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Kaiser Permanente backs Thrive City at Warriors’ new home

Healthcare provider Kaiser Permanente has stepped up its backing of the Golden State Warriors by agreeing a naming rights deal for the 11-acre plaza that will be home to the NBA basketball franchise’s new arena.

Chase Center, which will have a capacity of 18,064, is due to open with a Metallica concert on September 6 before the Warriors play their first pre-season game at the venue against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 5.

An existing commercial partner of the Warriors, Kaiser Permanente has built on its multi-year deal through the creation of Thrive City, a community gathering place designed to bring people together from all over the Bay Area and provide health programs and services. Thrive is Kaiser’s health and wellness slogan.

Thrive City will also be the official name of the district surrounding Chase Center, while Kaiser Permanente has been named official team physician of the Warriors. While the Warriors’ current Oracle Arena has little to attract fans outside of the venue itself, Thrive City will provide year-round health and wellness programming, including Get Fit clinics, yoga sessions, farmer’s markets and ice skating.

Thrive City will also be highlighted by public art, including a signature piece by international artist Olafur Eliasson located at the East Entrance of Chase Center. “The first year of Chase Center will be an incredible year of discovery for the community as we’ll continuously roll out new programming, retail, restaurants and entertainment at Thrive City,” said Rick Welts, Warriors president and chief operating officer.

“We could not have chosen a better partner to activate the surrounding district at Chase Center as Kaiser Permanente’s focus and commitment to the community runs parallel with our vision for the project and this entire district. We know this will become a gathering place for everyone and are excited to see it come to life over the first year of operation.”

Thrive City will tip off later this summer with a Get Fit clinic and will continue with ongoing programming throughout the year. Thrive City will now be home to the retail stores and restaurants planned for the surrounding district, and will be unveiled over the course of the first year of opening.

“The Golden State Warriors are one of the most impactful brands in professional sports, and we are thrilled to join with them to improve the health of the Bay Area communities we serve through Thrive City, which will serve as a flagship presence and destination for total health,” said Bernard Tyson, chairman and CEO of Kaiser Permanente.

“Additionally, broadening our partnership with the Warriors to become the official team physicians demonstrates our excellence in sports medicine. Our leading team of sports medicine specialists will bring expert care to support the ongoing good health of the team.”

Kaiser Permanente will supplement Thrive City programming with health and wellness opportunities for the community including blood pressure screenings, flu clinics and more. It will also open its second Northern California Sports Medicine Center just blocks from Thrive City.

Welts last month revealed that Chase Center, which has been privately developed at a cost of $1.4bn (£1.1bn/€1.25bn), has already generated $2bn in revenue for the team.

Image: Golden State Warriors