Golden State Warriors are primed to move back to the West Side of the Bay. Last week accompanied by NBA Commissioner David Stern and San Franicisco Mayor Ed Lee, Warriors owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber announced a $500 million plan to build a new arena on the San Francisco waterfront.
The Golden State Warriors originally from Philadelphia first moved to the Bay Area in 1962 performing at the Cow Palace in Daly City from 1962–1964. During the 1964–1966 the Warriors found a home playing in San Francisco’s Civic Auditorium and became the Bay Area’s true franchise team playing home games in neighboring San Jose and Oakland.
San Francisco Warriors alumni include some of the biggest names in NBA history Wilt Chamberlain and Rick Barry. Rick Barry drafted in 1965 led the San Francisco Warriors to the NBA Finals during the glorious 1966-1967 season.
While some Oakland fans might be a little bit upset the truth is the Warriors are the Bay Area’s true franchise returning to their Bay Area roots in San Francisco. San Francisco’s waterfront is a gold mine full of beautiful views and home to the world famous Fisherman’s Wharf. According to MercuryNews.com 50 percent of the Warriors season ticket holders reside in San Francisco loyally making the drive or hopping the “BART,” Bay Area Rail Transportation, across the Bay to Oracle Arena in Oakland.
San Francisco is known as a world class city and the Warriors move across the Bay in 2017 is an economic plus for the franchise. According to the San Francisco Chronicle the Warriors would reside at Piers 30-32, a 13 acre site rest near the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Mayor Lee announced that Funding for the $500 million waterfront arena will be privately funded. It’s a win–win for the city of San Francisco and Warrior fans.
Peter Guber minority owner of the Warrior is also Chairman and CEO of Mandalay Bay Entertainment, which has produced famous films that have earned over $3 billion worldwide and 50 Academy Award nomination, according to Politico.com. When Magic Johnson and his silent partners purchased the Los Angeles Dodgers for a record setting $2 billion back in March of this year, Guber was one of the owners named on the lease. Guber is a very passionate and successful businessman, the Warriors’ future is in good hands across the Bay.
Lacob exclaimed that the Warriors have no intentions changing the name of the team from Golden State Warriors to San Francisco Warriors. The relocation is said to be strictly business move, a move that will make Golden State a more attractive destination for athletes and business executives. The new sports complex will be steps from the San Francisco Giants AT&T Park.
Fan support for the organization is sure rock the new 19,000 seat arena in 2017.
