Guestbook

Randy G

All I care about is "my" baseball team-- the Oakland Athletics. Get rid of the disgraceful "Mt. Davis" and have the "O dot Co" be more conducive to a typical baseball game-- boom --problem solved! The A's Can Stay !

Or --failing that -- build a new park the equivalent of 2 or 3 blocks away in that humongous parking lot !

Jeff

Stay!

Elanne Wilson

I'm ride or die Oakland. Keep the teams here. The city of Oakland has so much potential if people would just take the time to invest in it.

Courtney Fuller

Love Oakland Sports

Carl leach

Let's GO Oakland!

Raider Ralph

Last night, the dirt infield bit the Raiders more than once. Longsnapper Jon Condo was inadvertently kneed in the head in the 2nd quarter, forcing the Raiders to use backup linebacker Travis Goethel as the longsnapper (teams carry one due to specialization). Goethel, who hadn’t done any longsnapping since high school, proceeded to botch two snaps to All Pro punter Shane Lechler, causing Lechler to be unable to get off two punts, which then translated to good field position and eventual field goals by the Chargers.

The NFL has long known about the suboptimal field conditions, and has made it clear that it wants the Raiders in a football stadium in the future, not a multipurpose stadium. That may seem like a no-brainer, but you have to think that the league was taking notes, with an eye towards really pressing the case when it talks to Oakland and Alameda County officials in the future. At the very least it gives the Raiders some ammunition to advocate to cease the stadium-sharing agreement with the A’s once both teams’ leases end in 2013, and really, could you blame them if they did?

The A’s will also have something to say about this, since they have complained loudest about the field. That puts the Coliseum Authority in the unenviable position of trying to cater to both teams while they are at odds over this very basic, fundamental problem. Key to this is the cost of doing the frequent conversions from baseball to football and back. To get a better understanding of what this entails, watch the video below from several years ago, when Brodie Brazil was working for KICU-36.

Bob Grier

Keep the A's, Raiders and Warriors in Oakland!!!

Raider Ralph

I agree with Mike. If Oakland thinks that the sports teams are going to stay or build with their own money then the teams will really leave.

This is 2012, and owners don't buy their own stadiums...the city pays for it and Oakland has to afford two stadiums. Cmon Quan u need that Don Knauss, Shell or Chevron companies to put up some money or just let the Raiders and A's find their new home.

Michael Pascarello

The Raiders and A's have brought a combined 6 World Championships to Oakland. It would be foolish for Oakland to lose these great sports organizations which have brought jobs, revenue and pride to the City. Failure is not an option for the City Leaders and local businesses to keep the Raiders an A's in Oakland. Do not take for granted that the teams have nowhere else to go. That was the mistake Oakland made in 1981 and the Raiders moved to L.A. The City of Oakland can keep their teams only if the politicians and businesses are focused and make a serious effort to develop a viable plan that will make the Raiders and A's want to stay. I will do my part to support this cause. If Oakland does not keep their professional sports teams then their economy is dead and it will never recover.

Anthony

Keep the Oakland Teams in the O!!!!
Save the jobs, money, and the Championships!!

Ryan Darrow

raiders....

s.ochoa

save Oakland sports!

S. Dial

Help Oakland's Economy. Save Oakland Sports.

Raider Ralph

Wow it seems to me this is more likeley the Raiders and As might have to stay ... its just the cards they were dealt.. i feel that the cheapest thing we can do is maybe hopefully get a loan from the NFL (the same the 49ers got) and use that money to add BIG UPDGRADES" to the Coliseum to be more a football stadium... then if only the A's cant move to San Jose,, nothing is wrong of building a ballpark next to the COliseum, it would just be the cheapest alternative.. i beileve if Raiders and A's agree to those terms city of Oakland will contribute money and maybe some naming rights will come help and make this whole keep Oakland teams in Oakland work. As for NBA... hey we can updrage Oracle Arena so if the Memphis Grizz decide to move.. bAM its right there.

