Minutes before the kickoff of the Oakland Roots home opener against the Sacramento Republic at Laney Stadium, the game was called off by league officials due to the condition of the field.
Reports are that during pregame warmups Sacramento Republic players complained about the condition of the portable turf field the team lays over the football field and track at Laney Stadium. In particular, players complained about the sections of the field that covered the track.
The portable field was purchased by the Oakland Roots and used for their first two seasons in NISA after previously being used by the NASL’s Rayo OKC based in Oklahoma City and the New York Cosmos.
Shortly after the team posted a “mia culpa” on social media and in an annoucement over the public announcement system to fans who had already filled the stadium.
“The match has been called off tonight as the field was not approved by the USL and tonight’s match officials.
We must apologize for not being able to play the historic home opener today and celebrate Juneteenth without our fans as we intended. This is very disappointing for all of us at Roots family, and we know it is for all of you.
First, We must apologize to our fans. We promised a historic night and did not deliver.
Second, we apologize to the Sacramento players, staff, and fans. We are excited to kick off our inaugural USL Championship season at Laney College against you. We will work to be better.
Finally, we apologize to the league, our sponsors, and all of our partners who we all know worked so hard to make tonight a historic night in Oakland, and we let you all down.
We will work to be better and take full responsibility for errors in preparation.”
The team announced fans could get a refund or exchange their tickets for a future home game. The team also handed out free drinks and performed musical acts for fans after the game was canceled. New team owner Marshawn Lynch also made an appearance.
The question now is will the field be ready for the Oakland Roots next scheduled home game, Saturday, June 26 against Austin Bold.
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