New A's Ballpark [Archive]

Elvis

08-14-2005, 10:59 PM

Quite a fresh, intimate and innovative design imho! I love the close-to-the-field cantilevered second deck and cantilevered roof...the overhanging decks in center field...the small capacity...the pyramid bleachers...the exterior...I like! :)

Thank God not another retro-clone-"cookie-cutter" design. :dance

Elvis

08-14-2005, 11:01 PM

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Elvis

08-14-2005, 11:02 PM

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Bluesteve32

08-14-2005, 11:29 PM

I just honestly hope it get built. The A's have been rather successful since their move from KC, but the fan support is less that it ought to be, IMHO. This club deserves a great baseball only facility, and I hope the fans show their support so the team will stay in Oakland for generations.

efin98

08-15-2005, 09:07 AM

Thank God not another retro-clone-"cookie-cutter" design. :dance

Kind of an oxymoron there :laugh You can't have a cookie-cutter and retro-clone. Either or, not both

And it is another retro clone, but it's not another cookie-cutter. It's decent retro clone at that(probably the last for a while as well.

Elvis

08-15-2005, 10:00 AM

Kind of an oxymoron there :laugh You can't have a cookie-cutter and retro-clone. Either or, not both

And it is another retro clone, but it's not another cookie-cutter. It's decent retro clone at that(probably the last for a while as well.

Cookie-cutters don't have to be round. Jacobs and Coors were reversed-Camden cookie cutters, while Miller, Turner, Safeco and Enron Cookie-cut (cloned) Camden's exterior.

This design is too unique in too many ways to be in that catagory. :dance

BoofBonser26

08-15-2005, 10:08 AM

Cookie-cutters don't have to be round. Jacobs and Coors were reversed-Camden cookie cutters, while Miller, Turner, Safeco and Enron Cookie-cut (cloned) Camden's exterior.

This design is too unique in too many ways to be in that catagory. :dance
Whatever it is, it's cool, as only a good ballpark can be. I hope it's built.

:gt :clapping

efin98

08-15-2005, 12:41 PM

Cookie-cutters don't have to be round. Jacobs and Coors were reversed-Camden cookie cutters, while Miller, Turner, Safeco and Enron Cookie-cut (cloned) Camden's exterior.

This design is too unique in too many ways to be in that catagory. :dance

To me there is a large distinction. The cookie-cutters are the dual use concrete bowls like Shea, RFK, McAffee, and Busch that look like they were cut from the same mold and hard to tell one from the other without knowing who was playing there while the retro clones are the feaux brick and steel structures built to look they were decades old like Jacobs, Coors, and Oriole Park that copy the same deck concept but changed the outfield to their own needs. The semi-domes are another category all together...similar concepts but different designs in each(fan, clam shell, telescope for example)

The new A's park though looks like it's got the best of all of the new parks all in one with the huge "A" shaped seats in the left/center area as it's signature(yep, it's supposed to be an "A" :laugh ).

Chisox73

08-15-2005, 07:37 PM

It's intersting to see how those CF bleacher seats just hang out over the warning track,a la Tiger Stadium.

Zito75

08-15-2005, 09:18 PM

Bluesteve32

08-16-2005, 12:29 AM

My kids thought these pics of the proposed park was "cool," so I guess you have their endorsement as well ;)

Like I have said, this park is needed and i hope it gets done, in Oakland. It would be apity to see this park built in Portland or elsewhere, I'd assume to keep this team in Oakland or the East Bay. The Oakland A's have too much history to be moved again.

efin98

08-17-2005, 07:25 AM

Thanks for posting this story, Elvis... :)

I've been out of town the past few days.

The A's ownership & the city still has lots of work to do to get this project off the ground. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Would be great for your team to have something of their own for the first time since 1938!

Swingin'A's

08-19-2005, 01:44 PM

From the Oakland Tribune (Aug 17):

http://www.insidebayarea.com/searchresults/ci_2948510

Wolff's vision of ballpark raises questions

Lewis Wolff's vision of a new baseball park for his Oakland A's consists of more than a stadium.
If the team's new owner has his way, industrial and commercial property north of the Coliseum, along the Nimitz Freeway and San Leandro Street, between 66th Avenue on the south and High Street on the north, will be transformed into a new 35,000-seat stadium, a 48-acre village with outlet-style stores and a plaza, and 63 acres of residential units, all served by a new BART station.

