Why the Oakland Roots are leaving the Oakland Coliseum
Oakland Roots announce final season at Coliseum
The Oakland Roots Soccer Club said that this is its last season playing at the Coliseum.
OAKLAND, Calif. - The president of the Oakland Roots said Friday the soccer club is honored to have played at the Oakland Coliseum, but this season will be its last there.
"It's such an incredibly storied venue," said Oakland Roots President Lindsay Barenz. "We're sad to be leaving, but the time has come for Oakland Roots and Soul to have a venue that we operate."
Coliseum has limitations, team says
What they're saying:
The club said the Coliseum is not a viable long-term home because of limitations on event control, matchday flexibility and operating costs.
Barenz also serves as president of the Oakland Soul, the club's women's team, which plays its home matches at Merritt College in the Oakland hills.
New potential buyer emerges for Oakland Arena
A new potential buyer has emerged for the Oakland Arena, matching and exceeding a previous offer for the venue.
Temporary home options under consideration
What's next:
The Roots are considering two short-term options for future home matches.
One proposal would build modular grandstands at the club's training facility on Bay Farm Island in Alameda, a site formerly used by the Raiders.
Another option would be a temporary stadium in the Oakland Coliseum parking lot.
Permanent stadium plans continue
At the same time, the Roots and Soul are continuing efforts to build a permanent soccer-specific stadium in Oakland.
"We're in conversations with the [Port of Oakland] about building a facility at Howard Terminal, and also with AASEG [African American Sports & Entertainment Group] and OAC [Oakland Acquisition Group], the prospective buyers of the Coliseum complex," Barenz said.
Oakland Root inaugural Coliseum game almost sold-out
The City of Oakland hosted a meet-the-team event on Tuesday for the Oakland Roots Soccer Club, which will play at the Coliseum for their upcoming home opener.
Oakland mulls new proposal for Coliseum sale
Dig deeper:
The announcement comes as the Oakland City Council is scheduled to consider a new proposal Monday involving the sale of the city's 50% ownership stake in the Coliseum complex.
Under the proposal, the city would receive $50 million for its share of the Oakland Arena and $60 million for its share of the Coliseum. The city would also finance the purchase and receive an ongoing revenue stream equal to 6% of annual gross ticket sales.
"I am excited about this deal," Oakland City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran said. "It's different from what was proposed two years ago. There are new parties, new players and a lot of extra benefits and revenue that will be flowing to the city."
Henry Lee is a KTVU reporter. E-mail Henry at Henry.Lee@fox.com and follow him on X @henrykleeKTVU and www.facebook.com/henrykleefan
The Source: KTVU reporting, Oakland Roots, Oakland City Councilmember Janani Ramachandran