Oakland Arena and Coliseum Operator to Lay Off 1,600 Workers

Legends Global plans to lay off its entire workforce at the Oakland venues when its management contract ends on December 31. A state notice lists more than 1,600 affected employees, including stagehands, guest services staff, food and beverage workers, security guards and janitors. The company has managed the complex since 2012.

The layoffs come as Oakland and Alameda County move toward separate sales of the properties. Oakland Acquisition Company is pursuing the Coliseum, while Oak View Group will spend no less than $100 million to purchase the arena. The city and county currently own both venues.

Ray Bobbitt, a spokesperson for Oakland Acquisition Company, said Oak View Group intends to bring back unionized employees. However, workers will need to apply again for their jobs. Susan Cronin, an investor in the acquisition company, also said the plan is to rehire them.

The arena has concerts and other events scheduled for 2027, including Monster Jam and Calvin Harris dates. The Coliseum has no events booked for that year. The Athletics left after the 2024 season, and the Oakland Roots soccer team recently played its final game there.

Oakland is set to receive $125 million from the sale and Alameda County $115 million. The county must also resolve a stalled 2019 Coliseum sale agreement with the Athletics. Plans call for the Coliseum to eventually be demolished for a mixed-use development.