Oakland Athletics

A Sad Goodbye and a New Dawn: A's Pack Up for Vegas!

After years in Oakland, the A's played their final game at the Coliseum and are heading for Vegas! Here’s what went down on this emotional day.

The Oakland Athletics have officially played their last-ever game at the Oakland Coliseum, marking the end of an era that many Oakland fans will remember with a mix of nostalgia and frustration. Thursday's game was a heartfelt farewell as fans donned green and gold, filling the stadium with electric energy and emotion. Among the sea of supportive faces, players channeled their best Game 7 vibes as they took the field one last time, even though some would argue that the team's ownership has definitely not played to win for years.

Leading up to the game, tension filled the air as A's fans came together in a final display of loyalty. Signature cheers erupted, and tearful goodbyes resonated as the longtime supporters known as the "No Better Fans" bid farewell to the Coliseum, a place they called home for decades. Even Mark Kotsay took the opportunity to treat this poignant farewell with the gravitas of a World Series matchup, solidifying the event's wild emotional charge. It was a bittersweet moment as attendees shared stories and memories of thrilling baseball nights, beloved players, and, most curiously, a surprisingly popular Mississippi-style food stand serving up gumbo!

As the last innings rolled by, fans didn't shy away from showing their pride through signs, chants, and tear-filled expression, giving the A's a proper send-off before they gear up for a new life in Las Vegas in 2025. The day was not without its tears, especially for longtime staffers like Michael Zagaris, who's been the team photographer for 44 years. Many staff shared heartfelt memories, bidding a tempestuous farewell to a stadium that had cradled many highs and lows.

Interestingly, while the A's are moving on, other famous sports legends have also had their controversial relocations. Did you know that in 1980, the NFL's Los Angeles Rams moved to Anaheim and then returned to LA in 2016? Or that the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City to become the Thunder in 2008? As professional sports teams continue to explore greener pastures, will these relocations prove to be the golden ticket they're hoping for? We'll have to wait and see, but for now, the Oakland A's have left an indelible mark on the city and its fans. But don’t fret! The spirit of the Oakland Athletics, their fans, and their quirky Mississippi-inspired gumbo will always remain part of the charm woven into the fabric of Oakland's rich sports history!