The Oakland Roots Sports Club announced on Monday, August 12, that the team will play its 2025 USL Championship season in the Oakland Coliseum. The move brings the Roots back to Oakland for the first time since 2022. Work continues towards the interim stadium at the adjacent Malibu Lot with the goal of hosting Oakland Roots and Soul SC for up to 10 seasons starting in 2026.
“We are honored to be able to play our 2025 season in such an iconic venue,” said Oakland Roots SC President, Lindsay Barenz. “We’re proud to ensure pro sports stay at the Coliseum next year.”
Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao said, “The Roots and Soul radiate Oakland pride in the community and every time they step on the pitch. They are a model franchise and the Town’s global ambassadors to the soccer world.” Thao emphasized that “Oakland fans deserve a sports team that is dedicated, energetic and community oriented,” and added that she is “pleased to support the club with the full force of my administration.”
The Coliseum has played host to some of the most memorable sporting events in Oakland history and holds a special bond with the people of Oakland, a tradition that the Roots state they are intent on upholding and continuing. The team is installing a permanent soccer pitch at the venue, eliminating the need for field conversion at the Coliseum to support soccer matches.
Roots SC investors/owners include many sports greats, who expressed their excitement about the team playing at the Coliseum.
“Real Town Biz! When I got the opportunity to come home and play my final seasons in the Coli it was special,” said NFL running back Marshawn Lynch, an Oakland native who is also one of the Roots owners. “I won OAL titles there with Oakland Tech. What that building means to Oakland and the culture is everything. Now we got Roots moving in and we gonna hold it down.”
Another Roots owner, 10-time NBA All-Star and current Mavericks coach Jason Kidd, said he “grew up going to games at the Coliseum and created some of my best memories there. There is a special soul to that place that I felt every time I came in as a visiting player. It is special to me to be a part of a Club that is going to continue the great sporting traditions of the Coliseum.”
Oakland Roots and Soul will continue to work with the City and County towards a modular interim stadium on the Malibu Lot property adjacent to the Coliseum. The work will continue on the stadium with the goal of opening for the 2026 season.
“Oakland Roots SC are building true roots in our city and are committed to our community,” said Oakland Councilmember and Joint Powers Authority Chair, Rebecca Kaplan. “I’m thrilled to support their future in Oakland, as they have shown their commitment to the city since inception. Professional soccer at the Coliseum will continue the great sporting traditions of the venue for Oakland fans in 2025.”
The Roots will host a free event on August 25 at One Toyota of Oakland, 8181 Oakport St., in collaboration with the Housing Consortium of the East Bay (HCEB) to celebrate the future of the Club at both the Coliseum and the adjacent Malibu Lot. The event starts with an East Oakland cleanup from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a celebration from noon to 4 p.m.; RSVP online.
Season Membership Ticket Deposits, starting at $5.10, are now available for the 2025 season at the Coliseum. Fans can also receive discount tickets to a 2024 match of their choice with deposits at $51. Deposits that include 2024 premium seats are available at $510 and season-long suite deposits are available at $5,100. 2024 Season Ticket Members will receive the first right of refusal on all 2025 Oakland Coliseum seating options, first access to select a seat, and early bird discount season ticket pricing.
The Roots and Soul also announced a second Community Investment Round set to open to the public on September 12 at 10 a.m. The Roots and Soul 2023 Community Investment Round set a record for public investment in sports. Funds from this second round will support 2025 season prep including player and staff salaries, operations and installation of a soccer field at the Coliseum. Investment levels range from $100 to $25,000 and more.