In light of the efforts of the current owners of The Golden State Warriors to build a new arena in San Francisco, it’s worth going back and looking at what then Warriors Owner Chris Cohan said when the then-new Coliseum Arena was opened in 1998, and with a renovation price tag of just $121 million.
Before we look back, here the video from Tuesday’s press conference:
Here’s Chris:
Dear Warriors Fans:
I want to personally welcome you to the ultimate entertainment experience, the New Arena at the City of Oakland and County of Alameda Coliseum Complex. Whether it is your first year or sixth decade following the Warriors, we are committed to making each game and event a spectacular day or evening of entertainment at our New Arena. There are only two things that are not brand new; the roof and the “jewel box” exterior wall.
Our New Arena will provide you with a sports theatre that has the best sight-lines in the National Basketball Association. This New Arena is destined to set the standard for excellence that other arenas will emulate. The New Arena is designed explicitly for basketball; not a hockey-designed building like the vast majority of new arenas.
Fan comfort will increase dramatically from the old arena. There will be two and one half times the restroom facilities. You will now have five concourses along with a wider selection of food and beverage items to provide you the very best service.
The old arena had only two concourses. We have also made this New Arena accessible and convenient to our guests with disabilities in accordance with the guidelines set by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA). The New Arena will also feature the best in state-of-the-art sound and video technology.
Our primary goal is to build a championship caliber team. Our new practice facility in downtown Oakland will be completed at the end of the year. Now, the Warriors will have the best practice facility in the NBA.
Join us in the ultimate arena experience, and do not miss the Warriors inaugural season in our New Arena!
Christopher Cohan
What I like about that is that Warriors owner at least tried to work to remain in Oakland. But also the City of Oakland had a ready and willing deal team to, paced by then-Oakland Assistant City Manager Ezra Rapport and City Manager Robert Bobb.
Bill Carroll