A's party deck takes up 10,000 square feet and features a redwood patio, a bar and lounge seatingATHLETICS
The A’s are erecting a party deck in Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum's left field stands -- "looking to add a bit of pizzazz" to the ballpark in "hopes of drawing more fans," according to Matier & Ross of the S.F. CHRONICLE. The Treehouse, as the party deck has been branded, "extends off the club level" to the east side of the ballpark. It takes up 10,000 square feet and features a "redwood patio, a bar and lounge seating." The $1M structure is "modeled after party decks" at Coors Field and Great American Ball Park. The deck will "double as a setting for pre- and post-game TV and radio broadcasts." It will also feature a "DJ on Friday nights." The hope is that the "laid-back seating will attract younger fans looking for a casual environment from which to take in the game." Putting in the Treehouse, however, also means "tearing out 300 seats to make way for three long rows" of drink rails. That is where the Raiders’ "problem comes in -- the team has already sold those seats to season ticket holders." Coliseum officials said that the rails "could be removable and the seats could be replaced with cushioned chairs for football games." The Raiders said that the changes "violated their lease deal and would cause them 'material damage'" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/1).
HUNGRY LIKE THE WOLFF: In S.F., Susan Slusser notes A’s Chair Emeritus Lew Wolff, who still has a 1% ownership stake, "remains a major fan of the team." Asked if the A's reached out to him about the recent ballpark troubles with the Laney College site, Wolff said, "Not really. They know my feelings are pretty much confined to the Coliseum. But the opportunity to look at other locations wasn’t something I felt we needed to do, and I think they’re doing it in the proper manner." Wolff said of A's Managing Partner John Fisher, "What he wants is a home for the A’s that he and his family can be proud of." He added, "Wherever they locate a new ballpark, I guarantee you that it will have John’s absolute insistence on quality" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/1).
