08 Nov NBA Jam

This Monday, I had the chance to attend my first ever NBA game, travelling to Oakland(don’t) to watch the Golden State Warriors take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Oracle Arena. It was quite the experience.

The game was my first american sport event full stop(unless you count WWE, though that’s an different discussion topic all together).I was really taken aback by just how different the atmosphere and fans were compared to the soccer games I’m used to back in England. It’s a much more family oriented experience, lacking the intimidating tribal nature of Football. I had to smile when the crowd barraged the referee with “you suck referee”. Crowds in England aren’t quite as elegant.Many people outside the U.S disregard Americans sport events as being fake or artificial, I can certainly see where this stems from. Unlike Football or Rugby the crowd barely chants independently, instead waiting for music to start playing over the PA(which must be very distracting to the players!). Admittedly though it does make for a fun experience, the glossy and over the top half time shows being an highlight. It’s remarkable how much entertainment a guy with t-shirt gun can provide. I could see myself taking my girlfriend to an NBA game, and not just for the kiss cam.It’s truly an family friendly environment, which I actually prefer over the tools who I have to stand near at soccer games. A thing which took me surprise is the fact I was actually touched by the rendition of the anthem before the start of the game. Perhaps it was the thought of the country being torn apart by today’s election. It’s quite a sight to see everybody stood in solidarity, hand on heart before the opening quarter.

I wasn’t quite as enamoured with the pricing of the merchandising though! How the Franchise can get away with charging $100 for a jersey I don’t know, though I did purchase a cap for $35 so I’m a disgusting hypocrite. This was in conjunction with paying $55 for a last minute ticket.It was worth the money though, at least that’s what I told myself as tears hit my wallet. A final thing which struck as I was leaving the game is the fact that were pelican fans who had actually travelled all the way from Louisiana. It’s one thing to travel a couple hundred miles in England for an away game, but to traverse thousands is an impressive feat.

The game was a close affair,ending 116-106 to the Warriors whose defence needs serious work. I was fortunate enough to witness Stephen Curry break the all time record for the amount of three pointers in a single game, scoring thirteen. The crowd reaction was something I wont forget in a hurry, with an deafening chant of “MVP” reverberating around the arena.

All in all an great experience. Though Basketball isn’t my favourite sport, I had a fun night just experiencing a American sports game. The presentation and party like atmosphere is unlike anywhere else.

P.S I predict a trump victory today in the election. Good luck with that.