Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum
Stadium · Coliseum Industrial ·
Iconic multi-purpose stadium with rich history and community vibe
Information
7000 S Coliseum Wy, Oakland, CA 94621 Get directions
Iconic multi-purpose stadium with rich history and community vibe
7000 S Coliseum Wy, Oakland, CA 94621 Get directions
"The Oakland Coliseum was home to Hal the Hot Dog Guy, who added unique fixings to his hot dogs and created memorable fan experiences. Despite the A's relocation, Hal's presence was significant to the stadium's atmosphere." - Lena Park
"Often considered the least favored stadium among baseball chasers."
"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
"Although Hal Gordon (aka Hal the Hot Dog Guy) retired in October 2022, he is slated to return to the Oakland Coliseum for the Oakland Roots’ season opener on Saturday, March 25." - Paolo Bicchieri
"One of the most recognizable faces at the Oakland Coliseum is Hal Gordon — “Hal the Hot Dog Guy” — a locally famous vendor and unofficial A’s mascot who announced via Twitter that he couldn’t reach a deal to continue vending at the stadium. Gordon, who is also a Ph.D. candidate at UC Berkeley studying agriculture and resource economics, even offered to be hired by the A’s as an economist while continuing to work as a game vendor (essentially for free), but the team declined. He made his reputation vending since 2005 — first at White Sox and Cubs games and later at Nationals games — and became beloved for his old-timey red-and-white striped outfit, his famous fake-ketchup prank, leading fans in cheers, and even having a lifesize cutout placed behind home plate during the 2020 season; in a Twitter thread he argued that if his presence drew even 25 additional fans a game at $75 per fan, a new position for him would ostensibly pay for itself. SFGATE reports he called the outcome disappointing, said he plans to work opening day on March 30 as his final time entertaining A’s fans, and described his time there as an honor he will never forget." - Lauren Saria