A Decades-Long Tailgating Tradition at the Oakland Coliseum Is Ending | Eater SF

"Two hours before the first pitch at the Oakland Coliseum, parking lots were packed with fans in Kelly green “SELL” shirts and a lively tailgating scene filled the air with brass bands, cornhole thwacks (some boards featuring an open-mouthed image of A’s owner John Fisher), impromptu drums cueing “Stay in Oakland” chants, and a mix of music from Mac Dre to La Banda to old-school funk. More than 27,000 people showed up that Tuesday night for a well-orchestrated “reverse boycott,” and the energy inside the stadium rivaled a postseason matchup; for many longtime fans, tailgating here isn’t just an add-on but defines the game-day experience. The Coliseum is one of just seven Major League Baseball stadiums that allows tailgating anywhere on the property and permits grills and barbecues, which has allowed decades of families and groups to bring everything from Costco pizzas and Double-Doubles from In-N-Out to full flat-tops, steak, lobster, crab legs, and oysters — plus cornhole, kids playing, and plenty of shared food and drink — creating a communal, underdog-rooted vibe that fans say can’t be replaced." - Lena Park