Oakland prepares for historic NBA All-Star game events

The NBA All-Star game is set to take place at the Chase Center in San Francisco next weekend, marking the first time this prestigious event occurs at this venue. Several surrounding events are scheduled to be hosted in Oakland, signifying a collaborative effort between the city and the NBA despite the recent departure of all major sports franchises, including the Warriors. Community leaders, such as Chris Chatmon, recognize the Warriors' ongoing efforts to maintain their presence in Oakland through community partnerships and training facilities for their women's basketball team, the Valkyries. This event not only brings excitement to fans but also provides a significant boost to local businesses that anticipate an increase in customers during the All-Star weekend. Restaurants and bars, including the newly opened "Splash at Thrive City," are preparing for a substantial influx of visitors, having practiced and coordinated for this anticipated weekend. As local businesses prepare for what they refer to as the calm before the storm, there is a growing sense of hope within the community about the potential positive impacts of hosting such significant events in the face of recent challenges within the local sports scene. Overall, the NBA All-Star weekend represents a resilient push for Oakland to regain a spotlight within the wider sporting community.