Oracle just takes my breath away by even thinking about being inside. I fell in love with it during my first game in 1987, when I was in elementary school, and that never wavered, during thick and thin. It's a magical place that defies superlatives, and constantly makes me think in quasi-religious terms to define it.
It's excruciatingly, sometimes painfully, loud. There have been times- specifically one of the We Believe playoff games, where I actually wondered if my hearing would be seriously affected by what was going on around me. And the seats can be small and uncomfortable. But the collection of Bay Area culture being celebrated there- the sheer diversity, the spirit, is heavenly. If there ever was a place that epitomized the phrase "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened", it's Oracle.
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I've lived in Oakland for nearly 30 years. Since the naming rights purchase, I've heard the building referred to as only "Oracle Arena" or "Oracle." Nobody I know says "The Oracle." Nor do radio and TV sportscasters say "The Oracle." Maybe it's just outsiders who do?
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It used to be colloquy referred to as the Oakland Coliseum despite any attempt to re-brand it.
Mr. Ellison marks any round building with his name - it was only a mater of time until he did the same with the Oakland Coliseum. (Mr. Jobs was a good friend of Ellisons - as was not to be left out).
1
When I arrived in the East Bay in January, 1974 I was amazed to find that tiny Oakland had all four major sports teams. A fraction of the size of Chicago or Philadelphia, here they were and basically in the same place. The Warriors were my boyhood team, and I was delighted to re-establish my acquaintance. I went to see the Seals play the Flyers, and attended many A’s games, another family legacy. It’s going to be a different experience next season, and I’m not sure it will be a better one.
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I've lived in SF for 50 years. I have no clue why we need these people over here in SF. Why can't they stay in Oakland where they belong?
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Anyone within earshot of the legendary home of the legendary Dubs knows that an arena by any other name would neither sound nor rock as loud—especially tonight—as the ROARACLE.
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I live a mile away, and nobody calls it 'The Oracle'.
Either Oracle, or Oracle Arena.
It's been much-maligned in the press, but a great place to see a basketball game. Killer view from every seat.
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The Dead played there nearly 100 times...it was always Oakland Coliseum.
How complicated is that?
6
Such joy and sadness here and it’s only 6 hours until Game 6 at Oracle.
Oakland.
3
What an odd take to celebrate a corporate naming rights deal.
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What really makes this place noteworthy were all the New Year’s Eve shows the Grateful Dead played there in the 80s and 90s!
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That 2007 team then went on to get run off the court by Utah Jazz team which had up to that point been more known for grit and grind half court pick and roll than the fast break. That was also the last year the Jazz made it to the WCF (where they got swept by the Spurs who went on to win the title).
Fantastic team, but it's time for them to give up the NBA championship to the Toronto Raptors. Raptors will take it tonight!
1
As I suspect is the case for many fans, my most vivid memory of Oracle Arena is Games 3, 4 and esp. 6 of the Warriors' 2007 first-round series against the heavily favored Mavericks. It was the Warriors' first playoff appearance since 1994 (it may seem impossible to fathom now, but the Warriors missed the playoffs in 17 out of 18 seasons from 1995 to 2012), and the fans were beyond amped for that series. Hearing how loud the crowd was, and seeing how they rattled the Mavericks into making bad passes and taking bad shots at critical times, was an eye-opening and ear-splitting experience.
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I was at one of those games. I’ve never seen a crowd influence a game like that. Just incredible.
1
Nice article, but didn't mention the NHL laughing-stock California Golden Seals in the early 70s. As a beleaguered poor grad student at Cal newly arrive from upstate NY, I was able to get into the cheap seats and move down - and follow the Rangers when they came to town for $6 (yes, for a ticket).
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