This blog will chronicle my attempt to visit all 30 NBA Arenas during the 2007-08 season.

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Contact info: Drew Cieszynski 2637 N. Frederick Ave. Apt# 106 Milwaukee, WI 53211 / 717.676.9963 / acieszyn@hotmail.com

Click below on "2007" to view the first 13 arenas.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Golden State Warriors (Oakland/S.F.)

After 11 hours of traveling, we finally arrived in Oakland. I dropped Dan off at Oakland airport, dropped the rent-a-car off at San Jose airport and went to my friend Craig's house in Santa Clara.

After finally getting a shower, we were off to the Golden State Warriors game at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California.

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The Warriors were kind enough to provide us with 4 free tickets to the game. Myself, Craig, Erin, and Brian attended the. We took the "BART" (Bay Area Rail Transportation) to the Oakland Coliseum stop. I then took the familiar walk (Oakland A's) over the cement bridge towards McAfee Coliseum, aka the Black Hole, aka the Cement Palace. Oracle arena is located on the opposite side of the football/baseball stadium.

The hallways inside were very tight and congested

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We headed up to our seats in the upper bowl. When we arrived to the upper floor, we were greeted with "Welcome to the 200 club" by one of the ushers. I assume they are trying to make these fans get a more upscale feel to the game.

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There were many different foods available for the game, none of which I could say I was particularly impressed with. While the California cheesesteak tempted me, I decided to go with the California hot dog. A foot long hot dog with pico de gallo, cheese sauce, and jalepenos.

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View from our seats

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Title banner

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Al Harrington drives to the basket

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40 1st quarter points for the Warriors

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Dontrelle Willis and C.C. Sabathia on hand for the game.

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Coloring and video games for the kids...the video games seemed to be the more popular choice:

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After seeing him 3 times this week, I gained a new respect for Rasheed Wallace. Yes, he is a fiery player that often complains and gets ejected, but you may not often see is his ability to make the big basker or the big play away from the ball. Most impressive was his ability to get his team and himself psyched up by leading them in the huddle, slapping his hands together, and throwing his warm-ups high in air before tipoff.

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Craig and I document Arena #4

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So once the game was over, I had a day or two to kill in the bay area...what tough luck?!

The hills of Oakland

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Plain & Simple, one of the best things to see and do in San Francisco, is the historic Alcatraz Island. I think we paid about $20 for the trip.

Just a few seals:

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SF in the back

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Welcome to Alcatraz Island

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Thick glass huh?

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Where've you been if you've never heard of these guys

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Tourist

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The yard

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The actual cell used in the only ever escape from Alcatraz. Speculation runs wild as to what happened to the 3 prisoners

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The end of Alcatraz

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The city

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SF engulfed in fog...

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The most photographed bridge in the world...aka Golden Gate

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Leaving Alcatraz

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Can you believe it...Corona in a can?

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Any sportsfan must make a stop at the Field of Dreams located on Pier 39, run by John Waterman. The best sports memorabilia anywhere...

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They call it the curviest/crookedest street in the world. Lombard Street. For one hour, I would own Lombard street and appear in tourist photo albums forever.

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Transamerica Building by day...
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By night and fog

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Oh them S.F. Hills!

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Trolley time

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Chocolate

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Another great trip to the bay area. Crazy timing too...Barry Bonds gets indicted and they are still cleaning up the oil spill while I'm there. Can't wait until my next visit.

Thanksgiving weekend - Boston & Philadelphia (hometown).

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Milwaukee, WI, United States