San Jose fans celebrate Warriors ahead of preseason game

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- The NBA champion Golden State Warriors kick off the preseason with a game Monday at the SAP Center, and they gave fans a chance to pose with the championship trophy. It gives the South Bay a special opportunity to celebrate and could also help the owners build support as they prepare to move the team to San Francisco.

VIDEO: Highlights from the Golden State Warriors parade

The Warriors played their regular 1996-1997 season in San Jose while Oracle Arena was being renovated. But to come back as the NBA defending champions, well that could attract some new fans and solidify support among the faithful.

Monday was officially Warriors day in San Jose. And for fans that meant a rare opportunity to meet Larry, the Larry O'Brien NBA championship trophy.

"Whew, never seen it before in my life," said one fan. "First time. So, great."

Since the Warriors won the championship, it's been quite a ride for Larry. He's traveled with team players back to their hometowns, he's been on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and been a star in San Francisco's Pride Parade.

Young and old alike lined up at San Jose City Hall to strike a pose.

"We're very happy to come here," said another fan.

According to the team's management, 10 percent of their fan base is in the South Bay. That's compared to 44 percent in the East Bay and 17 percent in San Francisco.

But we're told Monday's preseason game, which is the first in San Jose, and the trophy hoopla, are not a strategy to grow those numbers.

"As you know, we are the bay's team," said Warriors Vice President of Public Affairs Gail Hunter. "And coming here to San Jose was incredibly important to us to celebrate the championship."

The Warriors are the one team the entire Bay Area lays claim to. But the owners plan to move to San Francisco in 2018.

"As a fan, I would love for them to stay in Oakland," said a Warriors fan.

Fellow fan Edward Sabando added, "They should bring it here to San Jose, baby! Anywhere the Warriors go, we're gonna support them 100 percent."

Lots of love for the team and Larry, whose next stop is Santa Cruz.

Monday night's game against the Toronto Raptors started at 7:30 p.m.

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