It looks as if the rumors will come true. The Golden State Warriors will soon be taking a trip across the Bay, if the Warriors Fast Break blog by the San Jose Mercury News is to be believed.
Sources: Warriors have finalized plans to move to San Francisco. Announcement could come as early as Tues. Pier 30/32 arena w/ private $$$.
— Fast Break (@GSWFastBreak) May 20, 2012
New arena would be state-of-the-art multi-use (basketball, concerts) facility, making the most of Bay-front location.
— Fast Break (@GSWFastBreak) May 20, 2012
Move is planned for 2017, presuming no red-tape and funding problems. Access remains a major concern. Only 1000 parking places in plan.
— Fast Break (@GSWFastBreak) May 20, 2012
If this is true, this is probably the best possible move to keep the Warriors moving in the right direction.
Although the Warriors have a fairly modern (if not quite cutting-edge) arena in Oakand, the site is perhaps the worst of all the major NBA teams, as Deep East Oakland is probably the most run-down neighborhood in the urban part of the Bay Area. Moving to San Francisco makes perfect sense from a financial perspective, and also ensures that the Warriors should remain in the Bay for the near future. Having a team in San Francisco as opposed to Oakland could help attract more marquee free agents and increase the chances of the team making significant.
To discuss the Warriors and the possibility of a move to San Francisco, head on over to Golden State of Mind.