A’s Opening Night Tickets Sold Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A’s Opening Night Tickets Sold Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tickets to the Oakland A’s Opening Night game on Monday, March 30 against the Cleveland Indians are sold out, it was announced today.

Individual game tickets for the rest of the homestand remain on sale. Highlights include 2014 A’s Pet Calendars, presented by Central Garden & Pet, on Friday, April 4 (10,000 fans) and Back-to-Back AL West Champs Fleece Blankets on Saturday, April 5, courtesy of Kelly-Moore Paints (15,000 fans). Tickets can be purchased at the O.co Coliseum box office, online at www.athletics.com/tickets and over the phone by calling 877-493-BALL (2255).

Parking will open on Opening Night at noon. Stadium gates open at 5:05 p.m.

Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres - ISC@2014

The Earthquakes are 20-12-5 all-time against New England

Earthquakes Put 21-Game Home-Unbeaten Streak on the Line Against New England on Saturday

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF

The San Jose Earthquakes will put their 21-game home-unbeaten streak in all competitions on the line when they host the Ne England Revolution on Saturday, March 29 at Buck Shaw Stadium. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. PT on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF.

San Jose’s last loss at home came on March 3, 2013 on Opening Day against Real Salt Lake. Since then, the Earthquakes are 14-0-7 with a 30-15 advantage in goals scored.

Victor Bernardez leads the Earthquakes in scoring with his two goals in a 3-3 comeback effort to tie Real Salt Lake on March 15. Shea Salinas had two assists in that game, tops on the team so far this season.

The Earthquakes are 20-12-5 all-time against New England, including a 10-5-3 clip at home. San Jose has won its last three home games against the Revolution and has out-scored them 9-2 at Buck Shaw Stadium since returning to MLS in 2008.

ABOUT NEW ENGLAND: The New England Revolution (0-2-1, 1 pt.) enter the week looking for their first win of the season. They were among the surprise teams one year ago, finishing the season in third-place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points from a 14-11-9 record. Portuguese center back Jose Goncalves, the 2013 MLS Defender of the Year, is back in the fold along with a host of attack-minded talent. The midfield features a trio of creative players in Diego Fagundez, Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe. Among the options up top are former United States Men’s National Team forward Charlie Davies and Teal Bunbury. 

Earthquakes Loan Forward Mike Fucito to USL-PRO Affiliate Sacramento Republic FC

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has loaned forward Mike Fucito to USL-PRO affiliate Sacramento Republic FC.

Fucito, 27, joined the Earthquakes on Jan. 17, 2013 in a trade with the Portland Timbers for San Jose’s second-round pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. He made seven appearances for the Quakes last season before a suffering season-ending right ankle fracture in late May. Fucito is a six-year MLS veteran out of Harvard with three goals and two assists in 43 appearances during his professional career.

Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – San Jose Earthquakes loan F Mike Fucito to USL-PRO affiliate Sacramento Republic FC.

Earthquakes Topping Out Ceremony on Friday. Hundreds of fans have signed the final beam, which will be available for b-roll shots prior to placement starting at 10:30 a.m. The Topping Out Ceremony was originally slated for Thursday, March 27, but was moved one day due to weather forecasts.

Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres - ISC@2014

The two-time defending American League West-champion Oakland Athletics open the 2014 regular season on Monday, March 31

News and Happenings for A’s Opening Night and Upcoming Season

World Series anniversaries, unique giveaways, new concessionaire highlight 2014 campaign

The two-time defending American League West-champion Oakland Athletics open the 2014 regular season on Monday, March 31, at 7:05 p.m. at the O.co Coliseum, with a 7:05 p.m. tilt against the Cleveland Indians. Monday’s game opens the A’s 81-game home schedule, which will feature a pair of World Series anniversary celebrations, jersey, bobblehead and gnome giveaways, and exciting weekly promotions like Chevy Free Parking Tuesdays and XFINITY Friday Family Packs, which are available for every Friday home game.

