Glory Days: Bay Area plays host to NBA Finals, Stanley Cup
Published 9:24 am Thursday, June 2, 2016
OAKLAND, Calif. — Stephen Curry and LeBron James dueling on the court in the NBA Finals as the Golden State Warriors look to cap a record-breaking season with a second straight title. Joe Thornton and Sidney Crosby matching up on the ice as the San Jose Sharks look to win the Stanley Cup for the first time ever.
The Bay Area that is usually known for high-tech innovations, wine country and spectacular views will be the center of the sports world this weekend when it plays host to both the NBA Finals and the Stanley Cup Final, as well as the Copa America soccer tournament.
“This is great for sports fans, regardless of if you follow each respective sport all year-round or whatnot, this is a great time to kind of tune in and be a sports fan in the Bay Area,” Curry said. “Obviously, the world’s eyes are going to be here in Oakland, San Jose, Levi’s Stadium. So it’s fun.”
Everyone is getting on board, with several players from the area’s other teams frequently attending Warriors and Sharks playoff games. When the Sharks clinched a Stanley Cup berth, 49ers general manager Trent Baalke was right next to Sharks counterpart Doug Wilson offering congratulations.
A group of Athletics went over to watch a Warriors shootaround before one of their own games earlier this postseason. Raiders coach and Bay Area native Jack Del Rio has attended both Sharks and Warriors playoff games this spring.