Warriors call 'toilet seat' comparison for new arena design 'unfortunate'

The design for a new Golden State Warriors arena in San Francisco looks like a toilet seat. There's really no way around seeing it once it's been pointed out to you.

To wit:

(Photo courtesy NBA.com)

The proposed 18,000-seat arena would be accompanied by multiple office buildings and retail space. Unfortunately, they have not been made to look like toilet paper dispensers and towel racks, respectively.

As one would expect, the original design has been the subject of some criticism and a whole lot of joking since it was released. The Warriors are preaching patience in response, as this preliminary design won't necessarily reflect the final look for the facility.

Team spokesman PJ Johnston called the reaction "unfortunate," and said the design will "absolutely" change between now and completion. He provided the following statement to the San Jose Mercury News:

I guess that's the perils of the Internet.

First impressions are first impressions. We're confident though that when this design is further refined and really comes together, people will not only see what we're trying to accomplish like with the raised bayfront deck, but they will definitely see a more nuanced and beautiful rendering that will frankly just better showcase the design that than these do.

They'd probably be well-served to release an altered rendering sooner rather than later.