Fan excited for Warriors to defend their championship

OAKLAND, Calif. (KTVU) -- Bay Area sports fans are gearing up for hopefully what will be another great season for the Golden State Warriors with the team's home opener taking place Tuesday  night.

KTVU got a sneak peak of things to come with the help of team officials. On Monday afternoon, a man with a briefcase handcuffed to his wrist carried precious cargo to the Bay Area: 25 Warriors 2014-2015 championship rings encrusted with diamonds.

The briefcase was carried to a private jet at the Van Nuys Airport around 3 p.m. It was flown to Oakland and then delivered to Oracle Arena around 5 p.m.

The rings will be given to the players and coaches during a pregame ceremony. The Warriors have also launched a new campaign, "This is Why We Play."

The first commercial features a voice over by Bay Area music legend Sheila E., who is a huge Warriors fan.

She tells KTVU she plans to fly into Oakland Tuesday from Los Angeles to attend the season opener.
Sheila E. spoke with KTVU via Skype.
　
"Born and raised in Oakland and for them to ask me to be part of it, I was so happy. You have no idea. I was screaming and yelling, going 'Yeah!'" said Sheila E.

Another person who will be attending the season opener is Leslie Sosnick of Oakland.

"This is our season ticket for this year," said Sosnick.

She says her family has been season ticket holders for 53 years.

"This was his jersey. And the Warriors put my dad's name and how old my dad was," the 61-year-old fan said as she proudly showed KTVU several items the Warriors gave her late father in 1975 the year the team won their first championship.

Sosnick says her father taught her everything she knows about sports.
　
"Throughout the playoffs run and throughout the finals against Cleveland. I just felt my parents -- especially my dad -- on my shoulders with me. So it was extremely emotional for me. It still is," said Sosnick.

At the Oakland Tribune Tavern, signs supporting the Warriors are already on display. The assistant general manager tells KTVU happy hour will be extended because of the Warriors game.

Fans who don't have tickets say they'll be watching at a bar or from home, hoping for another dream season.

"Optimism and enthusiasm. I'm just keeping my figures crossed. We just need a little bit of luck," said fan James Cook.

The Warriors play the New Orleans Pelicans at Oracle Arena Tuesday. The game starts at 7:30 p.m.