San Francisco Giants

Don't miss a Memorable Giants Baseball Day

A world-class baseball experience...

One of most fun events that you might enjoy while you are in San Francisco is a Giants baseball game at AT&T Park. After winning the World Series in 2010, the Giants have become one of the hottest teams in baseball. They’re a fun team to watch and you simply can’t beat the pleasures of this stadium. With beautiful views of the water, great dining opportunities and fun special events, AT&T Ballpark is unlike any other baseball stadium that you’ve ever been to.

History of AT&T Ballpark

AT&T Ballpark was the first privately financed ballpark in Major League Baseball since 1962. It is an open air baseball park that was first opened in 2000 under the name Pacific Bell Park. The name was changed to SBC Park and then finally became AT&T Ballpark in 2006. Sports Business Journal and Sports Business Daily named AT&T Ballpark the 2008 Sports Facility of the Year in their inaugural year of the Sports Business Awards program.

Willie Mays Statue at Giants Stadium Park

AT&T Ballpark Location and Directions

The park is located at 24 Willie Mays Plaza, at the corner of 3rd Street and King Street. This is in the SoMA/ South Beach neighborhood of San Francisco. This is an increasingly trendy neighborhood filled with dining, nightlife and shopping options. The ballpark is located right on the water of the San Francisco Bay. In fact, there are people sitting in boats in the water at every game and they compete to catch the home run balls that fly over the wall and into the water.

It is not recommended that you drive to the ballpark. Parking in the area is difficult and expensive. It is much better to take public transportation. Options include:

• Take BART. Get off at the Embarcadero station and walk south along the water until you reach the ballpark. This is a top option.
• Take the T. That’s the MUNI streetcar that drops you off right in front of the ballpark.
• Take the bus. MUNI bus lines 10, 30, 45 and 47 all stop within walking distance of the ballpark.
• Bike. The ballpark has a secure bicycle parking facility on site that opens two hours before every game and closes half an hour after the game ends.
• Taxis. It is possible to find taxis to and from the game. Cabs in San Francisco are safe and can be hailed on the street. However, delays due to traffic around the ballpark can make this an expensive option.

Note that public transportation is very busy and crowded on game days. Although buses and streetcars run frequently to accommodate the traffic, you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to get there.

Saving Money on Tickets

San Francisco Giants games are often sold out. To make sure that you get a seat at the stadium, you do want to purchase your tickets in advance. Unfortunately, tickets can get somewhat pricey. Some of the best ways to save money on game tickets include:

• Goldstar. You can sign up for free to be a member of Goldstar, a site that offers discounted tickets to many events. It is very common for them to have San Francisco Giants tickets available often at half-price.
  • eBay. The popular auction site often has people who are selling tickets to Giants games. Prices on the site can sometimes get competitive.
  • Scalpers. There are many different scalpers selling tickets to San Francisco Giants games. You can find them on scalper websites. You can also find them meandering around the plaza outside of the stadium. There are definitely risks to getting tickets from scalpers. Some of them are con who will take more money than you should give. If this is a risk that you’re willing to take, however, there are also a lot of “average Joes” out there scalping tickets on game days.

  

  San Francisco Giants games - a great day out...

  Food In the Stadium

  There are many amazing food options inside of AT&T Ballpark. Although the stadium has traditional treats like hot dogs and popcorn, it also has a vast array of more upscale food than you’ll traditionally find at baseball stadiums. Be forewarned that you do a price for these treats; food at the stadium is VERY expensive. If you’re interested in splurging, though, some of your options include:

  • Dungeness Crab on grilled, buttery sourdough bread
  • Garlic fries
  • Puerto Rican black beans and seasoned rice with jerk chicken and pineapple salsa
  • Bazurros Italian flatbread
  • Fresh, healthy salads
  • Freshly carved turkey, beef briskets and pulled pork sandwiches
  • Delicious authentic Mexican food

  In addition to these treats, you can expect to find a full range of beverages. Alcoholic beverages include upscale cocktails, fancy wines and beer from local microbreweries.

  Many people wonder if they can bring their own food to the ballpark. The answer is yes. However, you cannot bring alcoholic beverages and you can’t bring glass bottles into the park. Pack your food in clear plastic bags to get through security easily.

  Nearby Restaurants and Bars

  Many people choose to eat before or after the game instead of at the stadium due to the high cost of food inside the ballpark. Be aware that crowds are big and busy at all of the nearby restaurants on game day. For many people, though, that great game day crowd is part of the fun. Some of the best nearby restaurants and bars include:

  • 21st Amendment Brewery. This is one of the most popular spots on game days due in no small part to the fact that it has a cool outdoor seating area. There’s a limited food menu on game days that is posted on their website.
  • Public House. This is a popular local sports bar that serves upscale pub food along with many different types of drinks.
  • MoMo’s. The number one menu item at this nearby restaurant is wood fired pizza.
  • Ironside Café. The pizza is a popular choice here as well although sandwiches run a close second.
  • Paragon Restaurant. The loft ceilings and warehouse feel of this restaurant perfectly capture the essence of the SoMA/ South Beach neighborhood where the ballpark is located. The food is fancy New American cuisine.
  • Tres Agaves Restaurant. It’s known for its tequila but this restaurant also has a great selection of Mexican food.
  • South Park Café. This casual French cuisine spot is a little less crowded than some of the other nearby bars and restaurants.
  • Hi Dive at Pier 28 ½. Enjoy food and drinks overlooking the bay at this restaurant. If you’re going to a weekend game, stop in here first for brunch.
  • Zeke’s. This sports bar has bratwurst and cheap beer, which go well with game day!

   Extra Insider Tips

  Some of the additional tips and insider information that you might want to know about AT&T Ballpark includes:

  • The weather is usually a lot colder than people expect it to be. Summer in San Francisco is chilly and windy so prepare accordingly. Bring sweatshirts, jackets and blankets.
  • Tailgating is permitted in parking lots C and D for people who do drive to the ballpark. It is more common for people to do pre-game partying at local bars, though.
  • There is WiFi at the park. In 2004, AT&T ballpark became the first professional sports venue to provide continuous universal wireless access to fans in all concourses and seating areas. Take advantage of it!
  • It’s totally fine for you to leave the ballpark and come back later. Get your hand stamped for re-entry before you leave.
  • The AT&T Ballpark website has a very helpful A-Z Guide that can answer a lot of the questions that you might have about going to a Giants game.

  Stadium Special Events

  There are many, many special events held at the ballpark including events for Giants fans. Examples include “dog days” when dogs are allowed at the park (pets usually aren’t allowed) and days when fireworks are held over the water after the game. Check the AT&T website and local San Francisco news sites for information about those events.