Stephen Curry’s Nostalgic Return to Oakland Arena for All-Star Weekend
For decades, the announcement “Warrior Coming Out” echoed through the Oakland Arena, igniting cheers from fans, media personnel, and arena staff on game days. This indoor arena, which was built and later renovated to accommodate 19,596 basketball enthusiasts, served as the heart of the Golden State Warriors’ fan base for 47 years. However, in 2019, its doors closed when the Warriors relocated to a new home, the Chase Center. Now, with Stephen Curry and 27 other All-Stars returning to the legendary venue for the All-Star Weekend, the NBA’s all-time three-point leader couldn’t help but reflect on the significance of playing in the historic building once again.
A Weekend of Nostalgia in the Bay Area
I wish NBA arenas were still built like the Oakland Arena. The upper level feels so close in comparison to new places like Golden 1 Center. pic.twitter.com/gXBLIA1biM
— Steve Tuck (@Steve_Tuck) February 15, 2025
On Saturday, as part of the All-Star Weekend festivities, Stephen Curry stepped onto the court to the deafening cheers of Bay Area residents and basketball fans. For the star player, this was more than just another game—it was a homecoming. Curry acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, expressing how much he appreciated the opportunity to play there again.
“It’s been a minute since we’ve been here. Since 2019. Love feeling the energy in here; it brings back some great memories. Fans are awesome,” Curry shared.
The arena had been home to many memorable moments in the franchise’s history, and for Curry, it had been a stage for ten years of triumphs and challenges. Those years saw the Warriors rise to become one of the most dominant teams in NBA history. Naturally, the emotions of returning to the court where that success was built were strong.
“We did a lot of winning in this building” 🙌@StephenCurry30 is feeling the @warriors memories in Oracle Arena with @ALaForce ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YF07u9IrVl
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 15, 2025
“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,” Curry added.
Kevin Durant Also Feels the Nostalgia
Stephen Curry wasn’t the only one who felt the weight of nostalgia. Kevin Durant, who played a key role in the Warriors’ championship victories, shared his thoughts on returning to the Bay Area.
“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,” said Durant.
His sentiments echoed those of Curry, reinforcing how deeply connected the players felt to the arena and its history.
A Brief History of the Arena’s Name
Before Curry’s arrival in Golden State, the Warriors had an agreement with Oracle Corporation in 2006, renaming the Oakland Arena to Oracle Arena under a 10-year sponsorship deal. However, the name reverted to Oakland Arena in 2019—ironically, just as the team was moving to the Chase Center. Now, with the All-Star festivities in full swing, the arena once again came alive with the roars of a passionate crowd. Fans gathered to witness the Three-Point Contest, the All-Star Game, and musical performances, ensuring a weekend full of unforgettable moments.
The Legacy of Oracle Arena
During its 47-year history, the arena hosted five NBA Finals. Stephen Curry and his teammates won three of those championships on this very court, while Kevin Durant was part of two of those title runs. Given this legacy, returning to the venue held great sentimental value for all the Bay Area veterans participating in the All-Star Weekend.
The Warriors played their final game at Oracle Arena in June 2019—Game 6 of the NBA Finals against the Toronto Raptors. Unfortunately, that game ended in a loss, marking the end of an era. At the time, Curry expressed his disappointment about leaving the arena, stating:
“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.”
Why Did the Warriors Move from Oracle Arena to Chase Center?
Despite the electrifying atmosphere of Oracle Arena, the Warriors ultimately had to relocate in search of better facilities and greater financial opportunities. The decision to move was first announced in 2013, with initial plans for a 17,000 to 19,000-seat arena at the Piers 30–32 site, south of the Bay Bridge. However, concerns over traffic congestion, environmental impact, and blocked views led to the project being reconsidered. The final decision was to build the Chase Center in Mission Bay, San Francisco, instead.
Oracle Arena had its strengths—it was one of the oldest and loudest arenas in the NBA, with sound levels reaching an astonishing 112 decibels during some of its most iconic moments, such as Andrew Bogut’s thunderous dunk over Boris Diaw. However, the venue also had its drawbacks, including narrow corridors, a low ceiling, and outdated restroom facilities.
A key factor in the relocation was financial. Reports indicated that San Francisco’s fan base was generally wealthier than Oakland’s, making the city more attractive for generating revenue. With fans in San Francisco willing to spend thousands of dollars per game on premium seating, the potential revenue from the new arena was estimated at over $2 million per year.
Mixed Reactions to the Move
The decision to leave Oakland was met with strong opposition, including criticism from then-Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, who felt the city was losing an essential part of its identity. However, the reality is that the NBA is a business, and financial considerations often drive major decisions.
Despite the move, nostalgia continues to play a role in the Warriors’ connection to their former home. Just as Hollywood studios like Marvel capitalize on nostalgia to engage audiences, the NBA’s decision to host the All-Star Weekend at Oakland Arena was a strategic move that played into the emotional connection fans still have with the venue. At the very least, it provided Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Warriors fans with an opportunity to relive some of the greatest moments in franchise history.
Can the Warriors Recreate Their ‘Golden’ Era Without Oracle Arena?
With the team now firmly settled in the Chase Center, the question remains—can the Warriors ever recreate the magic of their ‘Golden’ era without the backdrop of Oracle Arena? The answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the memories created in Oakland will forever be a defining part of the team’s legacy.