What are the Santa Cruz Warriors?
The Santa Cruz Warriors are the NBA Development League affiliate of the Golden State Warriors, one of 11 NBA D-League teams that has a one-to-one relationship with its NBA parent team.
The Warriors are tipping off their inaugural season in Santa Cruz on December 23, 2012, and they are bringing a history of success to Surf City. In their six seasons in the NBA D-League as the Dakota Wizards, based in Bismarck, North Dakota, the team made the playoffs five times, winning the 2007 NBA D-League Championship.
What’s it like going to a game?
Many fans are familiar with attending a minor league baseball game like the San Jose Giants. The NBA D-League is similar in providing a fun, affordable, family entertainment product, but different in the sense that the competition is only one level below the NBA. In the NBA D-League, fans will see first and second round draft picks, in addition to veterans either attempting a comeback or working through a medical rehab program. It is exciting, fast-paced basketball!
Where will the Santa Cruz Warriors play?
The Santa Cruz Warriors will play in the Kaiser Permanente Arena, a temporary facility located at 140 Front Street in Santa Cruz. It is currently under construction.
The entire pavilion measures roughly 33,000 square feet. The arena itself will be made of steel walls and a fabric roof. It can hold roughly 2,700 seats for basketball and up to 4,000 for end stage events. There will also be seven modular units on the premises for team locker rooms, referees, coaches, training rooms and restrooms.
When did construction start?
Construction on the Kaiser Permanente Arena began on September 18, 2012, roughly a week after unanimous City Council approval of the arena project.
Will construction be complete by the first home game on December 23?
Yes! We are on track to complete construction of the arena in time for the first home game. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for detailed construction updates!
How do I get tickets?
Tickets are going fast! We are currently selling season ticket packages for the 2012-13 season. For details on how to secure yours, please stop by our offices at 903 Pacific Avenue or call Dana Knops, Director of Ticket Sales, directly at 831-713-4393. As the season gets closer, we will be taking reservations for mini-plans and selling individual tickets. We will have an online store in the coming weeks.
Does the team have a mascot?
Yes! We held a mascot challenge earlier this summer and heard some great ideas from the community. We will be releasing the mascot details as the season approaches.
How do I get a job with the Santa Cruz Warriors?
We are currently accepting resumes for front office and game day staff! Please email application materials to questions@santacruzbasketball.com.
How does my company become a sponsor for the Santa Cruz Warriors?
We would love to speak with you about sponsorship opportunities! Email any sponsorship requests to questions@santacruzbasketball.com or call our main offices at 831-713-4400.
How can I get a Santa Cruz Warriors player to come to my event?
Email appearance requests, including a description of the event, to questions@santacruzbasketball.com.
How can I perform at halftime or sing the National Anthem at a Santa Cruz Warriors game?
Email an mp3 or YouTube clip to Brad Brown, Manager of Basketball Operations, at bbrown@santacruzbasketball.com. If you’d prefer, you can send or drop off a CD at our offices at 903 Pacific Avenue, Suite 101, Santa Cruz, CA 95060.
Where can I buy Santa Cruz Warriors merchandise?
Merchandise is now available at our team headquarters storefront! Stop by 903 Pacific Avenue to purchase yours today. We are open Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Merchandise will also be available for online purchase soon.
