This July 12-14, the Minnesota Twins return to Oracle Park in San Francisco for the first time in seven years. The home of the Giants is one of baseball’s best stadiums, and it also happens to be two blocks from my apartment. With close to 100 Giants games in my scorebook I thought to give Twins fans making the trip a comprehensive fan’s guide to how to make the best of your visit.
Here are the game times: 7:15 p.m. Friday, 4:15 p.m. Saturday and 1:05 p.m. Sunday.
I haven’t been to a ton of stadiums, but I can’t imagine another where the game time has a bigger effect on your experience. Being outside in San Francisco is drastically different at different times of the day. Because of that I’ll cover seat guidance separately by game. Visiting a new stadium also means figuring out how to get there, when and where to eat and where to sit. My goal with this post is to answer every question a Twins fan might have about how to enjoy their weekend in what we call “the City”.
The lay of the land
San Francisco sits on the tip ofa peninsula and Oracle Park is in the northeast part of town. Hold up your right hand. San Francisco is your thumbnail and the stadium sits right at the corner of said nail. Or just look at the map below that I swiped from Wikipedia. Oracle Park is the green dot. The stadium is in the China Basin neighbourhood, which is defined by McCovey Cove and Mission Creek. The area is a mix of old industrial buildings, multi-unit housing and the UCSF hospital/Chase Center campus at the far south end. It’s the flattest part of town (thank the lord!) and generally warmer than the foggy western part by the ocean. Keep your wits about you and you’ll be safe walking around at all hours.
This map shows the northeast area of San Francisco, including Market Street, the Union Square shopping and hotel district, “FiDi” and the larger South of Market neighbourhoods. You can see Oracle Park down there on the border of SoMa and Mission Bay in a small area known as China Basin. It’s like saying Target Field is in the North Loop part of downtown Minneapolis.
Where to stay
Most of San Francisco’s hotels are in the downtown area. Hotels labeled “Union Square” are closer to the shopping district, ones labeled “Financial District” are on the eastern edge closer to the Bay. You might see others labeled “SoMa”, which is the general area south of Market Street (hence the name). Any of these will be at most 1.5 flat miles from the stadium.
Hotels closest to the stadium are Luma, Hotel Via and Hyatt Place San Francisco/Downtown. All are within one block of a stadium entrance.
I recommend not staying in Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s one of those places only tourists go and is a bit far from the stadium.
Getting to and from Oracle Park
Transit
Transit here is called “the Muni”. The Muni’s N or T train will get you directly to Oracle Park; the N drops you off right outside between 2nd and 3rd streets and the T leaves you a short block away from the Willie Mays Gate. Fare is $2.50. You can buy a “Clipper Card” right in Apple Wallet and tap it to the reader when you board the train. (I don’t know what to do on Android.) You can catch either train from the subway that runs under Market Street in downtown and it’ll take 10-15 minutes at most to arrive at the stadium.
Pro tip: When trains are packed after the game, walk one block west on King Street to catch the N at the very start of its route or two blocks south on Third Street (cross the O’Doul Bridge, you can’t possibly miss that) to catch the T train one stop before it hits the stadium. The cars should be more empty at these stops.
Walking
Oracle Park is very easy to walk to, especially because it’s mostly flat in this part of town. Like I said above, if you’re in Union Square, FiDi or SoMa it’s at most a mile and a half.
Driving
Never done it and don’t recommend it. Parking is hard to find and expensive.
Uber is of course always an option. 🙂 Put your pickup or drop off spot a block or two away from the stadium so you and your driver don’t have to fight traffic chaos. (Full disclosure: I work at Uber)
Okay now let’s talk about the stadium itself.
Oracle Park basics
Oracle Park has five levels:
- Street—Where you enter.
- Promenade—All lower level seats (it turns into “the arcade” in right field).
- Club—What it says; akin to the Delta Sky Club.
- Suite—What it says.
- View—The upper deck, split between view box (lower, like the 200 level at Target Field) and reserve (above that).
The club and suite levels are restricted to those ticket holders, everywhere else is free to access. All entrances enter on street level, so you have to go at least one level up to get to your seats unless you’re in the Field Club or Dugout Club. There is one Jumbotron, located in centerfield. Oracle Park’s seating bowl extends from the right field corner to the left field corner. The outfield is one level (same level as the promenade, but they call it the arcade for some reason). You can walk a lap around the entire lower level.
Getting in and out of Oracle Park
There are five gates at Oracle Park. The biggest gate—the Willie Mays Gate—is at 3rd and King, two are at 2nd and King, one is behind center field and one is at the right field corner next to the bridge. You can go in any of these gates no matter where you’re sitting. Security is almost always less than five minutes. A sixth gate near the Willie Mays Gate is available only to fans with tickets in the Field Club or Dugout Club; it will say one of those two clubs on your ticket if you can enter here.
