Metallica guitarists James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett will perform the US national anthem at game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Toronto Raptors at Oracle Arena in Oakland, CA on June 5.
With the series tied 1-1, country artist Tenille Arts will also be on hand to deliver the Canadian national anthem prior to tip-off.
“We love to support our local teams, so we’re very excited to be a part of our hometown Golden State Warriors’ pursuit of their fourth NBA championship in five years!,” says Metallica. “Congratulations to the Warriors for competing in the NBA Finals five seasons in a row!! We are honored and proud to be on hand during this year’s quest. Go Dubs!”
Game 3 will be broadcast starting at 9:00 PM eastern / 6:00 PM pacific via ABC in the U.S. and Sportsnet in Canada.
The Metallica guitar duo have delivered the US national anthem at several events through the years.
2019 marks the final season for the Warriors in Oakland; they’ll move into the new Chase Center in San Francisco, CA this fall, where Metallica will team up with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra to open the venue on September 6.
Billed as S&M² (Symphony and Metallica 2) in honor of the 20th Anniversary of the pairing’s 1999 live performance recording “S&M”, the fall show will mark the inaugural event at the city’s new arena; two days later, the band will play an exclusive concert for fan club members at the venue.
See also:
VIDEO: Metallica perform 1991 classic in Madrid
VIDEO: Metallica perform Spit Out The Bone in Paris
Metallica thanks fans for participating in second annual Day Of Service
VIDEO: Metallica perform Moth Into Flame in rare Zurich concert
Search Metallica at hennemusic
