tourist question about Oakland A's baseball game (hotel, home)

[Texas is only OK]

Hello Bay Area peeps-

The hubby and I will be in the Bay Area for our anniversary. It happens to fall in the last week of MLB season, and as Texas Rangers fans, we thought we would go to the Rangers vs. the A's game while we are there.
After reading many posts about Oakland over the last few weeks, I have some trepidation. My questions are:
1. Safety around the ball park there? Anything we need to know? (I am only semi-street- smart at best, but my hubby is from south Dallas, so a little more seasoned in certain areas of street knowledge)
2. Should we avoid wearing our Rangers stuff, and/or rooting for our home team? Would this be just asking for trouble?

I am normally not one to buy into the hype about an area or city, but I am hearing the same stories over and over.

Thanks in advance!

[sav858]

I wouldn't worry about the area around the Coliseum, it's dumpy but nothing that dangerous. It's not like there would be any reason to drive around the residential sections anyways. Plus lots of people are in the area when going and leaving the game.

No one will care if you wear Rangers stuff, it's not like it's a Raider game. Not sure why people worry about this, A's games have never been known for bothering fans of the opposing team.

[ccm123]

As an added tip, you could take BART (Oakland Coliseum Station) to and from the game. It's not the best area of Oakland, but during an event, it's not unsafe. Use your common sense and you will be fine.

As an example, I would not cruise around the area before or after the game. Go to the game and then head back out.

[dragontales]

Go to the game and enjoy it, but don't go wandering around because the surrounding area has nothing to offer.

[dalparadise]

Fellow (former) Texan here. Just take BART. There is a dedicated stop for the ballpark, with it's own bridge that allows easy, secure access from the train station. You don't even have to set foot in Oakland. Don't worry about wearing your Rangers gear either. Games on that side of the Bay are pretty tame and sadly, poorly attended. Too bad, considering the high quality of baseball they've been fielding lately.

[Bushrod King]

Originally Posted by dragontales

Go to the game and enjoy it, but don't go wandering around because the surrounding area has nothing to offer.

"Fantastic" Advice!

[jade408]

Originally Posted by dragontales

Go to the game and enjoy it, but don't go wandering around because the surrounding area has nothing to offer.

There are only a handful of things near the O.co Coliseum:
Wingstop, Walmart, In and Out, drive thru Panda Express, a pizza place I am forgetting the name of, Carrows, and Wendy's.

That's all I can think of. So no need to stick around.

But if you happen to drive, then head over to Chop Bar near Jack london Square on your way back to your hotel. Great food, great drinks and friendly service.

[jade408]

Originally Posted by Bushrod King

"Fantastic" Advice!

Meh, I am an Oakland booster, and I happen to agree. Certainly nothing destination.

[Bushrod King]

Originally Posted by jade408

Meh, I am an Oakland booster, and I happen to agree. Certainly nothing destination.

That has been said hundreds of times, and was even said right below answering the question. The troll just felt the need to point that out for the sake of what it does best.

[bigdumbgod]

Originally Posted by jade408

There are only a handful of things near the O.co Coliseum:
Wingstop, Walmart, In and Out, drive thru Panda Express, a pizza place I am forgetting the name of, Carrows, and Wendy's.

That's all I can think of. So no need to stick around.

Best restaurant/sports bar around: Raiders/A's tailgate BBQ