Now's the time to see the 'Niners and other San Francisco, CA Sports Travel Tips

Theme: Sports Watching

The 'Niners are a big part of SF life, and a source of immense pride not only to the city itself, but to all of Norhern California. Watching games in bars is not such a big activity - as most games start at 1 PM at the latest (10 AM if they're playing on the east coast). The best way to see them is live of course, and the parking lot tailgaters are legendary - starting very early in the morning.

Virtually all the seats at the 'Stick are held by season ticket holders, and the few that are available are snapped up early in the season. In past years tickets were virtually impossible to get. However, most of these ticket holders offload the not-so-big game tickets on the internet. Craig's List is great for this. Another avenue is to ask at your local bar; bar owners often get season tickets and keep the good games and sell the others to their patrons. And then there are always the scalpers.

The 'Niners have won 5 Super Bowls over the years, but these days the team is but a shell of its former greatness. But our loss is your gain... tickets should be plentiful. Games against the hated Raiders or the universally despised Dallas Cowboys are always hard to get, but this once untouchable experience is now within your reach!

PS... don't beleve the hype about how awful Candlestick is. While it was a pretty bad place to watch baseball, its actually a great place to watch a football game!

PPS... Candlestick Park is located in one of the worst neighborhoods in the City. Stick to the main freeway exits and don't try to take shortcuts.


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Theme: Sports Watching

Well, not in the city, of course. About 40 miles to the north at the northernmost tip of the bay is Infineon Raceway - formerly known as Sears Point raceway.

On the last full weekend of June NASCAR rolls into town for a series of events, culminating with the Dodge/SaveMart 350 on Sunday.

If you want to see my guide to the NASCAR race, please check out my Sears Point page; it is devoted entirely to the track and the logistics of attending the races.


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Theme: Sports Watching

SBC Park is an awesome place to watch a ballgame, even if the team is not so awesome these days. Holding only 43,000 people, you're really close to the action. There really aren't any bad seats - even the upper deck in right has a great view of the Bay Bridge (see photo). The bleachers are a great deal, too - only $10 - and you're real close to the field.

To get tickets - call first, to see if any are available through conventional channels. Your concierge can help, rich guy! Also, drop hints to whomever you meet that you want to go; everyone you meet in the city will know someone who knows someone who has tickets! Craig's List has an abundance of tickets. And, lastly, there are always the scalpers, who hang out around the parking lots and on the side streets leading to the park.

Equipment: Cooler restrictions are in place, as usual - I think they have to be softshell and no bigger than 16x12x8. What to bring? MONEY! The food at the park is excellent - especially the garlic fries! Bring a glove - if you remembered to pack it. Souveniers are plentiful and varied.

A few more tips -

Take Public Transportation! Parking is limited and getting to the lots is slow. Take the N Mission Bay train, which goes right to the ballpark from all downtown stations.

The Willie Mays staute is a great landmark in the plaza to meet up at, but EVERYONE meets at the Willie Mays statue. It'll be less crowded if you meet at the promenade on the water behind right field. Speaking of which - you can get a glimpse of the game FOR FREE by looking through the right field fence on the promenade. They don't let you stay long - a couple of innings at the most - but it's a fun thing to do.

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Phone: (415) 468-3700
Address: 801 Third Street
Directions: Between Kind, 2nd, 3rd, and China Basin.
Website: http://sfgiants.com

Theme: Sports Watching

You can watch the Giants for free by looking through the fence in right field! There's a guard there - regulating how long you can stay (they shoo you out if there's a line, so everyone gets a chance).


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Phone: (415) 468-3700
Address: 801 Third Street
Directions: Between Kind, 2nd, 3rd, and China Basin.
Website: http://sfgiants.com

Theme: Sports Watching

The Bay Area has two famous horse racing tracks - Golden Gate Fields in the East Bay, and Bay Meadows in the South Bay.

They run complementary schedules; GGF runs in the late spring and fall, while Bay Meadows runs in the summer during fair season. They are also open on off days for simulcast wagering. Of the two, Bay Meadows is much nicer; the weather is always better, and it attracts a less seedy clientele.

GGF is in the city of Albany; if you're driving on Hwy 80 you can't miss it. BM is in San Mateo, and is accessible from San Francisco via Caltrain.

Greyhound tracks are illegal in California.


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