Raider Ralph

Let’s get real. When folks point out that there are many more corporate/business customers available in Santa Clara County, in San Jose or within 21 miles of the proposed Cisco Fields site… Those aren’t attacks at Oakland. Cisco pledged $120M over 30 Years for a Ballpark in Fremont. Are we really supposed to believe they wouldn’t offer something similar in the heart of their base of operation? No company has made a similar proposal publicly for a stadium in Oakland. Are we just supposed to believe that there is some mythical company that has this covered? 75 CEO’s signed a letter of support for the A’s potential move South and sent it to Bud Selig. Those 75 CEOs were writing on behalf of an organization that represents $3 Trillion to the world’s economy. Conversely, Don Knauss had 11 other companies (some of which are huge and some which haven’t turned a profit) with him at his press conference. It isn’t just a matter of perception. The business customers in San Jose are far more plentiful than in Oakland. Ditto the South Bay as compared to the East Bay.

Combine this difference in corporate sponsorship opportunities, with the paltry attendance numbers and there are legitimate concerns about privately financing a stadium. That isn’t an attack on Oakland. It is a legitimate concern. There has been one fully, privately financed stadium built in MLB since the influx of stadiums began in the 1990′s: AT&T Park. 48% of that private financing depended on advanced ticket purchases and naming rights. To get more granular, 20% of AT&T Park was financed by PSL’s and 28% was financed by a lucrative naming rights deal. Another ~48% was provided in the form of a loan by Chase Bank.

What I am saying is that if you want to get something done, you need to address the actual challenges, not fight perception. Making statements about how great attendance has always been, in the face of evidence to the contrary, won’t get a stadium built. Getting commitments from guys like me, or the 51,000 folks on the LGO Facebook group, to buy season tickets for a brand new Oakland ballpark will.

Arguing with folks that Cisco won’t sponsor a stadium in San Jose, when we all know they will, won’t get a new stadium built in Oakland. Getting Chevron, or Clorox, or some other very large company to agree to a naming rights deal that pays $4M a year over 30 years (and having them shout it out publicly) will.

These things won’t get you all the way there, Oakland proponents. But they can get you 48% of the way to paying for it and that’s a whole lot closer than you have come to date.

AL FAIRLEY,Sr

I've grown up supporting the Oakland Raiders/A's,and shed tears for the Warriors.I'm ready to do the my part(?).

Raider/A's fan since the 60's

To all signers/SOS supporters: Please attend our next meeting and the 9/13 fundraiser; please come to let us know if you can help with auction/raffle items or celebrities.

Raider Ralph

Hi everybody My Name is Raider Ralph im from Oakland. I also think that if there is a way that Howard Terminal would be a great location for the A's or Raiders.

When is the “look in the mirror” moment? When do the people who want to keep the A’s in Oakland stop with the PR and start with the doing? Where is the outrage and indignation towards the Oakland City Leaders over the whole kabuki theater around an EIR for Victory Court that never happened? How does whole group of people get so invested in a potential site and then not even make a peep when it comes home to roost that the site was as unrealistic as many critics pointed out? When do the Oakland proponents start pushing the City to begin an EIR for Howard Terminal? When do folks start to actually question if Howard Terminal isn’t just another Victory Court? Why is it the City leaders get a free pass?

Let’s get real. When folks point out that there are many more corporate/business customers available in Santa Clara County, in San Jose or within 21 miles of the proposed Cisco Fields site… Those aren’t attacks at Oakland. Cisco pledged $120M over 30 Years for a Ballpark in Fremont. Are we really supposed to believe they wouldn’t offer something similar in the heart of their base of operation? No company has made a similar proposal publicly for a stadium in Oakland. Are we just supposed to believe that there is some mythical company that has this covered? 75 CEO’s signed a letter of support for the A’s potential move South and sent it to Bud Selig. Those 75 CEOs were writing on behalf of an organization that represents $3 Trillion to the world’s economy. Conversely, Don Knauss had 11 other companies (some of which are huge and some which haven’t turned a profit) with him at his press conference. It isn’t just a matter of perception. The business customers in San Jose are far more plentiful than in Oakland. Ditto the South Bay as compared to the East Bay.

Combine this difference in corporate sponsorship opportunities, with the paltry attendance numbers and there are legitimate concerns about privately financing a stadium. That isn’t an attack on Oakland. It is a legitimate concern. There has been one fully, privately financed stadium built in MLB since the influx of stadiums began in the 1990′s: AT&T Park. 48% of that private financing depended on advanced ticket purchases and naming rights. To get more granular, 20% of AT&T Park was financed by PSL’s and 28% was financed by a lucrative naming rights deal. Another ~48% was provided in the form of a loan by Chase Bank.

