O.co Coliseum (Oakland Coliseum)
Capacity | 56 057 |
---|---|
6,300 (Business seats) | |
Country | United States of America |
City | Oakland |
Clubs | - |
Other names | Coliseum (1966–1998, 2008–2011), Network Associates Coliseum (1998–2004), McAfee Coliseum (2004–2008), Overstock.com Coliseum (05/2011) |
Inauguration | 18/09/1966 |
Construction | 15/04/1964 – 08/1966 |
Renovation | 1995–1996 |
Cost | $ 25.5 million (1966), $ 200 million (1995–1996) |
Design | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (1966), HNTB (1995–1996) |
Contractor | Willie Robinson |
Address | 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, California 94621, USA |
Advertisement
O.co Coliseum – stadium description
First images of the stadium were released in late 1960, but it wasn’t until 1964 that construction actually began. The multi-use stadium was opened in Sept 1966 and has since served as the home Oakland baseball and football, primarily Athletics and Raiders.
Just as its name, the stadium’s layout is interesting. It was designed nearly as a perfect circle, thus the Coliseum reference. From the outside it seemed very modest, but that impression faded after entering. The reason was most of the stands were built below ground level. The entire lowermost tier was built in a sunken area, while second one rests on landfill. Only the third has concrete structure raising above the seemingly green area.
In its early decades the stadium had the east end open. Allowing batters to hit the ball out, the open end also gave a picturesque view of Oakland hills. This changed in 1996, when a massive grandstand enclosed the east.
Hardly fitting to the stadium’s aesthetics, this 10,000-capacity concrete block raised high above previously built structures, blocking the view and spoiling layout for baseball enthusiasts. For football this was a worthy addition, but still didn’t prevent the Coliseum from becoming the very smallest NFL stadium in 2015 (not counting temporary venues).
Advertisement
Pictures
-
1966–1995:
Related news
2020
2016
2015
-
Oakland: City hires consultant to keep Raiders
Oakland authorities hired a consultant to build a financial model for new stadium. The goal is finding sources to collect $900 million without using taxpayer money.
-
New stadiums: NFL now complete at StadiumDB!
One rectangular, one circular and one nearly square. Three last stadiums we lacked from the NFL are an interesting set. Please join us in visiting Cincinnati, Oakland and San Diego.