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Athletics to offer free tickets for 50 year anniversary

By Sean Thomas

OAKLAND, AZ - JUNE 03: The Oakland Athletics take batting practice before the MLB game against the Washington Nationals at Oakland Coliseum on June 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, AZ - JUNE 03: The Oakland Athletics take batting practice before the MLB game against the Washington Nationals at Oakland Coliseum on June 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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As if 50 years in Oakland wasn’t exciting enough, the Oakland Athletics have announced a completely free game to fans on April 17 as part of its 50 years in Oakland celebration.

In an official statement posted to the Athletics’ website, A’s President Dave Kaval voiced excitement for the offer:

“The entire 2018 season will be a celebration of the A’s rich history, and offering the first free MLB game is another unique way for us to celebrate our team and wonderful fans,” Kaval said in the statement.

Fan can sign up for the tickets beginning Jan. 10 at 8 a.m. PT at athletics.com/50. According to the press release, season ticket members will have their free tickets automatically loaded onto their A’s ticket accounts.

After moving from Kansas City the previous year, the Athletics played their first game in Oakland against the Baltimore Orioles on April 17, 1968.

Four-time all-star and league most valuable player Boog Powell of the Baltimore Orioles, (weird how history repeats itself), hit the first homerun in Coliseum history during the second inning to put the Orioles up 1-0. Rick Monday has the honor of being the first Oakland Athletic to cross home plate at the Coliseum after launching a solo homerun over the centerfield wall in the sixth inning. Oakland’s Lew Krausse would eat the loss after giving up four runs in five and third innings pitched.

The Coliseum, which most will agree has seen better days, is the fourth-oldest MLB stadium in the league, trailing Fenway Park, Wrigley Field and Dodger Stadium.

The move continues a trend for Kaval, who, last year, won support from fans for re-opening the tarped area of the coliseum. The tarps blocked off the View Level of the Coliseum since 2006 and was a noticeable eyesore for fans both at the stadium , and watching at home.