Artists rendering of the new Howard Terminal ballpark in downtown Oakland (file photo SF NIMBY)

A’s Ballpark Soap Opera Episode No. 45

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

OAKLAND–This is for sure. The Oakland A’s will finish the 2022 season at the Oakland Coliseum with the game on Wednesday October 5, at 1PM against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, But, the next few months could bring us the final chapter of this long running soap regarding the proposed Howard Terminal ballpark in downtown Oakland, or a possible move out of town.

City of Oakland and the Oakland A’s are negotiating the $12 billion waterfront park and surrounding area. They will have to figure how to pay for the upgrades in infrastructure which includes affordable housing.

They are securing $320 million in public money for the A’s ballpark, but some expect $320 million will not be enough. The City of Oakland has applied for more than $180 million in federal grants and also looking for other regional, state and federal grants. The city doesn’t expect to be awarded the $180 million federal grants. It is all about money, what else is new?

At stake: -$1 billion privately financed ballpark of 35,000 seats (A’s will pay for the park) -$11 billion development -3,000 residential units -1.5 million square feet of commercial space (retail and outdoor) -3,500 seat performance center -400 hotel rooms -18 acres of open spaces for the public to enjoy.

Do not “tune out”. Soon, more votes to come and by November the expected conclusion!

Amaury Pi Gonzalez is the Oakland A’s lead Spanish play by play announcer on flagship station LeGrande 1010 KIQI San Francisco and does News and Commentary at http://www.sportsradioservice.com