For fans of the legendary Golden State Warriors, knowing where to catch their electrifying games is essential. The team that defined a decade of basketball and captured hearts globally now calls the state-of-the-art Chase Center in San Francisco their home. This modern marvel replaced the beloved Oracle Arena in Oakland, marking a new era for the Warriors in a stunning, purpose-built venue.
The transition from the roaring Oracle Arena, a place synonymous with the Warriors’ dynasty years from 2015-2019, to the Chase Center was a significant shift. Leaving behind the unique home-court advantage of Oakland was a poignant moment for the team and fans alike. However, the 18,604-seat Chase Center has quickly established itself as a premier NBA venue and a San Francisco landmark, offering an unparalleled fan experience.
The fan experience at Chase Center is truly top-tier. Boasting the NBA’s largest scoreboard and video screen, every seat in the house offers a fantastic view of the action. Gone are the cramped concourses of older arenas; Chase Center welcomes visitors with a grand, four-story atrium. Natural light floods the space through a wall of windows, and a striking 80-foot chandelier with color-changing LED lights adds a touch of modern elegance. The arena’s design, characterized by clean lines and a graceful, golden-wood-edged staircase, evokes the ambiance of a contemporary art museum, enhancing the overall visitor experience beyond just a basketball game.
Adding to its cultural appeal, Chase Center even features its own curated art collection. Among the notable pieces is a mobile by the renowned Alexander Calder. “The Bay,” a vibrant outdoor mosaic mural, celebrates the spirit of the Bay Area, depicting iconic scenes like the Golden Gate Bridge, fog rolling over Twin Peaks, classic Victorian architecture, and, fittingly, basketball players in action. For those seeking Instagram-worthy moments, Olafur Eliasson’s “Seeing Spheres,” a set of five 15.5-foot reflecting steel orbs, stands prominently by the east entrance, offering unique photo opportunities and artistic engagement.
When it comes to dining, Chase Center fully embraces San Francisco’s reputation as a culinary hotspot. Honoring Warriors legend Nate Thurmond, Big Nate’s BBQ serves up delicious pulled pork and brisket, reminiscent of his Oakland barbecue establishment. Bakesale Betty, another Oakland favorite, is on hand for those craving their famous fried chicken. For a taste of the coast, Sam’s Chowder House from Half Moon Bay offers their celebrated clam chowder and lobster rolls. Adjacent to the arena is Thrive City, a retail and restaurant complex that expands dining options with Gott’s Roadside burgers and Miller & Lux, Tyler Florence’s modern steakhouse, providing a range of choices for every palate. And for die-hard fans, the Warriors Shop in Thrive City is a 10,000-square-foot treasure trove of team merchandise.
The architectural design of Chase Center is a thoughtful blend of San Francisco’s maritime history and its tech-forward present. Its curved exterior, reminiscent of billowing sails and a ship’s bow, pays homage to the city’s seafaring past. The aluminum cladding, perforated with rectangular slits, subtly nods to computer punch cards, recognizing the Bay Area’s status as a global tech hub.
Chase Center is the centerpiece of an 11-acre, city-integrated complex. A bayfront park just across from the arena and terraces within offer stunning views of the Bay Bridge, a key element in the Warriors’ logo. The Gatehouse, a 5,000-square-foot structure on the Third Street side, welcomes visitors with a roofline echoing the Starship Enterprise. Its grand staircase, likened to Rome’s Spanish Steps, doubles as a fantastic viewing spot for games shown on a large outdoor screen.
Beyond aesthetics, Chase Center’s design is functional and sustainable. The Gatehouse helps to mitigate wind around the arena plaza. The complex has achieved LEED Gold certification, reflecting its commitment to sustainability through energy performance improvements, rainwater harvesting, and water-saving recycling systems. Accessibility is also prioritized, with a Muni stop right outside offering free rides with event tickets and 300 valet bicycle parking spaces. On game days, fans can even arrive via the San Francisco Bay Ferry from Oakland and Alameda, making attending games convenient from various locations.
While the Golden State Warriors are the main attraction, Chase Center is a versatile venue. It occasionally hosts University of San Francisco Dons basketball games and was a site for the 2022 West Regionals on the road to the Final Four. Looking ahead, it will proudly host the 2025 NBA All-Star game. Since its grand opening concert featuring Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony, Chase Center has become a premier destination for top performers, welcoming artists from Ariana Grande to Bruce Springsteen, solidifying its place as a leading entertainment venue in San Francisco and the definitive answer to the question: Where Do The Golden State Warriors Play? They play at the Chase Center, a world-class arena designed for a world-class team.
