“Warrior Coming Out.” For many years, this was the announcement made within the Oakland Arena that sent cheers amongst fans, media members, and staffers, during game days. Built and renovated to seat over 19,596 basketball fans, the indoor arena stood as the center of life for Warriors fans, entertaining different generations for 47 years. That is until its gates were closed back in 2019 as the Golden State Warriors squad secured a new playing ground. Now, as Stephen Curry and 27 other All-Stars return to the arena for the All-Star Weekend, the Three-Point Leader couldn’t help but be nostalgic.

With Saturday’s edition of the All-Star Weekend getting underway, Stephen Curry arrived on the court amidst the cheers of the crowd filled with Bay Area residents and general NBA fans. After all, the prodigal son has once again returned to his old stomping grounds. The player himself couldn’t underestimate the significance of this moment, as he said “It’s been a minute since we’ve been here. Since 2019. Love feeling the energy in here, brings back obviously some great memories. Fans are awesome.” Out of the 47 years worth of games the arena hosted, Curry played 10 years’ worth! The period marked both ups and downs, but mostly ups, as it was in this place the player and his teammates ushered in the Warriors’ ‘Golden’ era. Therefore, a return certainly brought in some emotional feelings for Stephen Curry.

“I mean, going from the locker room to the old tunnel, just the sights and sounds, this is a different experience in this building. And it’s not just because of what we do on the floor, it’s because of the fans that got to experience it with us. So, anytime you go down memory lane a bit, take advantage of it.”

Stephen Curry wasn’t the only one to feel nostalgic. When Kevin Durant was asked for his thoughts, the Suns star replied “I didn’t know anything would be up here, so to take the route I used to take is pretty cool. Nostalgic. I’ve always got love for the Bay Area. Grateful to play for them.” With such a pure feeling running through everyone, you could say that the All-Star weekend is off to a good start!

Before Stephen Curry joined the Golden State Warriors, the team and Oracle Corporation reached a deal in 2006 to rename the Oakland Arena as the Oracle Arena for a 10-year term. The name was ultimately changed back to Oakland Arena in 2019. Unfortunately, the decision took place shortly after the Warriors had moved to the Chase Center. Now, the ‘Oakland Arena’ is brought back to life by the cheers and jeers of the crowd. The same crowd that arrived to indulge in the Three-Point Contest, All-Star Game, and musical performances that will make up for a memorable weekend.

The corporation would have certainly benefited from the legacy that was went on to establish within that arena itself. After all, in its 4-decade-long history, the Oracle Arena hosted 5 NBA Finals. Stephen Curry and Co won 3 of them. Kevin Durant himself was part of 2 of the Finals series. This made the return to the arena equally important to him as any other Bay Area veteran.

Stephen Curry and co played their last game at the Oracle Arena in June 2019. It also was Game 6 of their NBA Finals against the Raptors. Unfortunately, they lost the game and the finals series. Stephen Curry was disappointed with the move. In a statement, he had said “It’s not without some sadness, though, that we leave Oakland. But we’re only leaving it in our physical proximity. We’re not leaving it in our hearts and we’re not going to be leaving it in our actions”. This would raise the question amongst many: Why?

Why did Stephen Curry’s franchise abandon Oakland Arena for the Chase Center?

Unfortunately, the vibrant atmosphere at Oakland had to soon be abandoned for something better. Back in 2013, a decision was announced to shift the Golden State Warriors to a different arena. Initial plans stated that a reportedly “17,000- to 19,000-seat arena” would be built on the Piers 30–32 sites. Just south of Bay Bridge. However, concerns regarding traffic, view obstruction, and overall environmental impact, pushed that plan away. Mission Bay, the future Chase Center’s location, was slightly altered.

Oakland/Oracle Arena had its advantages. Opened in November 1966, Oakland Arena is amongst the oldest! At the same time, it is also one of the loudest indoor play areas to host NBA games. The sound level reached a high point of 112 decibels when Andrew Bogut made a one-handed hammer over Boris Diaw! Unfortunately, the arena also suffered from possessing narrow corridors, a low ceiling, and lack of proper restrooms. Furthermore, a report by Distractify revealed that San Francisco hosted a wealthier fan community than Oakland. Therefore, having an arena in the Bay Area would attract fans willing to spend thousands per game for exclusive suites. Revenues generated would reach over $2 million per year.

The decision to shift was met with criticism from many, including then Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, the NBA is a business. However, just like how Marvel has relied on the ‘nostalgia’ factor for their recent movies, the decision to host the All-Star Weekend at the Oakland Arena would also be a smart business decision. If not, then it certainly gave Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant a feeling to cherish.