What I am saying is that if you want to get something done, you need to address the actual challenges, not fight perception. Making statements about how great attendance has always been, in the face of evidence to the contrary, won’t get a stadium built. Getting commitments from guys like me, or the 51,000 folks on the LGO Facebook group, to buy season tickets for a brand new Oakland ballpark will.

Arguing with folks that Cisco won’t sponsor a stadium in San Jose, when we all know they will, won’t get a new stadium built in Oakland. Getting Chevron, or Clorox, or some other very large company to agree to a naming rights deal that pays $4M a year over 30 years (and having them shout it out publicly) will.

These things won’t get you all the way there, Oakland proponents. But they can get you 48% of the way to paying for it and that’s a whole lot closer than you have come to date.



Friday, August 31 2012 - 07:31 AM

Bruce Stoffmacher

The teams are good for the East Bay and the East Bay loves our teams. They belong here. Go A's!

Darlene Corrales

keep our teams in Oakland. if the A's need a stadium...look in Oakland, not elsewhere! Go A's and Raiders!

Raider Ralph

Hi everybody My Name is Raider Ralph im from Oakland.

When is the “look in the mirror” moment? When do the people who want to keep the A’s in Oakland stop with the PR and start with the doing? Where is the outrage and indignation towards the Oakland City Leaders over the whole kabuki theater around an EIR for Victory Court that never happened? How does whole group of people get so invested in a potential site and then not even make a peep when it comes home to roost that the site was as unrealistic as many critics pointed out? When do the Oakland proponents start pushing the City to begin an EIR for Howard Terminal? When do folks start to actually question if Howard Terminal isn’t just another Victory Court? Why is it the City leaders get a free pass?

Let’s get real. When folks point out that there are many more corporate/business customers available in Santa Clara County, in San Jose or within 21 miles of the proposed Cisco Fields site… Those aren’t attacks at Oakland. Cisco pledged $120M over 30 Years for a Ballpark in Fremont. Are we really supposed to believe they wouldn’t offer something similar in the heart of their base of operation? No company has made a similar proposal publicly for a stadium in Oakland. Are we just supposed to believe that there is some mythical company that has this covered? 75 CEO’s signed a letter of support for the A’s potential move South and sent it to Bud Selig. Those 75 CEOs were writing on behalf of an organization that represents $3 Trillion to the world’s economy. Conversely, Don Knauss had 11 other companies (some of which are huge and some which haven’t turned a profit) with him at his press conference. It isn’t just a matter of perception. The business customers in San Jose are far more plentiful than in Oakland. Ditto the South Bay as compared to the East Bay.

Combine this difference in corporate sponsorship opportunities, with the paltry attendance numbers and there are legitimate concerns about privately financing a stadium. That isn’t an attack on Oakland. It is a legitimate concern. There has been one fully, privately financed stadium built in MLB since the influx of stadiums began in the 1990′s: AT&T Park. 48% of that private financing depended on advanced ticket purchases and naming rights. To get more granular, 20% of AT&T Park was financed by PSL’s and 28% was financed by a lucrative naming rights deal. Another ~48% was provided in the form of a loan by Chase Bank.

What I am saying is that if you want to get something done, you need to address the actual challenges, not fight perception. Making statements about how great attendance has always been, in the face of evidence to the contrary, won’t get a stadium built. Getting commitments from guys like me, or the 51,000 folks on the LGO Facebook group, to buy season tickets for a brand new Oakland ballpark will.

Arguing with folks that Cisco won’t sponsor a stadium in San Jose, when we all know they will, won’t get a new stadium built in Oakland. Getting Chevron, or Clorox, or some other very large company to agree to a naming rights deal that pays $4M a year over 30 years (and having them shout it out publicly) will.

These things won’t get you all the way there, Oakland proponents. But they can get you 48% of the way to paying for it and that’s a whole lot closer than you have come to date.

Pat Olivarez

Save Oakland Sports!

Raider Ralph

I was born in Oakland. This simple fact means that I will always have a fascination with the city. It also means that I will always root for good things to come Oakland’s way.