The big questions are: Can all the disparate parts be pulled together to turn it into reality? And can it be done without dipping into taxpayers' pockets?

Wolff's idea is intriguing, but the details around which the corner of 66th and San Leandro would be transformed into a ballpark are what will make or break the deal.

Since taxpayers still owe $182.3 million for the pact that brought the Raiders back to Oakland, tolerance of dipping into public coffers for another sports franchise is somewhere between infinitesimal and nil.

The good news at the unveiling of Wolff's vision were indications that he wouldn't ask for a bond issue or dip into the public pocketbook to pay for it. Instead, he outlined a "mixed-use" development that would transform "an older area" and "help pay for the facility."

Instead of public money, the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Authority was asked to help expedite the project through the use of entitlements, tax incentives and negotiations with 30 or so owners of just over 100 acres.

"There are things you can waive, there are things that we can pay back," Wolff said of their possible contribution to the project, for which he would like to see a plan by opening day of the 2006 baseball season.

Wolff says his mixed-use approach, development and sale of adjacent property would help pay for the project, including between $300 million and $400 million for the stadium. Who will pay $40 million for a BART station between its Fruitvale-Coliseum stops is one of those knotty details. Ultimately, the project also will need public and corporate support through season tickets and the use of suites and other amenities that could make for a cozy Major League atmosphere.

The project could do several things:

-Create a baseball-only home for the A's, perennial pennant contenders whose home field lost much of its charm when the Raiders erected view-blocking seats in the outfield that fans dubbed "Mount Davis" after the football team's owner.

-Minimize what the city, county and taxpayers put up to build a new stadium.

-Transform an aging industrial area — including an old drive-in theater now operated as a flea market — into an upscale destination with baseball, shops, homes and a community atmosphere. There may be some contamination issues on parts of the property now populated by metal works, potteries, warehouses and other industrial businesses, but Wolff's idea is akin to efforts that transformed older neighborhoods into lively urban areas in Denver, Baltimore and San Francisco.

-Take advantage of existing amenities, such as parking at the Coliseum.

-Keep the A's in Oakland by giving them a cozy, modern ballpark that is about the right size for the market.

Still, there are a multitude of questions: How will it affect the High Street interchange, a major freeway entrance and exit for thousands of Oakland and Alameda residents? How will residential areas be screened off from the noise that comes with being next to a major freeway?

A big barrier is persuading current owners of the land to sell it for what Wolff calls "fair market prices." He vowed not to use eminent domain, but a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling makes it part of the municipal tool kit with which to convince owners to sell.

Given the few details unfurled so far, Wolff's vision seems promising. It could be an asset to the team and the city. It's time to wrestle with the details.

Paulmcall

08-23-2005, 05:57 PM

Well that is unique!
Never seen anything like that.

Chisox73

08-23-2005, 07:03 PM

I'm also digging that pool on top of the building in left field.That looks real cool. :)

efin98

08-25-2005, 06:42 PM

I'm also digging that pool on top of the building in left field.That looks real cool. :)

Hopefully we will get some good shots of some of the folks in the pool watching the game too(a little for the ladies, alot for the guys :D )

Greerman29

08-28-2005, 12:59 AM

Zito75

08-28-2005, 04:55 PM

It's pretty cool. I am just kinda dissapointed that parks these days are getting smaller and smaller and keep having less to do with acual baseball, like putting in arcades, and pools, and places for people to go and NOT watch the game. It just makes it that much harder for an average income hardcore fan to go to a game.

I know what you mean. I did however go to Safeco field when it first opened just to check out the park itself. There are sometimes when you get so frustrated watching teams lose that walking around the ballpark is the only thing you can do to keep your sanity... :D

Shortdogs16

09-06-2005, 01:47 AM

THe A's just need to move from Oakland. San Jose is would be the best place if the Giants would allow it.

Sound2TheBay™

09-19-2005, 11:53 PM

The A's ownership & the city still has lots of work to do to get this project off the ground. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
Me too. I will pee my pants if this goes through... that is one awesome looking stadium.

