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Oakland Athletics: Raiders’ Move Paves Way for New Ballpark in East Bay

By Keaton Moore |
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; General overall view of the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum during the playing of the national anthem with a United States flag on the field before a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; General overall view of the Oakland-Alameda Coliseum during the playing of the national anthem with a United States flag on the field before a NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and Oakland Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

With a vote on Monday to send the Raiders to Las Vegas, the Oakland Athletics are one of two professional sports teams in the East Bay and are staying put.

After sharing Oakland Coliseum for just over 20 years, the National Football League approved the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas, giving the Oakland Athletics a major push toward a new ballpark.

On Monday, all but one NFL team voted in favor of relocating the Raiders to Las Vegas. Although their lease does not expire for another two seasons, the Raiders can vacate the Coliseum as early as 2018.

As the Raiders are promised a $1.9 billion stadium, the Athletics reignite their push for a new ballpark. Per sfgate.com:

“Oakland is an incredible sports town,” Athletics president Dave Kaval said. “We commend the city’s and county’s efforts to keep the Raiders in Oakland. The Mayor and her team have worked incredible hard to save the franchise. We are focused on, and excited about, our efforts to build a new ballpark in Oakland and look forward to announcing a location this year.”

Although their recent success might say otherwise, the Athletics have flourished in Oakland. Since moving from Kansas City in 1968, the Athletics are four-time World Series champions in 18 postseason appearances.

However, following their last playoff appearance in 2014, the Athletics finished last in the AL West the past two years. Kaval hopes that a new ballpark will draw more players toward Oakland, helping the A’s back into contention.

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With the support of Oakland mayor Libby Schaaf and commissioner Rob Manfred, who fully believes both they and the Tampa Bay Rays need stadium renovations, the Athletics are nearing a new ballpark

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