A’s Opening Night Timeline

   12:00 p.m.        Parking Lot Opens                                                        6:50 p.m.        Unveiling of AL West Division Champions Logo

     5:05 p.m.        Ballpark Opens                                                              6:52 p.m.        Color Guard — Navy Color Guard from Travis Air Force Base

     5:20 p.m.        Oakland A’s Batting Practice Ends                              6:53 p.m.        National Anthem — Lindsey Pavao from “The Voice”

     6:10 p.m.        Cleveland Indians Batting Practice Ends                    6:58 p.m.        Ceremonial First Pitch — Rickey Henderson

    6:35 p.m.        Welcome to the O.co Coliseum                                    7:02 p.m.        Umpires and Managers Meeting at Home Plate

     6:39 p.m.        Cleveland Indians Introductions                                 7:05 p.m.        A’s Take the Field

     6:44 p.m.        Oakland A’s Introductions                                            7:07 p.m.        Play Ball    

BAY BRIDGE SERIES:  Beginning tonight, the A’s and San Francisco Giants continue the tradition of the Bay Bridge Series. These three exhibition games will take place Thursday, March 27 at AT&T Park (7:15 p.m.), Friday, March 28 at AT&T Park (7:15 p.m.), and Saturday, March 29 at the O.co Coliseum (1:05 p.m.). All three games will be broadcast on the A’s Radio Network, while Friday’s game will be telecast on Comcast SportsNet California.

A’s OPENING NIGHT:  The A’s will ring in the new season with a pair of fan giveaways. At Monday’s game, 32,000 fans will receive a gold A’s rally towel, presented by NetSuite. In addition, the A’s will be giving away 32,000 magnetic schedules presented by Comcast SportsNet California.

Also, the A’s will honor their fans and the military, as well as honor an all-time great, prior to Monday’s game. The Navy Color Guard from nearby Travis Air Force Base will present the colors, a group of season tickets holders will unfurl a large American flag, and iconic outfielder, all-time MLB stolen base leader, and Hall of Fame member Rickey Henderson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch.

FIRST HOMESTAND:  On Friday, April 4, 10,000 fans will receive a 2014 A’s pet calendar—featuring A’s players with their favorite pooches—presented by Central Garden & Pet. April 4 is also #NERDPOWER Night, when fans with special tickets will receive a limited edition Eric Sogard #NERDPOWER t-shirt and a pair of plastic glasses. On Saturday, April 5, 15,000 fans will receive a Back-to-Back AL West Champs Fleece Blanket, presented by Kelly-Moore Paints. The homestand concludes Sunday, April 6, when 7,500 kids will receive an A’s ripcord bracelet presented by Chevrolet. 

Promotions and Special Events

1974 WORLD SERIES CELEBRATION:  The A’s will celebrate the 40^th anniversary of the 1974 World Series Championship Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31 vs. the Los Angeles Angels. The celebration will feature an autograph session on Friday night, a meet-and-greet with members of the ’74 team on Saturday, and an on-field recognition prior to Saturday’s game. In addition, 15,000 fans will receive a Catfish Hunter bobblehead, presented by State Farm, on Saturday, May 31. Proceeds from the weekend’s autograph signing and meet-and-greet will benefit the ALS Association Jim “Catfish” Hunter Chapter.

1989 WORLD SERIES CELEBRATION:  The 25^th anniversary of the A’s 1989 World Series title will be commemorated Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, vs. Baltimore. Similar to the ’74 celebration, the weekend will feature an autograph session at Friday’s game, a meet-and-greet on Saturday, and an on-field recognition prior to Saturday’s game. At the game on Saturday, 15,000 fans will receive a 1989 Throwback T-shirt, presented by Tribune Tavern and Lungomare. Proceeds from the weekend’s events will benefit the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, a charity supported by ’89 World Series champion Dave Henderson.

GIVEAWAYS: The A’s have a number of giveaway items on tap for the 2014 promotional schedule, including a Josh Donaldson diorama bobblehead presented by Comerica Bank (April 19), Chip and Chili Platter presented by ROSS Dress for Less (June 1), A’s elephant batting practice cap presented by Cache Creek Casino Resort (May 26), the first ever Coco Crisp garden gnome presented by Grant Thornton LLP (June 22), and a Coco Crisp replica jersey presented by Cache Creek Casino Resort (Sept. 1), among other unique items.

