SAN FRANCISCO—Following a win over the Cleveland Calvaliers 126-91 on Monday, January 16, the Golden State Warriors have officially broken ground for their new arena, the Chase Center on Tuesday, January 17.
The $1 billion, Mission Bay arena equipped with 18,000 seats, is scheduled to be completed by the 2019-2020 season according to reports. Owner and CEO, Joe Lacob is looking forward to the extra accommodations including restaurants, businesses, and a 5.5 acre, bay-front park across from Chase Center.
“It takes my breath away when we look at the renderings” said Lacob. The Warriors hope to maintain the “great vibe” of their home at the Oracle Arena to the new center in 2019.
With the Warrior’s Oracle Arena lease agreement up by the end of the season, propositions for their new home have been met with opposition.The Warriors currently pay $7.5 million in rent for the Oracle which pays for the debt owned on the current facility, ABC 7 reported. New agreements will be discussed between the owners and the JPA including a possible extension to the Oracle Arena lease.
The Golden State Warriors have not had an arena in San Francisco since moving to Oakland in 1972.
