The Oracle Arena Playoff Experience

Editor’s note: Staff writer Carlos Murillo attended Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals between the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena. This is a first person account of his experience.

After getting off the Bart train and walking over the bridge and past the Oakland Coliseum, you are confronted by a small mountain.

And on the top of that mountain is a beautiful castle. And in that castle are Warriors ready for battle.

Before entering Oracle Arena, a bright yellow carpet awaits loyal supporters decked out in their jerseys, sweatshirts, hats and whatever else people accessorize with.  The carpet, a fantastic combination of a high-end Hollywood event and Wizard of Oz, welcomes the Golden State faithful to #WarriorsGround.

Above the doors are images of the beloved team with the phrase “Strength in Numbers” emblazoned across the top. Though the words change, the meaning is always the same. From “We Believe” to “We Are Warriors,” it’s about unity and energy. It’s about rallying around a team and providing them with an advantage. It’s about protecting your home.

This year’s slogan is no different; “Strength in Numbers” holds truer this year than any season before. The current incarnation of the Golden State Warriors are turning the biggest doubters into believers with every deep three and, in a region marred by subpar basketball for many years, the fans are always loud and proud.  With only two losses in Oracle Arena all season long, the Warriors and the fans have a relationship where both sides feed off each other.

April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; General view of t-shirts placed on the seats before game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Golden State Warriors at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Even before you enter the Arena, you feel it. You can hear it. You can almost touch it. There’s a buzz, an anticipation filled with confidence and nerves. There’s an excitement because finally the best team in basketball plays in the Bay Area, but at the same time a reservation that it has to end at some point. Good things don’t happen to the Dubs, right?

Game 1 of the 2015 NBA Playoffs and I stepped through the doors, took out my phone, took off my hat, and walked through the metal detector. I handed the usher my ticket, took a deep breath, and when she said, “Enjoy the game” as I walked past her, I let out as much carbon dioxide as I possibly could. And after all this, there was a smile. I was here. We were here. There is actually a “here.”

I made my way to my seat, in Section 218, to look at the view and get my t-shirt. As I navigated my way up the escalator and to my section, the buzz became louder. Fans randomly bursting out into a “Warriors” chant or just yelling “playoffs” only added to the excitement. I walked past the usher in front of my section and came face to face with one of the most beautiful sights known to man: a sea of gold.

There are people already in their seats, but for the most part it’s just the seats covered with gold “Strength in Numbers” t-shirts.  I make my way up to my seat to get my shirt and immediately put it on. I remember watching the 2007 Playoffs as a kid and seeing everyone with a yellow “We Believe” t-shirt. It was just a short sleeve shirt, but it felt bigger than just a shirt. Once I put it on, I felt it. I was officially a part of something special.

April 18, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard

(30) celebrates a three-point basket during the third quarter in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Pelicans 106-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Since donning the gold t-shirt is an absolute must, my lovely girlfriend and I walked to the restroom so she could change into hers. As I waited for her, it’s pretty clear what being a Warriors fan is all about. An usher started yelling “Let’s Go Warriors” and people responded. A few minutes later, a couple of fans were walking and, mid-conversation, gave an usher a high-five and they all starting screaming.

As Curry flexed his muscles, Oracle Arena flexed its voice.

With about a half an hour left to kill, we walked around. I’ve always been impressed with the organization at Oracle Arena, but postseason for any sport in an venue is generally another demon. I’ve been to other arenas and stadiums and none have been as organized or efficient as Oracle. There are clear lines, a staff that is in-control, and fans that respond respectfully. We got in a line for a free rally towel if you check in on Facebook. There was a yellow background that said “2015 Playoffs” where you could take photos. Later, we walked by a table where you could have your Instagram pictures printed out for you.

What other place has all this for you?

It was now game time and we returned to our seats. As the flag was rolled out in preparation for the National Anthem, the crowd erupted into the signature “Waaaaaarrrrriioooorrrsss” chant. Then the introductions came around and it was incredible. The hype-up video on the scoreboard was filled with memorable highlights that gave me chills. The crowd roared for the starters culminating in an “MVP” chant for Stephen Curry.

I’ve heard people say that Game 1 wasn’t as loud as Oracle usually is. Which is scary because, to me, it was pretty damn loud. The team was showered with Warriors chants once agains as they stepped onto the court. As the Warriors built their lead, the fans boomed with every basket and every stop. At the end of the second quarter, Curry stole the ball, raced up court against Anthony Davis, drew the foul, and flipped it up and in high off glass. I honestly thought Oracle was going to explode. The ensuing “MVP” chants were thunderous. As Curry flexed his muscles, Oracle Arena flexed its voice.

The woman in front of me, a complete stranger, turned around and gave me a high-five during the mayhem. This is Oracle Arena. It’s a community. It’s San Francisco and Oakland and San Jose and all these cities coming together for a cause. It’s Giants fans and A’s fans and 49ers fans and Raiders fans unifying. It’s a collective effort that produces some awe-inspiring results. I’ve watched a lot of playoff basketball on TV and, though there are some good fan bases, none are as rabid, passionate, or golden (pun-intended) as DubNation.

Oracle Arena is always fantastic, but during the Playoffs, it’s something that everyone should experience. Playoff Oracle Arena is a unique combination of unparalleled service, intense fans, and exciting basketball. We’re all a big family. It’s a poetic cycle: the arena gives to the fans who give to the players who give back to the fans who give back to the arena.

I’ve been to one playoff game in my life (I received a free button to prove it!) and it’s worth every penny. My experience was top-notch. From the buzz at the beginning to the boom at the end, the flames at the start to the confetti at the finish, Oracle Arena is remarkable.

So to my fellow Warriors fans, to the Oracle Arena staff, and, of course, to the Golden State Warriors I say thank you. Thank for creating the best environment in sports.