Golden State Warriors: Is Oracle Arena the New Staples Center?

The Golden State Warriors are the hottest show in the entire Association right now.

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The Warriors have one of the best homecourt advantages in all of sports. Oracle Arena comes to life, competing with Andre Iguodala for title of Sixth Man of the Year. In the playoffs, there’s a sea of yellow and thunderous audible support for the most exciting team in basketball. While the Warriors–even during the awful years–have always had great fans, their games have never really garnered the attention of big-name celebrities.

Until now.

Local celebs like the New York Yankees’ CC Sabathia, chef Guy Fieri, and rapper E-40 have been known to frequent games before. But everything is different now. Warriors games are the place to be. With the most exciting basketball player in the world, Stephen Curry, and the best team in basketball, all eyes are on Golden State. That’s free publicity for celebrities looking to make appearances.

The Warriors hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder last night and the net worth inside Oracle Arena was well over one billion dollars. Of course, the Super Bowl in nearby Santa Clara is what brought many stars to the Bay Area. But it’s safe to say that mega stars Beyonce and Jay-Z would not have sat courtside to watch Bob Sura and Vonteego Cummings.

Oracle Arena is the place to be, competing with the Staples Center, as the premier location for celebs to make appearances.

The Staples Center (particularly when it’s outfitted for the Lakers) will always be filled with stars just because of it’s location and history. But Curry and the Warriors are attracting plenty of celebrities to the Bay Area. Oracle Arena might be an even more attractive spot than Staples.

Superstar rapper Drake has been known to enjoy himself some Warriors basketball. Kendrick Lamar, a Compton native, was also in attendance yesterday. Athletes from other sports regularly pay Oracle Arena a visit. Former San Francisco 49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh sat courtside as well. Singer Rihanna was present during the NBA Finals (however she was there to support LeBron James). The Warriors are best show in town and, with ticket prices increasing, it’s becoming harder for “regular” fans to fend off celebrities for the best seats in the house.

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The Warriors aren’t going to be in Oracle Arena for much longer. In a few years, they’ll pack their bags and move to San Francisco. But the Warriors still have the opportunity to establish a dynasty and make history just like the Lakers have.

Just as Staples Center has had the likes of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant to dazzle crowds. Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green might be even more exciting. As the Warriors chase history, the cameras and the media love the NBA’s newest darlings. That means more air time for celebs that absolutely love it.

And they can get a few tips from Curry on how to put on a show.