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Green Day singer gives Rogers Centre Oakland A’s logo a makeover ahead of Toronto concert
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Photo credit: Billie Joe Armstrong - Instagram
Clarke Corsan
Aug 3, 2024, 14:00 EDTUpdated: Aug 3, 2024, 14:15 EDT
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As a Blue Jays fan, it’s always exciting when big names visit our beloved Rogers Centre. But this time, it wasn’t just a baseball game or concert making headlines. Green Day’s frontman, Billie Joe Armstrong, added an unexpected twist during his recent tour stop in Toronto. Armstrong shared a video on Instagram where he was seen spray-painting a “B” over the “A” in the Oakland A’s logo displayed inside our stadium.
This act was more than just a random bit of graffiti — it was a pointed protest against the Oakland A’s planned move to Las Vegas. Armstrong, a native of Oakland and a known punk rocker, has been a vocal critic of the A’s ownership. His roots in Oakland run deep, as he attended Pinole Valley High School and was a long-time supporter of the A’s. However, like many Oakland fans, he has grown increasingly frustrated with the team’s relocation plans.
In the video, Armstrong is seen making a “shush” noise before giving the logo its makeover. Using green spray paint, he replaced the “A” with a “B” and crossed out the word “Athletics,” effectively transforming it into a symbol for the Oakland Ballers, a Pioneer League team that started playing in 2024. 
This wasn’t Armstrong’s first public protest. Last year, he participated in a reverse boycott at the Oakland Coliseum, donning a “SELL” shirt to urge the ownership to sell the team instead of moving it. He has also attended “B’s” games in Oakland as a fan. 
What’s particularly interesting for us Blue Jays fans is how this act ties into Green Day’s current tour schedule, which includes many other MLB ballparks. Venues like Citi Field (Mets), Fenway Park (Red Sox), Citizens Bank Park (Phillies), Wrigley Field (Cubs), and Target Field (Twins) are all on their list through the end of August. Come September, the tour will continue to more iconic stadiums, including PNC Park (Pirates), Comerica Park (Tigers), Coors Field (Rockies), Globe Life Field (Rangers), and Oracle Park (Giants). 
This raises the question: Will more ballparks see similar alterations to their A’s logos? Armstrong’s actions at Rogers Centre could be just the beginning, as he continues to voice his dissatisfaction with the A’s management and his support for Oakland’s local teams. Besides the Ballers, Armstrong is also a co-owner of the Oakland Roots and Soul soccer teams, further cementing his commitment to his hometown.
For us, witnessing this unfold at Rogers Centre was a unique experience. It’s not every day that you see such a high-profile act of protest right in our stadium. While it may not directly impact us as Blue Jays fans, it certainly adds an intriguing layer to our baseball season. It’s a reminder of the passionate connections fans have to their teams and cities, and how those passions can sometimes lead to dramatic, headline-grabbing actions.
In the end, whether Armstrong’s actions will drive any change remains uncertain. But they undeniably highlight the loyalty and frustration of Oakland’s sports fans, offering a compelling narrative that extends beyond just our ballpark to the entire MLB community. As we continue to support our Blue Jays, we’ll be watching to see if other stadiums might get a similar Green Day makeover.

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