The thing that worries me is that stadium looks way too nice for a city like Oakland. ;)

Sound2TheBay™

09-21-2005, 02:55 PM

By the way, where did you find those pics?

Greerman29

09-23-2005, 05:45 PM

THe A's just need to move from Oakland. San Jose is would be the best place if the Giants would allow it.

as long as the A's are in the bay area I am fine. If they ever moved them up to sacremento I'd be pissed.

Sound2TheBay™

09-23-2005, 08:15 PM

I'm sure San Jose would support them (and that ballpark) better than crappy old Oakland. And I really hope they don't move to Sacramento... but I guess that's better than moving back to Kansas City. :p

I still want a link!

Sound2TheBay™

10-02-2005, 11:44 PM

I still want a link!
Found it. :p

http://www.ballparksofbaseball.com/future/A'sBallpark.htm

steveox

11-25-2005, 07:03 PM

A`s need to move to sacremento.

mojorisin71

11-25-2005, 08:17 PM

I think Wolff would prefer to keep the team in the Bay Area. Trouble with San Jose is that Santa Clara County won't pay for a new stadium and BART doesn't go down there. Sacramento is a probable alternative, but what kind of fanbase would the team have there? Sacramento isn't really a big metro area, and the Bay Area fans wouldn't drive through traffic on I-80 to go to home games. Not to mention that Raley Field probably won't handle MLB crowds anyway.

steveox

11-25-2005, 10:33 PM

But sacremento could build that ballpark.Plus you wouldnt have all that chill and nighttime fog in sacremento.

wilkerson_rulz-06

11-29-2005, 09:27 AM

Wow! Awesome stadium, with a pool in left field! I think I'll take my girlfriend there! LOL!:laugh :waving :radio

mojorisin71

11-29-2005, 07:29 PM

But sacremento could build that ballpark.Plus you wouldnt have all that chill and nighttime fog in sacremento.

Yeah, just try to convince Californians to pay for a new stadium. Why fix it if it ain't broken?

Jake83

11-30-2005, 04:30 AM

But sacremento could build that ballpark.Plus you wouldnt have all that chill and nighttime fog in sacremento.

Where Alameda coliseum is located you do not get a true breeze off the coast like in San Francisco or West Oakland.

kdwanzo

01-13-2006, 06:15 PM

The A's need to stay in Oakland, where they belong, not in Sacramento and most definitely not in San Jose. Oakland has a lot of nice areas and a lot to offer. Those of you who only know what you see on the news or read in the paper need to shut up about it.

This is Town Bidness Baby!

Gjm130

01-21-2006, 12:26 AM

Ohh I like this stadium.....
It looks like a mix of Camden Yards and Fenway Park........

Catfish27

03-04-2006, 06:45 PM

I grew up in the East Bay, but have lived in Sacramento for the past 19 years. Oakland has the perfect climate for day games. (I prefer day games to night.) It's too bloody hot in Sacramento!

Zito75

03-04-2006, 08:36 PM

It's too bloody hot in Sacramento!

If you think that's hot, come down to Tucson in July... ;)

Catfish27

03-04-2006, 10:07 PM

If you think that's hot, come down to Tucson in July... ;)
I've been in Phoenix in July. There's a reason the D'backs play indoors. ;)

Street20

03-05-2006, 07:19 PM

What about a indoor stadium in Sacramento?

Baseball Babe

03-08-2006, 01:00 AM

Nice stadium but what is the point of a swimming pool. It would be nice if they could build it somewhere near the water at Jack London or at the Oakland Army Base. I am not to sure I want it close to Alameda (residing in Alameda) only due to the traffic.

BBB:gt

rxreed

03-08-2006, 10:54 AM

This will succeed because it includes housing and shopping, which is more important to the city of Oakland. Plus it coincides with the revitalization of the Fruitvale District.

This is the location I was secretly hoping for when the A's were talking about a downtown and/or Jack London Sq location a few years back. I personally like the idea of a sports mega-plex that includes multiple stadiums and arenas.

Zito75

03-08-2006, 11:26 AM

I wonder how much this would impact ticket prices? After the M's moved in to Safeco, the prices jumped 30% in on year.

mlazar

03-08-2006, 06:51 PM

I wonder how much this would impact ticket prices? After the M's moved in to Safeco, the prices jumped 30% in on year.

