Oakland Roots Sports Club has officially announced that Pioneer Stadium at California State University, East Bay will serve as their home venue for the 2024 season. This decision allows the club to fully concentrate its efforts on the development of its own dedicated soccer stadium at the Malibu Lot in East Oakland, with the highly anticipated opening slated for the 2025 season. Discussions regarding the construction of the soccer-specific stadium at the Malibu Lot are scheduled for the City Council’s Community and Economic Development meeting on Tuesday, September 12th, before progressing to a full City Council vote.
Pioneer Stadium at California State University, East Bay, the home venue for Oakland Roots SC for the 2024 USL Championship season. The stadium offers a family-friendly environment and has hosted large crowds in the past.
The necessity for a confirmed venue for the 2024 USL Championship season home dates prompted the decision. California State University, East Bay and Pioneer Stadium emerged as the only immediate and practical solution, providing the required availability and infrastructure. Pioneer Stadium has previously proven to be a successful location for Oakland Roots, having hosted some of the club’s largest attendances. The venue is recognized for its accessible, family-oriented atmosphere and appealing setting, contributing to memorable fan experiences. Notably, a doubleheader event featuring both Oakland Roots and Soul teams at Pioneer Stadium set a new club attendance record, underscoring the venue’s popularity and suitability.
Oakland Roots fans filling Pioneer Stadium during a doubleheader event. Pioneer Stadium has proven to be a popular and accessible venue for Oakland Roots supporters.
Club President Lindsay Barenz emphasized the significance of the decision, stating, “California State University, East Bay has been exceptionally accommodating in offering Pioneer Stadium to Oakland Roots. We evaluated various venue options within Oakland for the interim period before our stadium opens, but each presented considerable uncertainties and potential disruptions for our fanbase. Ultimately, we concluded that prioritizing the completion of our own venue at the Malibu Lot for 2025 is paramount.” The club’s exploration of alternative venues for the 2024 season included the C Lot at the Coliseum complex and a potential return to Laney College. Despite active discussions with Laney College to resolve field-related challenges, a timely and feasible solution could not be reached for the upcoming season. While the C Lot at the Coliseum was considered as a short-term option, the resources and time investment required for a single-season setup were deemed detrimental to the club’s primary objective of establishing a long-term, ten-year stadium agreement at the adjacent Malibu Lot by 2025.
“We extend our gratitude to the City, County, and Coliseum Joint Powers Authority for their collaborative efforts in considering the C Lot and for their partnership in the broader vision of bringing a professional soccer stadium for Oakland Roots and Soul to East Oakland. Our discussions have provided valuable insights into operations and schedule coordination within the Coliseum area, which will be directly applicable to ensuring the success of the Interim Stadium at Malibu,” added Lindsay Barenz. Oakland Roots SC is actively pursuing an Exclusive Negotiating Arrangement (ENA) with the City of Oakland and the County of Alameda for a lease on the Malibu Lot, with discussions scheduled for September 12th. Authorization of the ENA by both the City Council and the County Board of Supervisors is anticipated, paving the way for Oakland Roots, Soul, and Project 51O to secure a permanent home in Oakland. The vision for the Malibu Lot is to establish a dedicated soccer stadium at a renowned sports location for the next decade.
A wide view of Pioneer Stadium at California State University, East Bay, highlighting its setting and facilities as the temporary home for Oakland Roots in 2024.
With the 2024 venue secured at Pioneer Stadium, Oakland Roots Members will soon receive updates regarding 2024 Membership renewals. New fans interested in becoming Members for the 2024 season can place a deposit starting on September 23rd at 10 AM PT. Importantly, fans holding a 2024 Membership will be granted priority access to secure seats in the Malibu Lot Stadium for the 2025 season before new memberships are offered to the general public, highlighting the long-term benefits of supporting Oakland Roots at Pioneer Stadium in 2024.
