The original 1966 SOM-designed arena had grown outdated and lacked the amenities of newer venues. With just over 11,000 seats, it was one of the smallest venues in the NBA. The $100 million renovation involved demo of the existing interior and the construction of a new seating bowl within the existing structure. The original foundation, curtain wall, and cable-supported roof remained intact. Included in the renovation were new courtside clubs, suites, expanded food service capabilities, and modern team facilities.
I was part of the Associate Architect team working within HNTB’s field office and later their site office. Initially, I was tasked with coordinating the elevations of the three exterior additions, with that task growing to involve all documentation, detailing, and coordination for these elements. Once on site, I worked closely with the trades to coordinate the food service building outs, ice floor, and all of the precast seating bowl risers.
This was an incredibly fast-moving project. Demolition began the day after the 1996 regular season (no post-season for the Warriors in those days); it was completed in time for the Warriors’ return in the fall of 1997, missing only a single season in Oakland. (They played the 1996–97 season at the San Jose Arena.)
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Oakland, CA
Renovation and Expansion
19,400 seats
100M
1997
PA
