Today marks the 50th anniversary of the A's inaugural game at the Oakland Coliseum, and the team will celebrate by hosting a free-admission game vs. the White Sox.
The event is thought to be the first of its kind at the Major League level. Every seat in the house is expected to be filled.
"We were really just looking to do something special on the actual anniversary date, and it's really a gift to the community, a gift to our fan base to say thank you for 50 amazing years," A's Chief Operating Officer Chris Giles said in September. "We're really excited. It'll be a fun day."
Lew Krausse, who was the A's starting pitcher for their first game in Oakland on April 17, 1968, will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Both the A's and White Sox will wear throwback '68 jerseys.
Tickets for the 7:05 p.m. PT contest have already been distributed. Seating is general admission on a first-come, first-served basis, and the first 35,000 fans will receive a 50th anniversary tote bag. Gates will open at 3:30 p.m. for season-ticket holders and 4:30 p.m. for all fans. Sections 105-128 will be reserved for Season Ticket Members and their guests; these sections will be held for such fans until first pitch, but are then open to other fans if not entirely filled.
The club is asking for fans to refrain from reserving seats for others arriving late to the game.
Coliseum parking will be free and open at noon, though fans are encouraged to utilize public transportation to travel to the stadium; Capitol Corridor is offering a late-service train that will leave the ballpark at 10:30 p.m. PT.
A 1968 Oakland T-shirt as well as a limited number of authentic throwback '68 jerseys and caps will be on sale at the Coliseum Team Stores.
All concession stands in the stadium will be open, though some may be operating cash only.