POST-GAME ENTERTAINMENT:  Six post-game fireworks shows are scheduled for the 2014 season and fans in attendance will have the opportunity to enjoy the show from the field (on-field capacity is limited). They are: May 10 vs. Washington (presented by XFINITY), June 13 vs. New York Yankees (presented by Chevrolet), July 3 vs. Toronto (patriotic theme, presented by GovX), Aug. 1 vs. Kansas City (on Italian Heritage Night), Aug. 23 vs. Los Angeles Angels (presented by Chevron) and Sept. 19 vs. Philadelphia (Star Wars® theme, presented by State Farm).

 Ticket Specials

CHEVY FREE PARKING TUESDAYS:  As a part of Chevy Free Parking Tuesdays, the A’s will offer free parking to all fans, in addition to a special online ticket offer, for most Tuesday home games (excludes premium games and dual Oracle Arena events). Plaza Reserved tickets are available for just $4 at www.athletics.com/tuesdays using the coupon code ‘CHEVY.’ Tickets are limited to 500 per game and are available while supplies last.

PATELCO THROWBACK THURSDAYS:  Fans attending Patelco Credit Union Throwback Thursdays at the A’s will enjoy nostalgic baseball entertainment, and 5,000 fans will receive a scorecard and commemorative button—a different one each game—depicting a historical Athletics figure. In addition, fans can purchase Plaza Level tickets at a discounted rate on these seven select game dates.

XFINITY FRIDAY FAMILY PACK:  Every Friday during the regular season, fans can purchase four Plaza Level tickets and four meals (Coliseum hot dog, medium drink and bag of peanuts) for just $50 ($150 value).

CSNCA AUTHENTIC FAN FRIDAY:  Every Friday home game during the regular season, Comcast SportsNet California (CSNCA) will host Authentic Fan Friday in the Value Deck of O.co Coliseum. Located in Sections 316-318, CSNCA Value Deck tickets include a Jumbo Ticket added-value of $6 within the ticket barcode redeemable throughout the ballpark for merchandise or concessions. Fans sitting in this Authentic Fan Friday section will receive a CSNCA prize pack, which includes an "Authentic Fan" exclusive giveaway and cheer card, and will be featured on the TV broadcast.

DYNAMIC DEALS:  Throughout the 2014 season, the A's will offer Dynamic Deals on tickets, the best ticket discounts direct from the A's. Dynamic Deal ticket pricing can change at any time. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets early to get the best deal. Deals are found online at www.athletics.com/dynamicdeals.

PASSBOOK TICKET DELIVERY:  Fans who purchase A’s tickets online can now store their game tickets in Apple Passbook by selecting the Tickets at Home + Passbook delivery option. This free delivery allows fans to receive their tickets via email, print their tickets at home, or add the tickets to Passbook. Upon entry to O.co Coliseum, tickets can be scanned on the mobile phone.

KIDS, SENIORS, AND ACTIVE MILITARY DISCOUNTS:  Kids (14 and under), seniors (60 and over), and active military can purchase tickets at a discount of $8 off in the Plaza Level for all non-premium games.

TICKET INFORMATION:  Tickets for A’s home games can be purchased at all usual ticket outlets, including the O.co Coliseum Box Office, online at www.athletics.com/tickets, or over the phone by calling 877-493-BALL (2255). Ticket plans, group tickets (including all fundraising options) and private suites can be purchased by calling 510-638-GoA’s (4627).

 What’s New with the A’s

NEW FOOD AT O.CO COLISEUM:  Ovations Food Services, the A’s new food and beverage concessions provider, will introduce its “Everything Fresh” program to A’s fans this season. Ovations features a special focus on using locally-sourced ingredients and a rotating seasonal menu. Menu options for this season will include various specialty hotdog and nacho offerings; Polynesian-style bowls; chef’s wraps; and salads of the day. Brick-oven pizza and over 20 different micro- and craft-brews will also be available in the Bar & Grill.

“SALUTE TO SERVICE” SUNDAYS: Every Sunday, veterans, active duty and first responder personnel can purchase tickets at a discounted rate, courtesy of GovX. They will receive $7 off plaza level tickets and $5 off plaza reserved tickets at all 13 Sunday home games in the 2014 season. More information can be found at athletics.com/military. 

MOBILE PHONE CHARGING STATIONS: The Athletics will be providing mobile phone charging stations at all home games this season. The stations will be located inside the Budweiser Bowtie Bar (behind Section 129) and the Bar & Grille (sections 212-216).

