Golden State Warriors Edge Closer to New Arena in Mission Bay

National Basketball Association (NBA) franchise the Golden State Warriors have agreed terms to buy 12 acres of land in San Francisco’s Mission Bay neighbourhood to build a new arena.

Originally the Warriors wanted to build a new arena on the city’s waterfront but critics blocked the move saying traffic, environmental issues and blocked views of the Bay Bridge made the venture unacceptable.

The new arena is hoping to be opened by the 2018-19 season and will hold 18,000 fans.

It will be privately financed on private land near the San Francisco Giants’ stadium.

Team owner Joe Lacob said: “We believe Mission Bay is a perfect fit. It is a wonderful inland site in a dynamic part of the city that is convenient for fans from all over the Bay Area.”

“We’ve spent the past two years listening,” team President Rick Welts added.

“We’ve learned a lot. We’re proud of the plans we’ve put forward to date, and we’re thrilled to announce this great leap forward. We are looking forward to engaging with the neighborhood and, ultimately, making this site `Warriors Ground.’ This is our path to San Francisco.”

The Warriors have played in Oakland since 1971 and enjoy great support in the city. Oakland Mayor Jean Quan commented: “Oakland sports fans are the best in the country, and they’ve been selling out Warriors games for decades with unbeatable energy and support.

“Meanwhile, we’ve been hard at work preparing new stadium opportunities for all our sports teams, and the Warriors remain welcome in those plans should they change their minds.”