Advertisement

California wildfires cause Warriors to make big change to pregame ceremony

The Golden State Warriors will not be using pyrotechnics at Tuesday’s opener out of respect for those affected by the Northern California wildfires. (Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors will not be using pyrotechnics at Tuesday’s opener out of respect for those affected by the Northern California wildfires. (Getty Images)

With the series of deadly wildfires still raging through Northern California, the Golden State Warriors have decided not to use pyrotechnics at Tuesday’s season opener against the Houston Rockets, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Out of respect for those affected by the wildfires, the team decided it wouldn’t be appropriate to have that type of display. The Warriors pregame pyrotechnic display is known to be one of the most complex displays in the league.

Fifteen major wildfires are still tearing across California, scorching over 217,000 acres and destroying more than 5,700 structures, according to CNN. At least 41 people have been killed and Sonoma County officials said 88 people are still reported missing in that county. Some evacuees have started to return to the area, some to their homes, but others haven’t been as fortunate.

Recently the Warriors, along with an assist from the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland A’s, San Jose Earthquakes, San Francisco Giants, Oakland Raiders and San Jose Sharks, donated a total of $450,000 to support Wine Country fire relief efforts.

The teams also set up a website for fans to donate.

The Warriors also held a moment of silence in honor of those affected by the wildfires before their preseason finale last Friday against the Sacramento Kings.