I regularly visit Oakland. My favorite thing to do in Oakland is impossible to say because there are so many things I love to do in Oakland. I love to see my daughters laugh and have fun at the Oakland Zoo, for example. I enjoy strolling up and down College Avenue and eating at the Crepevine. It goes without saying that I really enjoy spending time at the Coliseum Complex (be it A’s, Raiders or Warriors games). And Rudy’s Can’t Fail‘s $5 shot and PBR isn’t all that bad either (except the whiskey tastes like gasoline, but what should I expect for $5?).

So folks who prefer Oakland stay the home of the Athletics long term, let’s start from a position here of “We agree, Oakland is a nice place.”

There are other things we agree on, as well. One is that Oakland some times gets short shrift in the local papers. Some times the headlines get a little gratuitous (when was the last time you noticed a positive headline?). We all know that Oakland, being the 46th largest city in the country and like many other medium sized and large cities, has certain neighborhoods with crime problems. That has nothing to do with whether the A’s should continue to play in Oakland, it has little to do with quality of life for the city as a whole and repeatedly pointing it out is tantamount to taking “pot shots” at the city.

So, let’s set that aside too. We agree that Oakland sometimes gets pot shots lobbed in its direction and they aren’t always fair.

Now can we have an honest discussion about the things we don’t really agree on? Let’s keep in mind that there is a difference between legitimate critiques and having “a bias against Oakland.” There is a difference between asking fair questions and casting aspersions toward the Bright Side of the Bay. In short, pointing out obvious challenges is not that same as leveling baseless attacks at Oakland or its citizens.

In the early part of this season I read a letter written/signed by some fans dedicated to keeping the team in Oakland and I had to shake my head. The very first point they made about off the field issues (the East Bay has traditionally supported the team by regularly drawing in excess of 2M fans) was an intellectually dishonest statement and symptomatic of the spin campaign that has been waged by Oakland advocates. This is not to say I don’t appreciate their passion, or that I have a personal hatred for them.

“Intellectually dishonest” can come off as fighting words, I agree. So let me clarify. First, by being imprecise with the English language and using a qualifier such as “regularly,” the Oakland boosters allow themselves wiggle room. How do you quantify “regularly?” For me, and I’d argue for most people, that word means “usually.” Which is to say, “often.” How many times have the A’s drawn in excess of 2M fans? If it’s regularly, it has to be at least more than half right? The A’s have been in Oakland for 44 seasons. They have drawn in excess of 2M fans 11 times. I don’t think it is a stretch to call it “intellectually dishonest” to tout something that has happened 1/4 of the time as “regularly.”

And further, who decided that 2M fans was the threshold for “strong support?” That is an arbitrary number. I have been consistent in arguing that the real measure of successful attendance is “How did a given team perform against the MLB median in a given year?” I’ll agree, this is also imperfect. It doesn’t directly account for how wins and losses impact attendance. It doesn’t account for the fact that baseball stadiums come in various shapes and sizes. However, it is a heck of a lot more objective and accurate than picking an arbitrary number. For the record, 2M fans in the current day and age is in the bottom third of all of MLB attendance, below the MLB median. How does that equate to “strong support?”

Cameron Wilson

Why was my earlier post deleted?

As far as I could tell, I created the only post to actually suggest a means of financing (or at least substantially adding to the City's bottom line) new arena construction in Oakland.

Was this against the rules of SOS? I realize my idea is somewhat of a pipe dream, but hey we gotta look at every possibility.

How about a donation site specifically for keeping our teams in town administered by Oaklandish? A portion of the merchandise could be produced specifically for this purpose, as well.

Berry

Cmon Oakland u have to contribute to some of the costs for a new stadiuim I mean 2 new stadiums. I mean we are talking about superbowls and all star games. O well

Tim Reagan

The Oakland A's helped raise my two sons, now adult A's fans. Everything that can be done should happen to keep our franchises here.

Miguel H.

Save Oakland Sports... Oakland is a unique city with a lot of sports history... Keep the A's, Raiders, Warriors in Oakland! A deal to build new venues for the Oakland A's, Raiders, and Warriors can be done if the sports teams, leagues, city/county, and business leaders work as a team....LET'S GO OAKLAND!

