Piedmont Lane is a store with a collection of home goods. It offers a vast selection of original art, furniture, antiques, jewelry and more. For art lovers, it has a gallery on the second floor. The shop is in two historic homes with a vintage appeal.
As the last multi-purpose stadium in North America to serve as a full-time home to both an MLB team (Oakland Athletics) and an NFL team (Oakland Raiders), the O.co Coliseum has certainly seen better days. It may not be the prettiest girl at the ball or have some of the creature comforts that teams with newer stadiums love to brag about, but the passion of the fans creates a fevered environment that makes the trivial concerns of aesthetics fade away. Located roughly five miles from the heart of downtown Oakland, the stadium also hosts other sporting events such as supercross, soccer, and others.
Parking at O.co Coliseum
Exiting the main parking lot after a packed game can sometimes take a little time, but parking is a breeze for the most part. There are also a few third-party lots around the stadium, but they aren't always open and the fees vary. If you want to save your money, there are plenty of places to park around the stadium, such as the Amtrak lot that connects to the BART ramp or on San Leandro Street, but remember to stash your valuables out of sight.
Hotels near O.co Coliseum
There are plenty of hotels located within a mile of the Coliseum, with many just a short walk away. There's also hotels closer to the airport if that's what you prefer. The Hilton and Red Lion Hotel have good reviews and won't break your wallet.
Seating at O.co Coliseum
There's a good chance you may have heard of the diehards that occupy the left and right field bleachers for A's games, and at any given game you're guaranteed to witness their antics and rituals. At their standard price of $13, the general admission tickets in the bleachers offer a great value and the freedom to choose your own seat. If you're going to a Raiders game and you're feeling brave, head down to the infamous Black Hole section. Just be warned, this section is home to some unruly fans, and is definitely not for the weak at heart.
Food at O.co Coliseum
If you're looking for something more than your standard hot dog, the best place to get food (or a drink) is the West Side Club. The brick oven pizza is a tasty and filling option, with prices rivaling those of many pizza joints you'll find in the Bay Area. A sit-down restaurant features a revolving menu depending on the opponent in town. For example, fans can expect to see fish and chips when Seattle, a city known for its seafood cuisine, rolls into town.
Beer at O.co Coliseum
Beer prices start at $5 for a 12 oz. and range to as high as $12.25 for a 24 oz. can. The standard mainstream domestic and imports are available, as well as plenty of craft beers. Prices vary depending on the beer. For the shortest lines go to one of the smaller beer stands off to the side. The bigger concession stands serve other items and will draw more patrons.
Parking alternatives at O.co Coliseum
The stadium is easily accessible via BART. Just take a train to the Coliseum Station and walk across the ramp to the stadium. Depending on the day and the game, driving to the stadium can either be a real breeze or a big hassle. Bigger games and giveaways mean bigger crowds, so if you're not a patient driver it might be best to take BART on those days.
What to bring to O.co Coliseum
The Coliseum is known for its dedicated denizens who wave flags and bang drums, so feel free to bring whatever noisemakers and gear you think will add to the atmosphere.
Insider tip for O.co Coliseum
"The Wave" might be silly sports tradition loved by many, but there is a large contingent of Oakland fans who wish to see it banished from ballparks forever and are not afraid to voice their displeasure upon its appearance. Start it at your own risk.
Author's bio: Dennis Biles is a freelance journalist who was born and raised in the Bay Area. When he's not writing he can often be found losing his mind at Oakland A's games in the Right Field Bleachers.