OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A day Oakland sports fans have long dreaded has arrived — the last major professional franchise in the East Bay is leaving town.
Fans are planning a wake for the Athletics in the downtown Jack London Square neighborhood following Thursday’s home finale at the Coliseum against the Texas Rangers.
Here’s a look at each organization to leave Oakland, in order of departure and with details on each move:
California Golden Seals
An NHL team from 1966-76, the California Golden Seals left in 1976 to become the Cleveland Barons after struggling to deliver a winning product in Oakland.
The Barons were a short-lived franchise, merging two years later with the Minnesota North Stars, who eventually relocated to become the Dallas Stars.
Golden State Warriors
Many players expressed mixed emotions after leaving Oracle Arena, an intimate venue nicknamed “Roaracle” next door to the Coliseum, for the move to Chase Center in San Francisco ahead of the 2019-20 season.
Golden State played at Oracle for 47 seasons, winning NBA championships 40 years apart in 1975 and 2015.