By: Kyrie Sismaet By: Kyrie Sismaet | March 24, 2022 | Lifestyle, Parties, Sports, Events, Entertainment, Local,
For the first time again in over 80 years, San Francisco is set to host two nights of the NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament to determine who moves onto the Elite Eight, beginning 4 p.m. this afternoon with the "Sweet Sixteen."
The last time this Division 1 event was held here in Dub nation was before WWII in 1939, and now its grand return is expected to draw in visitors far and wide. The boost in fan tourism is sure to be welcomed by lodging, retail, and dining businesses throughout the city, as this is a revitalizing chance to leave pleasant impressions for newcomers to the 7x7.
"This is a really big coming out," Warriors VP of Government and Community Relations YoYo Chan says, "A lot of people are going to be flying into San Francisco for the first time." Chan addresses those who may not have had San Francisco high on their radar before, emphasizing, “lots of fans from across the country who haven’t traveled and who are going to be experiencing our city, local restaurants, everything the city has to offer that we haven’t really been able to share with the rest of the world our country for the past two years."
Tourism is a major contributor to San Francisco’s economy with all the unique destinations and businesses here. With already an 80% increase to hotel occupancies here, the influx of sports fans to not only the Chase Center and nearby Thrive City Plaza, but to throughout all the community districts, is sure to excite upcoming parties, festive events, and deal specials.
"Tt’s a beautiful city," Rodney Fong, the SF Chamber of Commerce President and CEO proudly declares. "Chase Center in Mission Bay a beautiful part of San Francisco with the glistening bay in the background." Fong is thrilled to observe both locals and visitors alike having great experiences at the 900,000 square foot venue.
Debuted in 2019, for the last three days the Chase Center has been undergoing a swift and awe-inspiring decorative tranformation for the Sweet Sixteen Tournament. Tickets have been going for $500, with upper levels averaging around $289. There will also be plenty of bars throughout San Francisco to watch among fans, such as Harmonic Brewing nearby.
The first match is Arkansas vs. Gonzaga, with Texas Tech VS. Duke scheduled for around 6:39 p.m.
With spectators already pouring into the city, one winner is definitely San Francisco.
Photography by: Luke Zhang/Unsplash