MLB.com “AT THE BALLPARK” APP:  Seating upgrades, unique ballpark experiences, plus information on ballpark amenities, social media, closed captioning and more, will be available through the MLB.com “At the Ballpark” mobile application. Fans can download the app by visiting the “mobile” tab at athletics.com.

METAL DETECTORS AT ALL GATES FOR ALL GAMES:  All fans will be required to pass through metal detectors upon entry at all gates during every game this season. Fans are encouraged to arrive to home games a few minutes earlier than they have previously, especially for premium games such as Opening Night, fireworks games, and special events.

 Fotos: Luis Alberto Torres -ISC@2013

Earthquakes Sign General Manager John Doyle to Contract Extension

The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the club has signed general manager John Doyle to a contract extension. Per team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.

 “We are proud to sign John to a long-term agreement as the head of our soccer operations,” said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval. “John’s dedication to the club is second to nobody. He has been a key leader within the organization as we continue to move forward into a new era of Earthquakes soccer.”

Doyle, 48, recently started his seventh season as general manager of the Earthquakes, following a season in which the Quakes equaled the third highest point total in team history. He successfully signed Mark Watson as the club’s permanent head coach, after Watson led San Jose to the best record in MLS over the final three months of 2013 as the interim head coach. In the offseason, Doyle added Ligue 1 veteran Jean-Baptiste Pierazzi, defenders Brandon Barklage and Shaun Francis and Portuguese star Yannick Djalo, while retaining the core of the team from the past two seasons.

“First of all, I want to thank the Earthquakes ownership group and Dave Kaval,” said Doyle. “There is a lot of excitement around the club right now, both on the field and with our new stadium getting closer every day. We have an excellent coaching staff and a good group of players, so I am looking forward to a great season.”

Doyle, who is the only person to be a part of the club since its inception in 1995, has helped lead the Quakes to the best regular season record in MLS over the past two seasons, including a record-setting Supporters’ Shield campaign in 2012. The Quakes finished with a club record 66 points and a 19-6-9 record, while finishing with 72 goals. That team was led by a group of players acquired by Doyle through trade and discovery signings, including Honduran national teamers Victor Bernardez and Marvin Chavez and Tottenham Hotspur professional Simon Dawkins, coupled with timely roster moves from the previous three seasons. Chris Wondolowski, Steven Lenhart and Alan Gordon each had career years in 2012 after joining the Earthquakes through separate trades in 2009 and 2011, respectively.  

Under Doyle the Quakes also reached the conference final in 2010 after upsetting the New York Red Bulls in the Eastern Conference semifinals. His 2009 trade for Wondolowski bore fruit, as the Danville native won the Budweiser MLS Golden Boot that season with 18 goals. Doyle also signed the team’s first designated player in 2010, Brazilian forward Geovanni, who arrived in San Jose from the English Premier League.

FOTOS: LUIS ALBERTO TORRES ISC@2014

 The Fremont, Calif. native spent five illustrious seasons as the captain of the Clash/Earthquakes and until 2003 held the team records for games played (132) and minutes played (11,385).  A two-time MLS All-Star (1996, 1997), Doyle scored 11 goals and dished out 15 assists in his career. He was the 1996 MLS Defender of the Year and named to the League’s Best XI that year.

Following his retirement at the end of the 2000 season, Doyle served as the television analyst from 2001-03. He was then hired on Jan. 22, 2004, as the assistant coach for Dominic Kinnear. With Doyle as the assistant coach, the Quakes made two consecutive playoff appearances and in 2005 won the Supporters’ Shield. The 2005 team became just the second team in league history to record over 60 points. In 2005, Doyle was the inaugural member of the San Jose Earthquakes Hall of Fame.

KARIM MAYFIELD ARRIVES IN ATLANTIC CITY FOR DULORME SHOWDOWN

KARIM "HARD HITTA' MAYFIELD KARIM MAYFIELD ARRIVES IN ATLANTIC CITY FOR DULORME SHOWDOWN      Mayfield vs. Dulorme, 10-round bout for the NABF Super Lightweight title, will take place in Atlantic City, New Jersey Saturday, March 29 on the undercard of Sergey Kovalev (23-0-1, 21 KOs) vs. Cedric Agnew (26-0, 13 KOs). Both fights will be televised live on HBO Boxing After Dark® beginning at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

Clarence Goodson and Chris Wondolowski were called to United States Men’s National Team

Earthquakes Stars Goodson, Wondolowski Called to United States Men’s National Team Camp

San Jose Earthquakes stars Clarence Goodson and Chris Wondolowski were called to United States Men’s National Team duty by head coach Jurgen Klinsmann on Wednesday as the Americans prepare to take on Mexico in a 2014 FIFA World Cup tune-up.

