Oakland A’s Fans Stage Boycott of Home Opener in Protest of Planned Move

In a dramatic display of loyalty and protest, Oakland Athletics fans made a bold statement during the team’s home opener against the Cleveland Guardians at the Oakland Coliseum. Many fans chose to boycott the game in response to the A’s planned move to Las Vegas in 2028.

Instead of entering the stadium, hundreds of fans gathered in the parking lot to organize a block party in defiance of the team’s relocation plans. They sported “Sell” T-shirts, threw beanbags at caricatures of team executives, and enjoyed live music and food truck fare.

The boycott was organized by fan groups such as the Oakland 68’s and The Last Dive Bar, who expressed their disappointment and frustration with the team’s decision to leave Oakland. Dennis Biles, an organizer with the Oakland 68’s, highlighted the sacrifices fans have made to support the A’s over the years.

Despite the boycott, some fans did attend the game, showing their support for the team in their own way. A’s manager Mark Kotsay acknowledged the passion and dedication of Oakland fans, emphasizing their ability to create energy and support the team.

The future of the A’s in Oakland remains uncertain, with potential relocation options on the table. The Oakland 68’s and the Oakland United Coalition called on local officials to reconsider selling their stake in the Coliseum to the team, while other groups advocated for education funding over stadium development.

As the A’s navigate their future, the unwavering support and activism of their fans continue to be a defining aspect of the team’s identity. The passion and loyalty of Oakland fans were on full display during the home opener, sending a powerful message to the team’s ownership and the baseball community at large.