Mike F

Oakland is a unique place to play, with a lot of history .Lately for the A's it has caused financial disadvantages but all these things are why we have more spirit than anywhere else. Keep the teams at home! 

jose macias LA ESTRELLITA CAFE

City of Oakland officials , get it done !

Stevie Keys

We're not asking to spend a BILLION $$ right now - let's just remember that these great teams helped put Oaktown on the map! Let's continue to support the organizations that make us PROUD!

Tony S.

Save Oakland Sports.

Berry

I like Coliseum City, but Oakland has to do their part and clean up the area from 66th ave all the way to Hegenberger. The A's can play in the north side parking lot with a new musuem/ballpark and the Raiders can recontruct the coliseum with a new tv, seats and field.

Berry

If Oakland can pull off a good funding plan... I can see Howard Terminal and a new or reconstructed Raider Coliseum this can happen. Also be mindful that if the Warriors get rejected by Sf...they could very well comback and figure out a new site for them in Oakland. Don't mean to RANT but just a little sacrifice financialy will pay out big in the long run. Imagine superbowls and all star games being considered in Oakland.... Cmon Quan you can pull this off.

Berry

How are we "Oakland" going to help pay for a new stadium. Mark Davis and Lew Wollf are not going to buy Oakland two new stadiums out of the kindness of their hearts. I love the support and cheerleading.... but if we dont figure out a way to help pay for a new stadium we are all going to be 49er, warriors and giants fans. cmon Oakland please have a solid plan no matter what the realtionhip you have with Wolff or Davis. Plz Oakland Leaders.

Lynn Zboyovsky

I know Oakland is hurting and has many other priories. Keeping all of our major teams in Oakland will help employ the citizens of Oakland and give employment credits to the city. We need this!

We all need to focus on what we can do to make this city better. We shouldn't give up just because we've fallen on hard times.

Let's Go Oakland!

Pete Collier

If the teams move, their identity suffers along with that of the great city of Oakland, a city on the rise and only beginning to take significant steps forward despite a struggling national economy. It will be a smart long-term investment for these teams to remain in Oakland.

Sterling Hayes

I've been a life long Raiders fan for years. Being only 21 and the only Raider fan in my family, I wasn't able to be around and support the team too long. They need to stay in oakland. I'm too passionate about this team. And of all places they'd be going back to LA? no way. end this nonsense.

David Flores

SOS, when moving teams you lose nostalgia, and more important you lose fan support, teams jack up ticket prices and true fans are no longer capable of going to games, only the.rich are able to go to the games. It used to be everyone could afford tickets, parents can afford to bring their kids to the games. You end up changing the whole demographic of the game. SAVE OAKLAND SPORTS!

Philip Fitch

The Raiders and A's put the city of Oakland as well as the fans on the map. There was an empty feeling when the Raiders moved to LA. The people of the East Bay don't not want to lose the Raiders or A's. It would be bad for the areas economy.

I have moved from the East bay to Costa Rica, but, I still attend 3 to 4 Raiders games a year and it's great to have the Raiders playing close to the Oakland airport. I even attend a few A's games when I visit the East bay in the summer months. Moving the teams to LA or San Jose would really hamper attending games for me. The Stadium where it is now is in the best location for out of town fans right next to the airport, Amtrak, Bart and freeways!!

Veronica Roderick

Keep our teams in Oakland! We've got the best fans, great weather and convenient transportation! Save our Sports!

Aaron Robles

I support SOS. Keep the A's, Raiders, and Warriors here. I know it's all about the money but what about the loyalty.

Doris Messina

Save Sports in Oakland... It's a boost to the community the entire Bay area.
How unique that we teams on both sides of the Bay. Don't let this get away.

Pennie Kimble

Pledge to save Oakland Sports! Our local economy depends on it!

Felix Galaviz

If you leave our economy would be severely impacted. Small businesses depend on our teams to serve as important job creators. Most important, the fans and the east bay would feel abandoned..

Andrew Young

I support SOS. I also strongly support the Coliseum City project. There is great opportunity there!
(ps, can the web host please delete the off-message/off-topic posts?)

Shilah Hughes

Lets build The Raiders and great stadium and keep them in Oakland!

Christian Woempner

I do hope the franchises stay in Oakland. It may be a small city, but it's got a big heart. I hope the Swinging A's get their Oakland Ballpark soon.

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Rong Dai

I support SOS.

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