Willie Mays Gate—Third & King Streets
Located behind home plate, the Willie Mays gate is the only one with an escalator. It will take you to the promenade level. From there you can take an escalator to the club level or a longer escalator to the view level. Otherwise you have to walk up the pedestrian ramp that goes to every level.
2nd street gates—2nd & King Streets
Located in the left field corner, the gates at 2nd and King do not have escalators. Fans who can walk will take the pedestrian ramp to any level, otherwise there is an elevator you might get to use (more on that later). There is a merchandise stand immediately inside the entrance. Note there are two gates here sort of like Gate 29 and Target Plaza in Minnesota. One is reserved for Go Ahead Entry, MLB’s new scan-less entry system. Sign up for that if you want the fastest way into the ballpark. For this to work, everyone in your group must sign up for Go Ahead Entry to be scanned individually or one person must have all the tickets in their Ballpark app. If you don’t want to do GAE, use the other entrance at this gate.
The Marina Gate—Centerfield
Located in center field, the street-level Marina Gate takes you into a concession and gaming area underneath the batter’s eye. You can access left field bleacher seats from here. Otherwise the rest of the stadium is accessible from a tall flight of stairs that will take you up to the arcade below the Jumbotron.
The O’Doul Gate—Third & Berry Streets
Located in the right field corner, the only option here is to go up a flight of stairs; it goes to every level. You can also use Go Ahead Entry here.
The Blue Cross Gate—Third & King Streets
Located right next to the Willie Mays Gate, this will take you directly into a food court. Go thru there to access field club seats or to find the secondary entrance for the dugout club (like the Champions Club, but much smaller). You’re at field level here. To get to any other level you must go up to the seating bowl and take the aisle to the promenade (where you would come in if you take any other entrance). Again you can only use this gate if your ticket says so.
Getting around inside Oracle Park
Oracle Park has a lot going for it. Internal mobility is not one of those things. It’s under-built with only one bank of escalators, limited stairs and elevators they would rather you not take (you can always try, but I’ve seen plenty of instances when the operators direct able-bodied fans to the ramps or stairs). In other words, this is not Target Field.
Here’s how and where you can move vertically:
Escalators: Behind home plate; one takes you from street level to the promenade, another from the promenade to the club level and another (longer) one from the promenade to separate for the view level;
Stairs: Behind home plate starting at the promenade level, behind sections 128/228/328, and in the right field corner;
Ramps: Behind home plate, left field corner;
Elevators: All gates.
Moving horizontally isn’t always easy either. The concourses are tight and filled with vendor stands, especially on the promenade level. There are two main choke points: Behind home plate where the press box, fan service and multiple concession stands constrict the space as fans come up from the Willie Mays Gate, and in left field under the Coke bottle. Giants fans are a late arriving crowd, so give yourself extra time to move if it’s close to game time. The view level isn’t so bad unless the game is sold out and that’s very unlikely.
Eating at Oracle Park
Oracle Park has a few great items below but not the breadth of what Twins fans are used to at Target Field. If you have to or want to eat in the ballpark, I recommend the following:
The Organic Coup—left field corner, lower deck. Decent chicken sandwich or chicken tender bites with tots. There are a lot of tenders in the basket and have a great meat-to-breading ratio. Better than the standard concession chicken tenders for sure.
Tony’s Pizza—right field corner in the upper and lower decks; Field Club; Alaska Airlines Club; directly inside the Marina Gate. From legendary San Francisco pizza magnate Tony Geminiani, a huge piece of pie here is probably as good as ballpark pizza can get. It’s also exactly like the pizza you get at Tony’s Slice House, not some bastardized concession version. Elite shit.
Flatbreads—center field batter’s eye (by the Marina Gate). Under the Jumbotron in centerfield you’ll find a flatbread shop. I like the sausage one. They make it fresh so let it cool a few minutes before digging in.
All beef hot dog—Regular stands everywhere. Make sure you get the all beef. It’s better than the hot dog at Target Field but no Dome Dog. RIP Metrodome and RIP Dome Dog.
You’ve probably heard about the garlic fries. I recommend a hard pass. They’re soggy and really just a massive sodium bomb that will leave you with bad breath and unquenchable thirst. In my opinion you can also pass on everything else, especially the crab cakes. They smell horrid if you’re unlucky enough to be near a fan who partakes. Keep in mind the author hates seafood.
If you arrive late or just don’t want to wait in line, Oracle Park has a partnership for ordering thru Uber Eats. Scan the QR code on every seat to bring up the concessions menu in the Eats app and place your order with no fees. Fans in the premium field club can enjoy in-seat delivery. Fans in the rest of the stadium can go straight to the pickup station at the stand they ordered from. Much faster. (Again disclosure that I work at Uber.)
If you’d rather eat outside the ballpark you’re in for a treat. Wherever you’re staying or coming from, open Maps and search for restaurants. You’ll find countless options. Here are a few that come to mind within a short walk from the stadium: Frankie’s, Hi-Dive, Red’s (brunch and lunch only), Candlestick, Atwater Tavern (across McCovey Cove a short walk thru the beautiful new China Basin park), Underdogs, Local Tap, Towns End Brunch (closes at 2pm). I’m sure there are many more. The Saturday game will probably get over around 7:30, leaving you plenty of time to score a rezzy at any one of San Francisco’s amazing restaurants. This is a great food town. Take advantage.
