Massive crowd gathers in Oakland to celebrate Warriors NBA title
Kamala Moore arrived at the parade route at 4:15 a.m. "It's history in the making," she said.
"Oh my gosh, I really want to see Riley (Curry)," she said, referring to the 2-year-old daughter of Stephen Curry, her favorite player.
At Children's Fairyland on Lake Merritt, it was all about Riley on Friday as the large colorful sign was changed to read "Rileyland" on Friday morning.
Under an avalanche of confetti, the players and other officials traveled the 2-mile parade route to thunderous applause and cheers.
Al Attles, who coached the Warriors to the first title in the 1970s, had a wide smile on his face as traveled the parade route.
"It's unbelievable," Attles said. "It just goes to show you who much the Bay Area is into this team. There is an old saying in sports – they can to play and never gave up. That's what this team did."
The star of Attles championship team – Rick Barry – was also bombarded with cheers.
"This is a tremendous turnout," he told KTVU Fox 2. "I know these guys thought they had some fans, but this is insane. They will never forget this day and they deserve it."
Razon Tramble of Castro Valley lined up at 7 a.m. to get a view of the parade.
"I've been a fan since Chris Mullin was playing," he said. "It's just a very uplifting thing for the city. It's like a renewal. It shines a good light on the city."
Bailey Gail of Oakland said she was at the parade to see season MVP Stephen Curry and Finals MVP Andre Iguodala in person.
"I never thought (the Warriors) would do it because it had been so long," she said.
Dr. Scott Taylor, also an Oakland native, said he always thought they'd win another championship.
"It's been a long time since they won, it's long overdue," he said.
Warriors fans and city leaders alike have stood behind their team through the season, and now they are basking in the glory of the team's 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," said Alameda County Supervisor Nate Miley, who represents east Oakland and other East Bay cities and has been a Warriors fan since 1976.
The team won 105-97 in the Game 6 clincher Tuesday night.
"We're so proud of the job that the entire city of Oakland did as these great ambassadors for these finals," Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said Thursday. "Like the Warriors themselves, we put together a great team of businesses, fans and city workers that hosted the finals in world-class style."