Ballpark Digest is previewing what every MLB team is doing to begin the season, both on and off the field, as the 2019 campaign is around the corner. Up next: the Oakland A’s and Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
When it comes to ballpark news, most headlines related to the A’s concern their ongoing efforts to construct a new facility at the waterfront Howard Terminal site. While they are actively pursuing a new ballpark, the A’s also worked in recent months to spruce up the Oakland Coliseum, highlighted by new premium seating and concessions options.
In recent years, the A’s have taken some steps to modernize the aging Coliseum, including the 2018 addition of the social space The Treehouse. Those efforts are continuing this season, with the new Coppola Theater Boxes (rendering shown above) part of a mix of newly introduced premium seating options. Located in Sections 116-118, the area is being billed as a high-end game day experience that includes four and six-person boxes.
Along with the new Theater Boxes, the A’s have added Lounge Seats in Section 113, featuring 32 pairs of living room-style seats. Also new for the 2019 season is The Terrace, an area with 18 four-person terraced tables located in Section 121.
Renovated hospitality areas aimed at group and social outings are also part of the changes for 2019. The right field terrace has been retooled into the Budweiser Hero Deck, featuring two, three, and four-person terrace tables at Sections 101-102. The left field terrace was also overhauled to become Golden Road Landing, an area that features drink rails at Sections 131-133.
The A’s also made a change with families in mind, introducing the new A’s Stopming Ground. By renovating part of the Eastside Club and and an area near the right field flagpoles, the A’s created an indoor/outdoor area that will include interactive activities inside, with a grassy seating area and play areas among the outside amenities (a drink rail for parents will also be available in this part of the space).
With those changes, the A’s were able to shake up the experience for a broad range of fans, including families, as well as small groups looking for a higher-end offering. Those elements will not be all that is new at the Coliseum this year, however, as the A’s and new food-and-beverage partner Aramark are reworking the ballpark’s concession offerings.
Grab-and-go food and beverage items will be available at The Market by Budweiser, while Walk Thru Brew will give fans looking for a beer an express option that offers self-checkout stations. Beverages will also be the focus of new Stadium Sips Airline Carts, which will offer mixed-drink pouches on the ballpark’s premium level. Additionally, two cycle-style concepts–the BeerCycle and Party Pop cycle–will work their way around the concourse, offering two draft beers and adult popsicles respectively. Milk tea beverages will also be available this season, served at the Boba Tea stand at Section 133.
When it comes to food, the Coliseum will have a few interesting concepts this season. Those in the mood for local fare can check out Launch Test Kitchen, an area at The Treehouse that will feature rotating local chefs throughout the season. The A’s and Aramark are also adding Nourish–a portable concession stand specializing in healthier options such as build-your-own salad. A new stand named Tenders Love and Chicken is coming to Sections 116 and 223, while the existing Shibe Park Tavern will receive an updated menu.
Rounding out the changes to the fan experience this season is another new partnership announced by the A’s, who are teaming up with Tailgate Guys to offer premium tailgate items and services to groups of 25-75 people for select games. The tailgates will be held in the southeast corner of the Coliseum’s A Lot, with premium packages available for Opening Night on March 29, plus June 23, July 28, August 17, August 18, August 20, August 21, and August 22.
Rendering courtesy Oakland A’s.
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