Rick Cowell, a longtime vendor at Oakland Coliseum, reflects on his 60-year career that began with selling programs during the Raiders' inaugural game. 'When the stadium opened with 50,000 fans, it was magical. My job transformed from selling game programs to keeping the crowd excited with food and drinks. It’s hard to fathom the economic impact of losing franchises; it’s not just the teams leaving, it’s our livelihoods.'
John Arnolfo voiced the frustration felt by many vendors. 'For the younger generation, the loss of the A's and the transition in the sports landscape is more challenging. For those of us who've been around long enough, this seismic shift feels different—we can feel the weight of history leaving. Vendors here haven’t just represented teams; they've been part of the very identity of this community.'
Danielle Downey, who has been with the Coliseum for 24 years, shared her experience. 'Working here has been part of my life. Each game, each customer, created a bond. With the A's leaving, I feel that bond fracturing. The excitement of the fans is what fuels our energy, and it’s difficult to imagine this place without the roar during games. It’s a huge loss for us all.'
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