) September 26, 2024A Historic Goodbye
The emotional atmosphere at the Coliseum was palpable as fans lined up as early as 8 a.m. for the 12:30 p.m. game. The day began with a stirring rendition of the national anthem sung by former A’s pitcher Barry Zito. Legends of the franchise, including Dave Stewart and Rickey Henderson, were honored as they threw out the ceremonial first pitches. The scene was reminiscent of a celebration, even as it carried the weight of a farewell.
Throughout the game, fans paid tribute to the team and its history. The Coliseum, which has seen its share of ups and downs, was filled with vibrant chants, including “Let’s go Oakland” and “Sell the team,” a rallying cry against team ownership when it was revealed that the A’s 2028 move to Las Vegas will occur.
Thank you, Oakland Coliseum 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/8l4ER08UTp
— Oakland A's (@Athletics) September 26, 2024Celebrating Together One Last Time
Before the game, fans engaged in a lively tailgate in the Coliseum parking lot. Families and friends gathered to reminisce and celebrate their shared love for the A’s. Roberto Santiago, who has been attending games since 1978, brought his daughters for one last round of tailgating. “It’s something we did as a family a lot,” he said, reflecting on how attending games had become a cherished tradition.
The parking lot buzzed with energy, as fans grilled sausages, poured prosecco, and blasted music from iconic artists like Nickleback and Migos. Generations came together, with kids playing catch and adults reminiscing about the good old days when the A’s and Raiders shared the stadium.
A Game Filled with Emotion
As the game unfolded, the A’s showcased their spirit on the field. After a slow start, Oakland scored in the third inning, loading the bases and bringing in two runs. The excitement continued with standout plays, including a leaping catch by second baseman Zach Gelof and a spectacular diving catch by center fielder JJ Bleday in the seventh inning.
When the audience came together to sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game one last time during the seventh inning stretch, the excitement reached a crescendo. Fans felt the weight of the moment, knowing it would be their final chance to sing in the Coliseum.
Roughly 1,000 baseball fans arrived to the Coliseum before 8 a.m. this morning to say goodbye to the Oakland A’s as the team prepared to play their final game at the storied stadium.
Follow along all day: https://t.co/OVNT4jYIrS
📷: @carlosavilagonzalez
🎥: @brontewittpenn pic.twitter.com/caoBbwBUCM
— San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) September 26, 2024A Lasting Legacy
Throughout the final series, fans took home pieces of the stadium, collecting dirt from the field as keepsakes. The A’s grounds crew assisted fans in gathering these tangible memories of a beloved venue that has been home since 1968. Manager Mark Kotsay reflected on the significance of the day, stating, “It feels like a funeral, but also a celebration of all that this place has been.”
As the game came to a close, Kotsay expressed his gratitude to the fans, acknowledging the emotional investment many have made in the team and its history. There are a lot of people here that have invested their lives and their souls into this organization he said.
Prior to the final game at the Coliseum, @Athletics legends Rickey Henderson and Dave Stewart throw out ceremonial first pitches. pic.twitter.com/mP0NxjKrCy
— MLB (@MLB) September 26, 2024A Farewell to Remember
For many, the day was not just about saying goodbye to a stadium but celebrating the community that has formed around the A’s. Fans embraced one another, sharing stories and forging connections that transcended the game itself. The camaraderie among supporters highlighted the true essence of what it means to be an A’s fan.
Ricky Rocha, who attended with family, pulled his son out of school to experience this historic farewell. “I wanted him to come to this so he could remember it,” he said, emphasizing the importance of passing down traditions through generations.
Former A’s player and current Texas Ranger Marcus Semien also shared his sentiments, thanking the fans and the Coliseum staff for their contributions to his career. He expressed his sympathy to everyone who was unable to continue with Oakland, emphasizing the sentimental significance of the moment.
Incredibly thoughtful gesture by Kelly Mattson of the A’s grounds crew. Coliseum dirt for all. pic.twitter.com/3PejoLZw2u
— Janie McCauley (@JanieMcCAP) September 26, 2024Looking Ahead
The fans will always cherish the moments made in the Oakland Coliseum, even if the A’s will play their last three seasons in Sacramento before moving to Las Vegas. As the final game concluded, emotions ran high, with players and coaches advised to leave the stadium promptly to avoid potential backlash from passionate fans.
The farewell to the Coliseum encapsulated the love, loyalty, and spirit of A’s fans. As they left the stadium, many carried with them not just souvenirs of dirt but a treasure trove of memories, friendships, and a deep connection to a team that has meant so much to Oakland for generations.
Mason Miller delivers the final save at the Coliseum 👏
A's Postgame Live is airing NOW on NBC Sports California and streaming here: https://t.co/4ctDuMwC7D pic.twitter.com/EXYHCanpbW
— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) September 26, 2024The final game at Oakland Coliseum was a bittersweet celebration of a storied franchise. As the Oakland Athletics prepare for their new chapter, the legacy of the Coliseum will live on in the hearts of fans who gathered one last time to honor a beloved home. From unforgettable plays to cherished traditions, the memories created at the Coliseum will remain a significant part of Oakland’s sports history.
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