R.I.P. Levitz sign

by fansince1980 on Jun 25, 2009 10:03 AM PDT

I know this has nothing to do directly with the team but I thought it was worth noting. Forgive me if it has already been mentioned. For as long as I can remember THE landmark to let me know I was "almost there" on the way to A's games has been the oval Levitz sign off 880 North. If you have gone to A's games the last 20 plus years from this direction you know the sign I'm talking about. It was there Monday and gone Wednesday. Just a big blank pole remains. Sniff, how will I know I'm almost there?

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This is sad news.

I will miss you, Levitz Sign.

by oblique on Jun 25, 2009 10:14 AM PDT reply actions

Wow

I thought I was the only 1 that noticed the Levitz sign was the your getting close sign.

by Arcman on Jun 25, 2009 10:22 AM PDT reply actions

It was my "getting close" sign as well when my father used to take us to games, until I started taking BART more on my own.

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Jun 25, 2009 10:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Bart! its the way to go to games

I don’t think ive driven to an A’s game since my birthday party in sixth grade circa 1998

In play, run(s)! Talk dirty to me gamecast, talk dirty. - Nevermoor on FK

by designatedforassignment on Jun 25, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions

Being three stops away was great

Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog

by Flashfire on Jun 25, 2009 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions

When I was a kid

My dad used it as the “getting close” land mark to placate my “are we there yet” messages. It was always my indication to get ready to see the Coliseum lights appear as we came over the bridge coming into Oakland.

by athletics68 on Jun 25, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions

The landmark as "almost to the A's game is definitely

STOP CASTING POROSITY

rebuildingseason.blogspot.com

by Rebuilding Season on Jun 25, 2009 12:12 PM PDT reply actions

by Englishmajor on Jun 25, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions

That was the other one, for sure.

But for me it was the “we’re almost there” sign for home when we were traveling back from our country home in Clear Lake. I grew up in San Lorenzo. The other landmark was the five Owens Illinois smoke stacks. This is definitely a bummer, but if those smoke stacks ever go I know my dad will turn in his grave.

by lynnzgal on Jun 25, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions

The Little League Fields right before Marina

is my almost there landmark. The Levitz sign will be missed, I was actually driving by as they were taking it down, it was quite an ordeal and there were almost a few accidents as motorists were slowing down to look at the crane in typical 880 fashion.

by Where my pitches at? on Jun 25, 2009 12:16 PM PDT reply actions

Damn

That actually kinda sucks. I was just thinking about that sign about 1 month ago. How long has Levitz been of business.

by Colorado Fan on Jun 25, 2009 1:12 PM PDT reply actions

They have been out of business for a couple of years now

concocting something witty....check back frequently

by OptimistPrime on Jun 25, 2009 2:10 PM PDT up reply actions

Bummer

The Levitz sign was also my “Almost There” landmark. I even went to the trouble of trying to see it from BART on Memorial Day.

"If Vin Mazzaro comes anywhere near me with shaving cream he’s gonna be coming away with a bloody stump" – Dallas Braden

by doctorK on Jun 25, 2009 1:17 PM PDT reply actions

It always got a rise out of me...

"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s

by Nick on Jun 26, 2009 7:08 AM PDT up reply actions

How about that feeling of impending doom?

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by OptimistPrime on Jun 25, 2009 1:42 PM PDT reply actions

I haven't lived in the Bay Area in over 15 years...

but I know exactly what you are talking about. Ahh the memories…

Bring Jerry back!

by ZigFan31 on Jun 25, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions

There's always...

The brick studio apartments on the left hand side. I always get juiced when I pass that place. That or the flea market.

Freemont was a baaad choice!!

by dboysick on Jun 25, 2009 2:29 PM PDT reply actions

Blows me away...

that so many people, including myself, identify that sign as being close to the coli. My girlfriend and I will joke sometimes when we’re in another area and see a Levitz sign, “We’re almost to the game”.

Now offering great deal...on a 2007 Chavy with no clutch. - Nico

by 66th ave tailgatter on Jun 25, 2009 3:29 PM PDT reply actions

agreed.

I didn’t expect this many comments over a sign. It’s pretty cool actually.

Remember my first time on BART going to the game; as the Coli came into view, my brother pointed and said “There it is. The House of Thrills.” Back then, it really was.

I'm here to talk about the past.

by 67MARQUEZ on Jun 25, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions