Oakland Coliseum

Oakland, CA

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

4.6 miles/10 minute drive to Oakland Coliseum

 

Hotels – the following lodging is within 1.5 miles of the Oakland Coliseum

Unlimited budget- Sorry, there are not any 4 or 5 star hotels within 2 miles of Oakland Coliseum

Moderate Budget

Holiday Inn Express- Airport

Hilton- Oakland Airport

Courtyard by Marriot- Oakland Airport

Chaser budget traveler

Days Hotel- Oakland Airport (walking distance to the stadium)

La Quinta Inn- Oakland Airport Coliseum

 

Parking

The Oakland Athletics make it trouble-free for their guests by offering a large, centralized parking lot in front of the stadium. Expect to pay $15 for any spot in the general parking lot and keep in mind parking attendants will not accept a bill larger than $20. Also note that the Coliseum lot opens 2 ½ hours prior to the first pitch for those looking to catch batting practice.   

Dining

If you only have one day in the Oakland area, it is critical to make your way to Walnut Creek, California to find McCovey’s Restaurant. Inspired by the “Gentle Giant”, Willie McCovey, this restaurant is like no other. From the outside architecture to the inside layout, McCovey’s is a mini replica of AT&T Park with their walls overflowing from sports memorabilia that make it fell like a mini Cooperstown! The 30 minute drive from Oakland is well worth it for the amazing selection of comfort food. Ballpark Chasers recommend not leaving without trying the “Grand Slam Double-stacked Hamburger” and finding the signed baseball by Satchel Paige!

The most convenient and quickest option to grab a bite before or after an A’s game is at Doug’s BBQ. This local Oakland favorite is within walking distance to the stadium and offers great burgers (veggie as well), BBQ and chicken items. If you go with a rental car, the 15 minute drive to Zachary’s Pizza is most certainly worth it! Come for a Chicago style pizza pie and see why Sports Illustrated rated it as one of their best places for a slice! 

Ballpark Chasers’ Tip: Unfortunately, there aren’t many good things to say about the food within Oakland Coliseum and therefore we highly recommend eating before the game. If you are desperate, check out the Kinder’s BBQ for a decent sirloin hoagie sandwich.

 

Tickets

Unless the A's start winning again, don't expect the fans to come out until they open Cisco Field in 2012. The box office will have tickets available unless it’s a Bay Series against the San Francisco Giants. If you happen to catch a Wednesday A's game at Oakland Coliseum, check out the $2 tickets and $1 hot dogs during the 2009 season.

Ballpark Chasers’ Tip:  Do you dream of going to the ballpark and eating whatever you want, without opening your wallet? If so, Ballpark Chasers recommends Oakland Coliseums’ “All You Can Eat Seating.” These exclusive sections are home to unlimited hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, peanuts, Pepsi products and even ice cream! This belly-buster is included with the purchase of a $35 ticket in sections 316, 317 and 318.

Weather

The weather in Oakland is very similar to the San Francisco area- mild summers that are not sweltering hot. Average temperatures are in the mid 70s during the summer with very little humidity. Ballpark Chasers recommend June through August as the best months to travel to Oakland; these are the warmest and driest.

 

Local Attractions

Most people think that Oakland wouldn’t have much to offer other than the A’s, Raiders and Golden State Warriors. Au Contraire, my fellow Ballpark Chasers! Jack London Square is Oakland’s waterfront district full of vast shopping, dining and entertainment. Make sure to stop for a drink and Heinold’s First and Last Chance Bar. This local pub has been in operation using gas lamps since 1883 and was built from remnants of an old wailing ship. Watch out for the uneven floor that still remains from the San Francisco earthquake of 1906!

If you have not had the opportunity to see redwood trees in person, Oakland will give you that chance. Redwood Regional Park is just a few miles outside of downtown Oakland and is home to nearly 2,000 acres of Redwoods that stand up to 150 ft. tall! Bring your trail shoes as this park has plenty of paths to choose from.

Still not impressed with Oakland’s attractions? Well, San Francisco is only a 10 minute drive away!

 

Ballpark Chasers Trip Suggestion

If your baseball trip to Oakland Coliseum involves traveling a great distance, we suggest extending your vacation by visiting one or more of the stadiums below.

1.)  AT&T Park- 16 miles/30 minutes

2.)  Dodger Stadium- 365 miles/5.5 hours

3.)  Angel Stadium- 394 miles/6 hours

4.)  Petco Park- 487 miles/7.5 hours 

Did you discover that your trip to see the Oakland Athletics has the San Francisco Giants out of town? If so, don’t panic! Why not see the other Giants team in the Bay area? The San Jose Giants are the Class A affiliation of the Major Leagues, San Francisco Giants. In addition, the Oakland A’s have their Triple A affiliate only 1.5 hours away. Just head north to Sacramento to catch the River Cats battle at Raley Field or 45 minutes South to see the Giants play at Municipal Stadium.