Fundraising Raffle Is Latest Attempt To Save Oakland Sports
OAKLAND (CBS SF) - The movement aimed at keeping all of Oakland's three major professional sports teams in town is now using raffles and other fundraisers more commonly associated with youth leagues to raise money for new stadiums.
Save Oakland Sports sent out an email invitation to a Ricky's Sports Theatre and Grill in San Leandro for the "First Annual 'Stadium Aid' fundraising drive, mixer and fan celebration this Thursday from 6-10 p.m."
Backed by mayor Jean Quan, SOS is an organization dedicated to keeping the Golden State Warriors, Oakland Raiders and Oakland Athletics from leaving the city. The Warriors have announced intention to cross the bay to San Francisco, the A's have been working for years relocate to the South Bay and the Raiders have been the subject of Los Angeles-area relocation rumors.
SOS said a "raffle and/or silent auction" will be held at Thursday's event, which is billed as "the first in a series of events to raise funds to help support or contribute to new stadiums for Oakland's professional sports teams."
The organization is suggesting a $10 donation for those who attend. They will also be selling a new batch of T-shirts to raise money for the stadium fund.
Several former Raiders will be in attendance, as will local lawmakers and journalists.
Mayor Quan and Save Oakland Sports kicked off "Oakland Loves Its Sports Teams Week" Monday, with a rally before the Raiders-Chargers Monday Night Football game.
"Sometimes the fans are really caught between wanting to support the A's [with] how hot they are right now, and still wanting the team ownership to respect the city more. If you're going to come to any game at all this year for the Raiders or the A's, were asking you to come to these two games: Monday Night Football September 10th and the fireworks game on September 14th," Quan said Monday.
Oakland is also looking at getting private investors to renovate the antiquated Coliseum and turn it into a sports-entertainment complex. Officials said that would energize the fan base which is one way to line up political and business support.
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