For concert-goers and live music enthusiasts, the right venue can elevate a great performance into an unforgettable experience. If you're in the San Francisco Bay Area, Oakland Arena stands out as a premier entertainment destination. With its impressive acoustics, spacious layout, and decades of hosting world-class performers, this iconic venue has earned its reputation as one of California's most beloved concert and event spaces.
Oakland Arena isn't just another concert hall, it's a cornerstone of Bay Area entertainment history. The venue showcases an incredible diversity of artists spanning every genre imaginable, from chart-topping pop stars and legendary rock bands to hip-hop icons and electronic music pioneers. Whether you're a local resident or visiting California for the first time, experiencing a live event at Oakland Arena should absolutely be on your bucket list.
Oakland Arena History and Events
Since opening its doors in 1966, Oakland Arena has established itself as one of the most versatile entertainment venues on the West Coast. The arena famously served as home to the NBA's Golden State Warriors for over four decades before they moved to the Chase Center in 2019. Beyond basketball, the venue has hosted NHL hockey games, thrilling rodeo competitions, professional wrestling events, and championship boxing matches.
The concert roster reads like a who's who of music royalty. Legendary performers including U2, Beyonc©, Metallica, Prince, and the Rolling Stones have all graced this stage, creating magical moments for Bay Area audiences. More recently, the arena has expanded its offerings to include esports tournaments, Cirque du Soleil productions, comedy shows, and family-friendly entertainment. The moment you step inside, you can feel the energy and history that makes Oakland Arena truly special.
Oakland Arena Capacity
Oakland Arena boasts an impressive maximum capacity of 19,596 attendees for basketball and other sporting events, making it one of the larger venues in the Bay Area. The seating configuration is flexible and adjusts based on the type of event, with concert setups typically accommodating between 12,000 and 19,000 fans depending on the stage placement and production requirements. This spacious design ensures excellent sightlines from virtually every seat in the house, while still maintaining an intimate atmosphere that brings fans closer to the action than many newer arenas.
Oakland Arena Concert Capacity
For concert performances, Oakland Arena's capacity typically ranges from 13,000 to 19,000 depending on the stage configuration and production setup. End-stage concerts usually accommodate around 13,000-15,000 fans, while center-stage or in-the-round productions can reach near-maximum capacity. The venue has hosted some of the biggest names in music history, including Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Bad Bunny. The arena's design creates an electric atmosphere where even fans in the upper levels feel connected to the performance, making every concert an immersive experience regardless of where you're seated.
Oakland Arena Tickets
Ready to secure your spot at an upcoming Oakland Arena event? Purchasing tickets is straightforward through several trusted platforms. The official Oakland Arena website partners with Ticketmaster for primary ticket sales, while secondary marketplaces like SeatGeek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats offer additional options and often feature interactive seat maps that help you visualize your view before buying. These platforms provide everything from budget-friendly upper-level seats to premium floor sections and VIP packages. For the best selection and prices, consider buying tickets as soon as they go on sale, especially for high-demand artists and events.
Hotels Near Oakland Arena
- Hilton Oakland Airport – Just minutes from the arena, this hotel offers comfortable accommodations, a complimentary airport shuttle, an on-site restaurant, and easy freeway access to the venue.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oakland Airport – A budget-friendly choice offering complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and a prime location for arena-goers looking for value and convenience.
- Parking Near Oakland Arena
Oakland Arena offers ample parking options with multiple lots surrounding the venue. Official arena parking typically costs between $30-$50 depending on the event, with convenient access directly to the entrances. Several off-site lots operated by private companies offer more affordable rates, usually ranging from $20-$35, though they may require a short walk. For the best spots and to avoid last-minute stress, plan to arrive at least 60-90 minutes before event start time, especially for sold-out shows. Prepaid parking passes are often available online and can save you time and money while guaranteeing your spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to get to Oakland Arena?
Driving via I-880 is typically the most direct route, with clearly marked exits for the Coliseum complex. From San Francisco, take the Bay Bridge to I-880 South. From the South Bay, take I-880 North. Real-time navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze can help you avoid traffic and find the quickest route based on current conditions.
Is there mass transit to Oakland Arena?
Absolutely! The Coliseum BART Station is located directly adjacent to Oakland Arena, making public transportation incredibly convenient. The station serves multiple BART lines connecting to San Francisco, Berkeley, Fremont, and other Bay Area cities. AC Transit buses also service the area, providing additional transit options for attendees coming from throughout the East Bay.
What is the Oakland Arena address?
Oakland Arena is located at 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621. The venue sits within the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum complex, easily accessible from major Bay Area freeways and just minutes from Oakland International Airport.
What is the Oakland Arena bag policy?
Oakland Arena enforces a clear bag policy for security purposes. Small clutch bags (approximately 4.5″ x 6.5″ or smaller), clear plastic bags, and one-gallon clear resealable bags are permitted. Backpacks, large purses, and oversized bags are prohibited. Empty, soft-sided water bottles and small personal items are allowed. To avoid delays at security checkpoints, review the complete Oakland Arena bag policy before attending your event and plan accordingly.