 

The USA faces Mexico on Wednesday, April 2 at University of Phoenix Stadium (8 p.m. PT / ESPN, WatchESPN, Unimas) in their final match before convening for World Cup camp in May. San Jose’s duo will be available for the club’s match against the New England Revolution on Saturday, March 29 (7:30 p.m. PT / Comcast SportsNet California) before departing for camp the following day.

 

“Everyone knows the clock is ticking,” said Klinsmann. “This is a huge opportunity for our players to show where they are at and to make their case. We expect them to give a really strong performance against a Mexican team that is now basically coming back on track. They need to prove now that they badly want to go to Brazil.” 

 

Goodson, 31, has 45 caps with the U.S. His most recent appearance came in a 2-0 win against South Korea at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Feb. 1, 2014. After signing with the Earthquakes in June of 2013, Goodson made nine starts for a backline that yielded just two goals during the final two months of the season. He made his 2014 debut over the weekend, playing 90 minutes at center back in San Jose’s 1-0 road loss against Sporting Kansas City.

 

Wondolowski, 31, has eight goals in 18 caps with the U.S. He scored both of the Americans’ goals in a 2-0 win against South Korea on Feb. 1, 2014 at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. He also scored six goals during a month-long stretch in July of 2013, five of which came during the CONCACAF Gold Cup to earn Wondolowski a share of the tournament’s Golden Boot with teammate Landon Donovan and Panama’s Gabriel Torres. He has one goal in two MLS matches so far this season, a fifth-minute strike against Real Salt Lake on March 15 at Buck Shaw Stadium.

 

More than 47,000 tickets have been sold for the clash of the regional rivals. Tickets are available through ussoccer.com, by phone at 1-800-745-3000 and at all Ticketmaster ticket centers throughout the Phoenix area (including Fry’s Marketplace), as well as the University of Phoenix Stadium ticket office (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT).

 

U.S. ROSTER BY POSITION

 

Goalkeepers (3): Bill Hamid (D.C. United), Sean Johnson (Chicago Fire), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake).

 

Defenders (8): DaMarcus Beasley (Puebla), Matt Besler (Sporting Kansas City), Brad Evans (Seattle Sounders FC), Omar Gonzalez (LA Galaxy), Clarence Goodson (San Jose Earthquakes), Michael Orozco (Puebla), Michael Parkhurst (Columbus Crew), DeAndre Yedlin (Seattle Sounders FC).

 

Midfielders (7): Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Michael Bradley (Toronto FC), Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy), Maurice Edu (Philadelphia Union), Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City).

 

Forwards (4): Clint Dempsey (Seattle Sounders FC), Julian Green (Bayern Munich), Eddie Johnson (D.C. United), Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes).

 

Bruno Escalante will be honored for his astonishing 2013 boxing accomplishments,

IBA SUPER FLYWEIGHT CHAMPION BRUNO ESCALANTE PHILIPPINE SAC AWARD RECIPIENT

Photo Credit Cliff Jeans CEBU, PHILIPPINES -- Tonight in Cebu, Philippines at the at SAC Awards (Sportswriters Association of Cebu) being held at the Ayala Activity Center, Bruno Escalante will be honored for his astonishing 2013 boxing accomplishments, where he went 5-0 and captured the IBA super-flyweight world title.  The SAC Awards honor the best athletes born in Cebu. Veteran sportswriter Quinito Henson will be the guest of honor.   "I'm very grateful to be recognized by the SAC panel for my recent success in boxing last year," said Escalante. "The people of Cebu are very close to my heart as I still have a lot of family there. Cebu will always be on my mind each and every time I step in the ring.  I pray for continued success in boxing.  It's a blessing to be receiving this award.  I want to thank my team and everyone who's been supporting me on my journey to be the best fighter in my division."     Fotos Luis Alberto Torres - ISC@2014