The Golden State Warriors have found a new home. They will be moving from Oracle Arena to Chase Center in San Francisco.
On Tuesday, Jan. 17, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the new site of the team’s games in the Mission Bay district of San Francisco.
#HereitBegins pic.twitter.com/HKYVHCxOYx
— Chase Center (@ChaseCenter) January 17, 2017
In an interview with NBC Bay Area, Warriors President Rick Welts said, “We have been looking forward to this day since we first had the vision … and are excited for what this will bring to the city of San Francisco and the entire Bay Area community. Chase Center and the surrounding area will serve as a destination for the entire community and we will continue to work to make sure it is the best experience possible. ”
According to NBC Bay Area, concerns that the center would cause traffic, noise, air pollution, and impede hospital access stalled the construction. Due to these concerns, a lawsuit was brought about in the California Supreme Court. Since the Supreme Court declined to pursue the case, construction was able to start as of Jan. 17 after four and a half years of deliberation and issues.
In an interview with the San Francisco Examiner, former Warriors player Baron Davis said, “San Francisco being a big city and a city that everybody can get to, it’ll be great.”
The 11-acre stadium will include a park as well as office space and a variety of restaurants. The venue will also be used for other events such as concerts.
“(That is) a tremendous financial risk, almost unheard of these days in professional sports. The best way to mitigate that risk is to put a really good team on the floor,” said Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.
The facility is expected to take 28 months to complete and will likely open in time for the 2019-2020 season.
A landmark day in San Francisco with the ground breaking for Chase Center, and it begins with a spotlight on showmanship. #HereitBegins pic.twitter.com/qIJzGfnKQf
— Chase Center (@ChaseCenter) January 17, 2017
