Sports of all types
The Cow Palace has been the starting home for many Bay Area sports legends from basketball to boxing, and tennis to roller derby. For a complete list of sports events at the Cow Palace, see the Cow Palace Sports Timeline.
The Warriors
Yes, the Warriors' time in the Bay Area started at the Cow Palace! The Warriors relocated to San Francisco from Philadelphia in 1962 as the San Francisco Warriors, and called the Cow Palace home from 1962 to 1964 and again from 1966 to 1971. The team was renamed the Golden State Warriors for 1971–72 and began playing almost all home games in the new Oakland Coliseum Arena (now Oracle Arena).
Wilt Chamberlain was the undisputed star of the San Francisco Warriors in the 1960s. One of the greatest players in basketball history, "Wilt the Stilt" shattered NBA records and changed the game forever. He was the only player in NBA history to average at least 30 points and 20 rebounds per game in a season, which he accomplished seven times. He is also the only player to average at least 30 points and 20 rebounds per game over the entire course of his NBA career.
Roller Derby and the San Francisco Bay Bombers
First televised in 1948, roller derby became wildly popular with its exaggerated hits and falls. The Cow Palace was home to the famous (and infamous) San Francisco Bay Bombers. Team stars included Charlie O'Connell, Joanie Weston (the Blonde Bomber), and Ann Calvello. The Bombers ruled the banked track at the Cow Palace until they moved to Kezar Stadium.