C.W. Nevius recently penned a strong column in The Press Democrat, explaining why Howard Terminal is an excellent site for the A’s new ballpark plan on the Oakland waterfront.
Nevius wrote:
"A new, downtown waterfront ballpark would change everything. Really, you say. Have any proof? I do.
The Giants suffered in icy isolation at Candlestick Park for years. They didn’t draw enough fans to hold a tailgate party. In 2000 they built a privately funded jewel of a ballpark right on the bay.
Attendance skyrocketed. The team took off. They began to win, even earning three World Series trophies."
Nevius is right. The Giants followed this same model nearly 25 years ago. The team privately financing a ballpark near San Francisco’s downtown, building with millions of public money for needed infrastructure improvement. That partnership of mostly private dollars coupled with some public infrastructure money is actually quite similar to what A’s President Dave Kaval has included in the team’s Oakland waterfront proposal.
The same success had by the Giants with Oracle Park in San Francisco can also be enjoyed by the A’s with Howard Terminal in Oakland. Even with challenges and obstacles that have to be overcome beforehand. Or as Nevius wrote about San Francisco’s model:
"It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Over the years there were threats (by the Giants) to move. Maybe to San Jose or Montreal. We actually said goodbye at one point, sure they were going to Tampa Bay.
But everyone worked through it. A stadium was built. The fans arrived. A new urban neighborhood was created.
And that has made all the difference."
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