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

In a stunning display of solidarity and protest, Oakland Athletics fans chose to boycott the team’s home opener against the Cleveland Guardians in response to the A’s planned move to Las Vegas in 2028. Instead of entering the Oakland Coliseum, fans gathered in the parking lot to organize a block party, complete with music, food trucks, and a sense of camaraderie.

The boycott was organized by fan groups such as the Oakland 68’s and The Last Dive Bar, who purchased tickets to the game but opted to stay outside the stadium in a show of defiance. The paid attendance for the game was 13,522, but many fans never made it inside, choosing to express their discontent with the team’s impending relocation.

Dennis Biles, an organizer with the Oakland 68’s, spoke at a rally in the parking lot, expressing his disappointment in the team’s decision to move. Other fan groups, such as the Oakland United Coalition and Schools Over Stadiums, also voiced their opposition to the A’s relocation plans.

Despite the absence of a large portion of the fanbase inside the stadium, both teams’ managers acknowledged the passion and dedication of the Oakland A’s fans. Guardians manager Stephen Vogt, who made his debut against his former team, expressed empathy for the fans and the organization.

The protest at the home opener was just the latest in a series of actions taken by A’s fans since the team announced its plans to move to Las Vegas. The future of the team’s home remains uncertain, with options such as Sacramento, Salt Lake City, or sharing Oracle Park with the San Francisco Giants being considered.

As the A’s navigate their uncertain future, the unwavering support and vocal opposition of their fans serve as a reminder of the deep connection between a team and its community.