The A's received "nearly 300,000 ticket requests for their 50th anniversary free admission game" next month against the White Sox, according to sources cited by Jon Becker of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. That comes after the A's, when announcing the plans in January, were "confident anyone who wanted to go to the free game would be able to attend." The team "already distributed most of the free vouchers at the start of their giveaway in January, with fans able to request a maximum of six tickets." The team "purposely handed out more than can actually be seated" at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum due to "expected no-shows." The team will be sending out RSVPs to "determine how many more fans they can accommodate." The tarps of the upper deck of the ballpark will be removed for the game, putting capacity at a "little more than 60,000." All tickets "will be general admission with seats available on a first-come basis" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 3/16).
NEW TYPE OF FARM SYSTEM: In Oakland, Gary Peterson noted the A's are placing "dozens of redwood planters that will grow an assortment of produce and flowers" just off the Eastside Club near the right field flag poles. The space will also feature "seating areas." Scarecrows will be "decked out in jerseys and caps of the A’s minor league teams." Acta Non Verba, an urban farm project in Oakland, will be able to "sell what is grown in the Farm, with the proceeds going to prospective college students." The space, which will "accommodate approximately 100 people, can be reserved for pregame events." The Farm will be open for the '18 season (EASTBAYTIMES.com, 3/14).
