Dave Stewart had some of his greatest moments on the diamond at the Coliseum. He became one of the more fearsome pitchers in the game with the Oakland A’s in the late 1980s and into the 1990s, winning 20 or more games four times. It would be understandable if he had a soft spot for the ol’ ballpark.
It is easy to think about those times with the news that Stewart is looking to purchase the City of Oakland’s share of the Coliseum site. However, there is more than just sentimentality behind the quest – he feels that he and his ownership group can revitalize the area whether or not the A’s remain at that site.
Dave Stewart has big plans for Coliseum site
Stewart has some big names behind his plans to purchase the site. A’s legend Rickey Henderson is part of the group, as are CC Sabathia, Damian Lillard, and Brian Shaw, amongst others. There is plenty of star power behind this attempt.
But there are more than just big names. Stewart has big plans for the location, envisioning a mixed use plan with affordable housing and business opportunities. The goal is to restore the ballpark itself for youth activities, while bringing in tech data centers, retail stores, and housing in an attempt to pump life into the area.
There would not be a waiting period either. Stewart says that his ownership group would be able to pay that amount immediately to start the process of revitalizing the area. The Coliseum may rise again, even if the A’s abandon it for the Howard Terminal project or a new stadium in Las Vegas.
Dave Stewart is determined not to let the Coliseum fade into the dustbin of history. His ownership group has plans to revitalize the stadium and the area.