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Huge possum living in walls of Oakland Coliseum causes chaos forcing broadcasters to change booths

SportsNet New York broadcasters Gary Cohen and Ron Darling were forced to move out of the designated broadcast booth due to the possum problem

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA: Aside from their on-field struggles, athletes are facing some "stinky" issues inside the often unused Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. The stadium became a concern after announcers from visiting teams were left unable to use the visiting broadcast booth because of a possum living inside the walls.

During the series opener between the Mets and A’s on Friday, April 14, SportsNet New York (SNY) broadcasters Gary Cohen and Ron Darling were forced to move out of the designated broadcast booth due to the persistent possum problem. “Apparently, the booth reeked so badly of possum leavings that an executive decision was made to move us to this booth, which is somewhat smaller and has few impediments,” Cohen said during the SNY broadcast, according to KRON 4.

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When did the possum problem start?

Exterminators were previously called, but they were unable to remove the furry critter. It was found by journalists in the press box inside the Coliseum in May 2022 and it continues to cause problems to this day. According to a spokeswoman, possums have been within and near the Oakland Coliseum since it opened in 1966. Coliseum staffers will set traps for possums and relocate them as humanely as possible, according to the Daily Mail.

Almost 40 cats invade Oakland Coliseum

This is not the first time the Oakland Coliseum became a habit for furry creatures. A year ago, almost 40 stray cats made the stadium their home. "We have been invaded by these cats," Executive Director Henry Gardner said at that time, adding, "The population keeps increasing." He noted that the felines mated and grew in number during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ann Dunn, director of Oakland Animal Services, reportedly said that the animals had been lurking in the dugouts, feeding in the dumpsters and reproducing at a concerning pace. However, an emergency meeting was called and the cats were relocated.

Family of foxes makes stadium their new home

In a similar incident, a family of foxes decided to make the Coors Field stadium as their new home during the off-season in 2022. “We’ve got some new visitors on 20th and Blake. Introducing, the Coors Field Foxes!” the Colorado Rockies tweeted. The cautious foxes observed the stadium was empty and saw it as an ideal chance for a change of scenery. Based on the viral pictures, the family thoroughly enjoyed their time at the stadium. They were eventually relocated from the stadium once the baseball season started.