SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – In a rare moment of glory, Oakland will shine in the national spotlight Friday as the Golden State Warriors parade through the city with their NBA championship trophy.
Oakland usually makes news for crime, corruption, protests and violence.
But on Friday morning, thousands of blue-and-gold-clad fans will flood downtown to see Warriors players aloft six floats as they make their way along a 2-mile parade route, showing off the championship trophy. They’ll try to get grab a glimpse of the gold award that Stephen Curry lifted over his head Wednesday as he stepped off the airplane and into the California sun.
Oakland Warriors fans and city leaders alike have stood behind their team through the season, and now they are basking in the glory of the first NBA title in 40 years.
“The success of the Golden State Warriors, who are headquartered and play in Oakland, have provided a golden spotlight on this city. The resilience and tremendous potential of Oakland are emblematic of the Warriors’ victory. Go, Warriors! Go, Oakland,” said Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, who represents East Oakland and other East Bay cities and has been a Warriors fan since 1976.