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Warriors Hold Lavish Ceremonial Groundbreaking For New Chase Center In S.F.

The Warriors yesterday held a ceremonial groundbreaking for their new Chase Center in S.F. that "resembled Cirque du Soleil more than it did a construction job," according to a front-page piece by J.K. Dineen of the S.F. CHRONICLE. The groundbreaking comes after the Warriors "persevered through lawsuits, both real and threatened, and a contentious process that took the project from its original site at Piers 30-32 to a piece of land in the emerging Mission Bay neighborhood." The 18,000-seat Chase Center, expected to open in '19, will "anchor a district of 11 acres that will add something that Mission Bay south of Mission Creek has been lacking: street life." Pedestrian traffic is now "mostly residents, workers and patients at the UCSF hospital." S.F. Mayor Ed Lee and others at the groundbreaking "emphasized that the arena is being built on private property without a public subsidy -- a rarity in professional sports." Warriors co-Owner Joe Lacob said, "We are totally good to go. It’s not surreal anymore. It’s real." Yesterday's event "included performances" by the Glide Memorial Church choir and members of the S.F. Symphony (S.F. CHRONICLE, 1/18). The AP's Janie McCauley noted the project has "already been 4 1/2 years in the making." Meanwhile, Warriors coach Steve Kerr said that he is "campaigning for the Golden State name to stay put." Kerr: "We are the Golden State Warriors and it's not up to me, but I don't want it to change. It's a unique name" (AP, 1/17).

PUTTING ON A SHOW: In Oakland, Courtney Cronin writes the inauguration of President-elect Trump "won't likely top the Broadway-esque performance at the groundbreaking." Warriors co-Owner Peter Guber and Lacob "outdid themselves with the theatrics presented on stage throughout the dedication." With Chase Center being 100% privately financed, it "makes sense that a stadium in a class of its [own] was dedicated with an over-the-top finale" (EAST BAY TIMES, 1/18). USA TODAY's Sam Amick noted "faux construction workers did backflips down the aisles," which was all "part of the circus that was the Chase Center celebration party." People in attendance were "awed by a grand finale that was equal parts pomp and circumstance" (USATODAY.com, 1/17). In S.F., Al Saracevic writes it was an "over-the-top ceremony." Saracevic: "They do everything with a bang, much of it influenced by the slick-talking Guber, a Hollywood showman if there ever was one." Perhaps the "biggest obstacle remaining will be selling the project to the loyal fans who have filled Oracle Arena" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 1/18). THE RINGER's Claire McNear wrote, "To call the event a mere circus would be an insult to the memory of Ringling Bros" (1/17). The event made the Twitter Moments feed: "Things got weird during the @warriors' groundbreaking ceremony." San Jose Mercury News' Courtney Cronin: "This is a legitimate Broadway production. Oh my god." Washington Post's Tim Bontemps: "Seems like just putting shovels in the ground would be enough." NinersWire.com's Chris Biderman: "Most ridiculous thing I’ve ever watched." The Undefeated's Marc Spears: "Construction workers already goofing off on the job." SB Nation's Charlotte Wilder: "DON'T BE FOOLED BY THE BEAUTIFUL DANCING CRANES ... they're probably evil robots."

WHAT YOU LEAVE BEHIND: In San Jose, Tim Kawakami writes, "This was Cirque du Lacob-Guber." It was an "unquestionably huge day for Lacob, Guber and the entire organization." However, it is a "painful situation for the East Bay fans, particularly the Oakland fans" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 1/18). In Oakland, Marcus Thompson II writes when he decided to not go to the groundbreaking, it was about "siding with the frustrated and angry fans who can’t shake the sting." It was about "being in unison with those who don’t see the Warriors’ move as a good thing." Thompson: "Even though the grass might be financially greener in San Francisco, the theme is common: this area isn’t good enough. ... I’m siding with those who are hurt by the having their beloved team snatched from them, only to be dangled where they can still see it" (EAST BAY TIMES, 1/18).

YEARS IN THE MAKING: CSNBAYAREA.com's Monte Poole wondered how Lacob and Guber, who purchased the team in November '10, accomplished "such an enormous feat." They "planned early," and in '11 hired a "polished dealmaker" in President & COO Rick Welts. Lacob and Guber were "unfailingly optimistic and persistent and adaptable." They listened and "made concessions." Poole: "They would not and could not, ever, give up" (CSNBAYAREA.com, 1/17). Meanwhile, in San Jose, Jon Becker lists some of the things "fans can look forward to" at Chase Center, including that they "didn't pay for it." It is "relatively easy to get to." Also, Chase Center is "interactive" and will have some "finer food options." The Warriors also will be able to "place a state-of-the-art practice facility" next to Chase Center (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 1/18).

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