As NBA All-Star Weekend 2025 descends upon the Bay Area, basketball fans are eager to witness not only the league’s biggest stars in action but also the unveiling of yet another iconic court design. Over the past quarter-century, All-Star host cities have showcased their unique flair and history through these vibrant, eye-catching floors that become instant conversation pieces.
Golden State’s All-Star Tribute to Bay Area Bridges
This year, Golden State has opted for a striking blue and yellow design featuring the region’s famous Golden Gate and Bay Bridges spanning the length of the court. It’s a fitting homage to the Bay Area’s distinctive landmarks and a callback to the last time they hosted All-Star festivities in 2000, when the Bay Bridge also graced center court.
But the Warriors’ 2025 court is far from the only memorable All-Star design in recent years. Let’s take a stroll down memory lane and revisit some of the most notable floors from the past 25 years of NBA All-Star Weekend.
Indianapolis 2024: Futuristic Flair
Though the 2024 All-Star Game itself was played on a traditional hardwood surface, the weekend’s other events showcased a groundbreaking innovation: a full-video glass LED court. This futuristic floor, installed at Lucas Oil Stadium, turned heads and hinted at the technological advancements we may see in the years to come.
Atlanta 2021: Honoring HBCU Culture
The court at State Farm Arena in 2021 paid tribute to the rich heritage of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Designed in collaboration with HBCU alumni, the floor featured bold, colorful patterns and symbols celebrating the unique culture and contributions of these institutions.
Toronto 2016: CN Tower Takes Center Stage
When Toronto hosted All-Star Weekend in 2016, they made sure their iconic CN Tower was front and center. The court at the then-Air Canada Centre prominently featured the famous structure, leaving no doubt as to which city was in the spotlight.
New York 2015: A Subway-Inspired Spectacle
The Big Apple’s 2015 All-Star extravaganza was a joint effort between the Knicks and Nets, and the court design reflected this unique partnership. The center logo mimicked the city’s famous subway map, cleverly incorporating both teams’ colors and paying homage to New York’s transit system.
New Orleans 2008: Jazzing It Up
In 2008, New Orleans showcased its rich musical heritage with an All-Star court featuring four trumpets pointing in different directions. This nod to the city’s jazz roots perfectly captured the spirit and soul of the Big Easy.
From Golden State’s bridge-inspired masterpiece to Indianapolis’ futuristic glass court, NBA All-Star floors have become an art form all their own. These iconic designs not only add visual excitement to the weekend’s festivities but also serve as lasting tributes to the host cities and their unique culture, landmarks, and history.
As we look forward to the 2025 All-Star Game in San Francisco and beyond, one thing is certain: the tradition of eye-popping, conversation-starting court designs is alive and well. Each year, fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of these hardwood canvases, wondering how the next host city will put its own creative stamp on this basketball spectacle.
So as we marvel at Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic, and the rest of the NBA’s brightest stars battling it out on the Bay Area’s bridge-bedecked floor, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the artistry and imagination that went into creating this instant classic. After all, these unforgettable courts are more than just surfaces to play on – they’re the beating heart and visual identity of NBA All-Star Weekend itself.
