It was just announced today by the Oakland Athletics organization that for 2009, they are replacing the annual Oakland A’s Fan Fest with a new event called Fan Appreciation Workout Day.  The Appreciation Day will take place at the Oakland Coliseum on April 5, 2009.  This is right before the Oakland A’s regular season opener at Angels Stadium.

The biggest difference according to the press release of the FanFest and the Fan Appreciation Workout Day is that the will offer free admission and free parking.  The organization has yet to determine the start time of the event or any further details.

WHEN: Sunday, April 5, 2009
WHERE: Oakland Coliseum
7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland, CA 94621
COST: Free Admission and Free Parking

Here are the events that are scheduled to happen:

• Watch the team go through batting practice and fielding drills
• Photo opportunities
• Autograph signings
• Q&A session
• Behind the scenes tours of the Coliseum
• Fan Appreciation raffles

Again, with the event being so far out, the Oakland Athletics organization have not announced any further details on Fan Appreciation Workout Day.

I’m sure many A’s fans are either shocked or disappointed, but if I had a choice between going to the fanfest or going to this Workout Day, I would choose the workout session in a heartbeat.  A true baseball fan (or any sports fan) will appreciate the routine in which the players go through perhaps before, during, and after a batting practice or fielding session.  Not only do you get this unique opportunity, but you also have all the benefits of a fan fest happening afterwards.  Do not miss this event!