bjarke ingels group shares plans for oakland A's massive stadium complex

bjarke ingels group and the oakland A’s have revealed imagery for a massive stadium complex sited at downtown oakland’s howard terminal waterfront. the development also involves the transformation of the current oakland coliseum and oracle arena — located nearly six miles southeast of howard terminal — into a tech and housing hub. president dave kaval of the major league california baseball team affirms that control of both the coliseum site and the howard terminal waterfront site is essential to achieve the envisioned ‘one hundred percent privately built ballpark.’

oakland athletics ballpark at howard terminal | all images courtesy of bjarke ingels group

in the design of the proposed howard terminal stadium, bjarke ingels group took influence from the traditional diamond park typology — namely philadelphia’s shibe park, once home to the athletics franchise. the plan includes a series of high-rises, up to 20 stories, which surround the park and in some cases directly overlook the playing field. while the ballpark is not open to the waterfront due to high wind levels, BIG integrates a ribbon of green space on the stadium’s accessible roof.

oakland athletics ballpark at howard terminal

meanwhile, the existing oakland coliseum is projected to be reduced to a low-rise amphitheater amidst a rolling, grassy landscape. along the perimeter of the site will be small groups of such developments as an affordable housing complex, shopping strip, tech hub, and sports complex. the adjacent arena will be maintained as it currently stands to continue hosting concerts and live shows. the plan for the coliseum site development prioritizes the community and will serve as a public amenity.

oakland athletics ballpark at howard terminal

bjarke ingels elaborates on the howard terminal proposal: ‘our design for the A’s new home at the heart of oaklands revitalized waterfront seeks to return the game to its roots as the natural meeting place for the local community. an elevated tree-lined promenade frames the ballpark on all sides, dipping down to meet the public square and open the field to the water and city views. the perimeter park connects a cascade of social spaces for the fans to enjoy the sport on game days and extends the urban fabric with a neighborhood park to be enjoyed all 365 days a year. in other words -– we are bringing the ‘park’ back in ‘ballpark’.’

oakland athletics ballpark at howard terminal