Best Reason to Go to a Warriors Game

The Margaritas Near the Cabo Wabo Stage

Oakland Arena, 7000 Coliseum (at 66th Avenue), Oakland, (510) 569-2121, www.coliseum.com

This season's trade for guard Baron Davis from the New Orleans Hornets makes the team at least watchable, but it's still the Warriors, and a stiff drink may be necessary to get you through a night at the Arena. The facility serves only the high-end, Sammy Hagar-invented Cabo Wabo brand, and you must get it at the stand located near the Cabo Wabo stage on the second floor, where the cheesy in-house band performs during timeouts. The stand's best concoction is called a Blue Thunder, an azure delight on the rocks; it's plenty strong, surprisingly smooth, and delicious. Every time we've been, the folks working the stand have been a hoot as well. You wouldn't expect such a legitimately tasty drink (for under $10) at a basketball game, but it's worth the short wait in line -- especially if the Warriors are already losing.