The Major League Baseball season has commenced, marking a historic moment as the Oakland Athletics (A’s) will not be playing at their long-time home, the Oakland Coliseum, for the first time in over half a century. The team will kick off their season with a game at their temporary location in Sacramento.

Community Impact and Business Adjustments

As the A’s transition to Sacramento, businesses in Oakland are grappling with the implications of this change. Miles Palliser, co-owner of The Athletic Club Oakland, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the local fanbase’s response.

“Once the dust settles, we may find that there are still thousands of A’s fans in the area who are trying to watch the games,” Palliser noted. This sentiment reflects an understanding that a devoted fanbase remains, despite feelings of frustration regarding the team’s relocation.

Fan Reactions

Local residents, including lifelong A’s supporters like Irving McKnight and Cofi Yiadom, expressed their discontent with this shift. McKnight mentioned, “I’m going to go watch the Ballers. I’m not going to Sac, I’m not going to Vegas to watch the A’s.” Yiadom echoed similar sentiments, comparing the situation to watching an ex-girlfriend on television: “It’s like your ex-girlfriend leaving you, do you want to watch her on TV?”

A New Gathering Place for Fans

Despite the mixed feelings among fans, Palliser is committed to creating an inviting atmosphere for those choosing to support the team this season. The Athletic Club offers a venue where fans can gather to watch games, with Palliser stating, “We’re here, we’re open, we have 40 TVs and we can always get the game on with sounds.” He hopes this effort will establish a “welcoming space” for both longtime supporters and new visitors alike.

Future Considerations

The owner of Kingfish Pub and Cafe expressed that it is too early to ascertain the extent to which the A’s departure will affect local businesses. The atmosphere around the change demonstrates a communal response intertwined with nostalgia and strategic adaptation for the new season.