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Athletics Fans Show Displeasure with Ownership on Opening Day
Thousands of Athletics fans gathered in the Coliseum’s south parking lot before Thursday night’s Opening Day game against the Cleveland Guardians. Instead of entering the stadium, they participated in a unique form of protest against the team’s ownership. Fans waved “SELL” flags, enjoyed free tacos, and listened to live music, opting to watch the game on a blow-up projection screen outside. The announced crowd for the game was 13,522.
Jorge Leon, president of the Oakland 68s fan group, expressed his disappointment at missing Opening Day for the first time since 2006. For many fans, the season opener was traditionally a holiday, marked by celebrations leading up to the first pitch.
The atmosphere in the Coliseum parking lot was surreal, with fans reveling on the asphalt beneath the shadows of the aging bleachers. Among the various activities, the tent hosted by Schools Over Stadiums drew significant attention. This political action committee, backed by the Nevada State Education Association, aims to halt the allocation of $380 million in public funds for A’s owner John Fisher’s proposed new ballpark in Las Vegas.
One volunteer, Nick Danoff, distributed information cards urging donations to support the cause and revealed a generous one-day matching offer of up to $100,000 from an anonymous donor. The grassroots movement sought to make a statement against the owners’ relocation plans.
A New Chapter for the Oakland Athletics
Major League Baseball owners recently approved the A’s relocation to Las Vegas, with plans for a new stadium set to open in 2028 on the site of the soon-to-be-demolished Tropicana Resort and Casino. In the interim period, the team faces uncertainty about their playing venue. Potential options include Salt Lake City and Sacramento if negotiations with Oakland do not yield a lease extension beyond the current season.
Despite the impending move, loyal fans have demonstrated unwavering support through creative means. In the previous season, fan groups like the Oakland 68s and Last Dive Bar organized “reverse boycott” games to showcase their dedication. However, this year’s protest took a different direction, emphasizing a “reverse boycott” approach at the start of the season.
One notable exception was Will MacNeil, known as “Right Field Will,” who split his allegiance between the parking lot festivities and seating in the right-field bleachers. MacNeil’s presence at the game signaled support for new Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, a beloved figure among A’s enthusiasts for his past contributions to the team.
It is evident that Athletics fans are navigating a challenging transition as their team embarks on a new chapter. The unique protests and displays of loyalty underscore the deep-rooted connection between the franchise and its devoted supporters.
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