Warriors fans head into home opener at Chase Center with high expectations
SAN FRANCISCO -- The Golden State Warriors take on the Phoenix Suns at Chase Center Tuesday night at the Chase Center for the season home opener, and Dub Nation is ready.
Fans welcome the start of what they expect to be another championship run for the team.
"Super excited, yeah! Sad that we didn't go 5-0 during the pre-season, but it's going to be great," said John Santamarina, a fan who bought a jersey for his child at the Warriors Shop on Monday. "For the little one, a Klay Thompson jersey. You excited for that?"
The Warriors have started a regular season at home in seven of the last nine seasons. Some of the storylines feeding into the game include newcomer veteran guard Chris Paul facing off against his old team as well as former Golden State all-star Kevin Durant playing at Chase Center in front of fans for the first time since leaving the Warriors.
"I think they're doing really well. I think seeing Chris Paul with the team, the dynamics that's been going on, I think it's going to work well," said Xavier Lapitan, a Bay Area native who now lives in Arizona.
He also bought a jersey at the team store during his visit.
The start of the regular season has created enthusiasm for NBA fans around the world, with some in town to experience opening night in person while visiting San Francisco.
"Feeling excited for the game. Never been to a professional basketball game," said Michael Brown, who is from Australia.
Shirts are already covering each seat inside the arena for the new season Tuesday morning. They are part of a new campaign for the Warriors that will use the slogan "Make'Em Look" around the venue. It will feed off the expectations for return to the NBA Finals.
"All the way! We're going to go all the way," said Santamarina.