I would think the ticket prices will increase at least 30%... the only games I can afford to go to now are Wed. $2 BART games...I'm sure that will end...I love the Coliseum and don't know why they can't stay there...I guess every owner wants to have the assurance of sellouts from the non-baseball fans that will go for the novelty of going to a "new" stadium for 3-5 years (such as PAC BELL)... bringing their cell phones, laptops and lattes ....and will never spend any pre or post game time and money in the Fruitvale area,wanting to get back to their homes in Danville,Fremont,etc. or somewhere on the penninsula... San Leandro by the waterfront would be a better choice for a new park that we really don't need....

Catfish27

03-11-2006, 10:40 PM

I don't have any problem with the Coliseum's present location. The stadium itself, however, has a few problems:

(1) Mount Davis - That monstrosity is a complete eyesore

(2) Football - The A's don't like sharing the ballpark with the Raiders. Late in the season the field gets really torn up, particularly centerfield from the temporary football bleachers.

(3) Seating configuration - Unless you're right behind homeplate, the circular, multi-purpose configuration of the fields means the seats are far from the field.

(4) Congested walkways - The walkways around the seating areas behind the lower deck seats are terribly congested. Getting to the concessions or restrooms is a major hassle. Getting out of the ballpark after the game is a major hassle. Getting to your seat before the game is a major hassle unless you arrive really early (which I do because I enjoy watching batting practice and like to avoid as much of the pre-game congestion as possible).

We long-time, diehard A's fans would probably go watch them play at the local high school. Unfortunately, that's not profitable.

For the A's to be more profitable, and like it or not Major League Baseball is a for-profit business, they need to attract marginal fans by making the ballpark the place to be.

Of course that likely means the real fans will be at home watching games on Fox Sports Network Bay Area. :ughh

DoubleX

03-17-2006, 06:20 PM

fortheloveoftheA's

09-26-2007, 12:15 PM

I am a diehard and I would too watch the A's even at a HS.
Dam straight.

This team is one of the better teams since 68 and have played so well in OAKLAND its a disgrace that this team does not have a park to show how well they truly been.

Theres alot of teams that done nothing and have new parks, you all know who they are.

Just since in oakland

Since AL and NL went from 1 division to two in each league in 1969
The A's has won the west the most 14 times

71,72,73,74,75,81,88,89,90,92,2000,2002,2003,2006,

Only in AL the NYY have won more divisions with 16 in the east .
In the NL the ATL Braves have 16.
Hows that

6 AL Pen
4 world series wins out of 6
First team ever to win its first 11 games of the year in 81 then a ML record

2001 out 19 games for wild card A's become First AL team in 103 yrs to win 20 in a row, they won the wild card and 102 wins on 41 mil!.

The greatest Lead off hitter ever.
24 winning season out of 39
long streaks of winning season 71-75 87-92 1999-2006
6MVP
5 CY
6 rookie of the year
16 gold glove winners

Now if thats not enough for OAKLAND the city to even try to keep then well then I welcome the 21 mile move to Fremont . Its a whole lot better than out of state.

Sacto:
You got the rivercats in sacto and draw huge amounts 700,000 But you cant get us 2.4-2.9 like late 80s early 90s or 1.7-2.2 99-06 and enjoy the PCL champs.

Stray Cat

09-26-2007, 04:32 PM

I know they need a new stadium.
I went to more games at the Coluseum than
anywhere and had some great tail gate parties. The train rides were fun too.
Bummer.:gt

fortheloveoftheA's

09-27-2007, 11:56 AM

I go as much as I can I plan on going to the last 2 of 3 Vs Halos .I always sit some where in the first 15 rows of the park and somewhere 3rd to first.The cost is not bad now 60 with surcharges online. I have avg 12-15 a year not alot but I am disabled and still try to go and support them.

Buffalo A's fan

09-28-2007, 09:11 PM

If thats the ballpark the build, I'm flying out to Oakland from Buffalo for a weekend set, thats for sure.

Williamsburg2599

09-28-2007, 09:53 PM

If thats the ballpark the build, I'm flying out to Oakland from Buffalo for a weekend set, thats for sure.

The design has changed since the original post.:
http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/oak/ballpark/new/index.jsp