A Grand Welcome to NBA All-Star Weekend in the Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – Every year, the Bay Area hosts Dreamforce, the largest annual convention that brings throngs of people to the region, filling hotels, restaurants, and streets with a vibrant mix of work and play. However, this year, Dreamforce was outdone by a once-in-a-lifetime event: the NBA’s 2025 All-Star Weekend. The level of joy and revelry that unfolded from Thursday night through Sunday night was unprecedented.
For three days, the Bay Area transformed into "Steph’s Place," a title fittingly earned by Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry. The event spanned both San Francisco and Oakland, bringing an energy that transcended geographical boundaries. Curry, who has called the Bay Area home for the past 16 years, took his role as the weekend’s unofficial host seriously and was warmly embraced as the official host.
The Host with the Most: Stephen Curry
Curry’s involvement was not just a token appearance; it was a heartfelt celebration of the region he loves. Sitting behind the All-Star Game MVP trophy he earned for leading Team Shaq to a 41-25 victory over Team Chuck, Curry reflected on the experience. "The hosting experience was unbelievable," he said. "This is an honor and a blessing to celebrate and share this beautiful Bay Area that’s been a part of my life for the last 16 years."
Curry, now 36, spent his first 10 NBA seasons in Oakland, leading the Warriors to seven consecutive playoff appearances, five NBA Finals, and three championships. Oracle Arena, now known as Oakland Arena, became a coveted destination thanks to Curry’s stellar performances. Curry’s deep connection to Oakland made it essential to extend the All-Star Weekend’s festivities to the city.
Paying Homage to Oakland
On Saturday, All-Star Media Day, the Celebrity Game, the Rising Stars practice session, and the NBCU Classic were all held at Oakland Arena. For Curry, the return to his old stomping grounds was particularly emotional. "Maybe you’ve been a part of our journey and understood the highs and the lows of everything we’ve experienced as a Golden State Warrior franchise," he said. "Oracle is front and center as the symbol of that. It’s such a unique place. Oakland is such a unique city, unique town, and the idea that we had an opportunity to pay homage to the 47 years that we played in that building and the memories that we had."
Curry’s emotional pilgrimage back to Oakland was a highlight of the weekend, and he hopes to see more events return to the arena. "I got real emotional (Saturday) going back. I’ve been back a couple times before but not with a crowd and not with a basketball floor on the ground and being able to reminisce. It was very special, for sure. I know there’s a lot of talk that we should play a game there. I like that idea."
Community Engagement and Philanthropy
Curry’s commitment to the Bay Area extends beyond the court. On Friday, he made visits to public schools in East and West Oakland, part of the philanthropic efforts of Eat.Learn.Play., the foundation he shares with his wife, Ayesha. The foundation made restorations to both schools and donated a six-figure sum to the Oakland Unified School District. These acts of kindness, though not on the official NBA calendar, were significant on Curry’s personal agenda.
After his school visits, Curry made his way to San Francisco and Chase Center, where the weekend’s main events took place. He and Ayesha sat courtside for All-Star Saturday Night, enjoying the Skills Challenge, the 3-point contest, and the Slam Dunk Contest. The evening culminated at Club Thirty, a celebratory space outside Chase Center, where Curry hosted a party featuring Gentlemen’s Cut bourbon, a spirit he introduced two years ago. The party, attended by dozens of athletes, musicians, and celebrities, was a fitting tribute to Curry’s contributions to the Warriors and the Bay Area.
A Spectacular Finale
By Sunday afternoon, Curry was back at Chase Center, shaking off fatigue to delight the crowd with a half-court shot that added three of his 15 points to the championship game score. Walking off the floor with the MVP trophy, Curry reflected on the weekend’s success. "It was awesome from start to finish," he said, giving the weekend a perfect 10 on a 1-to-10 scale. "The highlight is obviously the game. That’s what everybody is looking forward to. It brought a lot of my people together that have helped me along the way or been a part of the journey, and I got to kind of reflect a little bit."
A Legacy of Love and Respect
The NBA, with Curry’s influence, treated both sides of the bay with respect, honoring San Francisco and Oakland, as well as the Warriors’ past and present. All in all, the weekend was a tremendous success, and the host, driving the Valentine love vibe, was exceptional. "Good luck, Dreamforce, in trying to top that," Curry said with a smile.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in the Bay Area was more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration of community, history, and the enduring spirit of one of the NBA’s greatest players. The memories will last a lifetime, and the impact of Curry’s efforts will be felt for years to come.