You can also bring food into the stadium if you want, provided you comply with the stupid (and sporadically enforced) clear bag policy. Empty water bottles or sealed water is also fine. The pro move is to buy a $2 water bottle from one of the vendors outside or just bring an empty bottle.
After the game (and probably before) you’ll get to experience the uniquely San Francisco treat: Dirty dog vendors. These portable food carts fry up bacon-wrapped weiners with onions and peppers. The author cannot stand the smell much less the thought of putting one in his stomach. If you’re feeling brave, go for it.
Where to sit
Like I said, time of day greatly changes the seating experience here so I’ll go over each game.
Friday night
Sun/shade. Everything will be in the shade except the far reaches of the outfield bleachers, which will have sun for the first few innings. This’ll be tough to stare into but won’t make you hot.
Temperature. If it’s a normal San Francisco summer day with high’s in the mid-60s to low-70s then expect a chill in the evening. I recommend at least a light jacket. Things to watch out for:
Wind. If it’s an exceptionally windy day then the stadium will get cold after sunset. To stay out of the wind, look for seats toward the middle of the stadium or under the overhang in the lower deck (roughly row 33). Avoid the corners of the stadium and the outfield as you will feel the full force of a wind whose cold you can’t begin to fathom.
Abnormally high daytime temperatures. If they day time temp is more than 80 degrees then chances are we will have a warm evening. You wouldn’t need a jacket in this case and it also wouldn’t be windy.
Bone-chilling cold. If it’s a cool day, like low-60s or below, be prepared for a level of cold you have yet to experience even as a Minnesotan. I will come to the ballpark with at least three layers (one of which will be a hoodie), knit gloves and a stocking cap on nights like these. Do not, under any circumstance, come to the game in shorts and a t-shirt. You are not—and I want to make this very clear—you are not tough enough to handle this just because you are from Minnesota. That means nothing to the cruel ocean wind. Your best bet is to pay attention to Giants fans outside the stadium. If you see them in jackets or carrying big blankets, it’s going to be a cold one.
Saturday afternoon
Sun/shade. There will be some sun in the far left field upper deck and full sun on the entire outfield at the start of the game. By the end only the far centerfield bleachers will be still facing the sun. Like Friday, it will be sun that’s annoying to look into but not enough to make you hot.
Temperature. 4:15pm starts are tough because you have to anticipate daytime and evening weather. Since most of the stadium will be in the shade, I recommend dressing as if it’s a night game with pants and a light jacket. Take note of the wind also; same guidance as Friday night. Same guidance also on what to do if it’s abnormally warm.
Sunday afternoon
Sun/shade. This is when sun and shade will really matter. If you sit in the sun, the sun will be hotter than you expect. You will get by fine in shorts and a t-shirt. In the shade, on the other hand, it’s tough to anticipate. I’ve had shaded seats that are perfectly comfortable and others when I’ve wished for a jacket. My best guidance is to tie a lightweight long-sleeve shirt or jacket around your waste just in case, and then put it on if you get chilly.
So where should you look for sun and where should you look for shade? I’ll offer guidance by level. But keep this in mind: Shade starts in the right field corner and works its way around toward the left field corner.
Field level. Anything above row 34 will put you under the overhang and in shade the entire time. Rows 31-33 might be covered depending on the section but you’re for sure safe in 34 and above. Note also the very last rows of field level have an overhang will block fly balls and the centerfield scoreboard. They hang TVs to compensate. Below row 31 you’ll get shade sooner on the right field side and later on the left field side. The closer to the field you go, the more likely you are to be in the sun the entire time.
Club level. The last 4-5 rows should be fully shaded the whole game But in general the same principle applies as field level. If you want shade, go higher up and toward right field.
View Box. So this is the lower part of the upper deck, similar to the 200 sections at Target Field. These are low enough that they’ll be in the sun almost the entire time all the way around the stadium. But pay attention to your row and the number of rows in your section. The last row in view box will get shade from the barrier behind it.
View Reserve. The upper upper deck, akin to Target Field’s 300 level. Same applies as the other levels—Go higher and toward right field if you want shade faster; go lower and toward left field if you want sun.
Now that you understand how where you sit will affect the temperature, let’s talk about where to actually sit!
Places and views
Oracle Park is known for its sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay, but they’re not available from every seat. You can’t see the Bay at all from the field level, but you do get a glorious view of baseball and nothing else:
You can sort of see the Bay from the club level, but it’s not an amazing scenic vantage point.
For that you have to go to the upper level where you get the view from the image at the top of this post. Upper deck on the third base side points you south toward some delapidated piers; not breathtaking but not bad.
The first base side points you toward the Oakland hills and, if you’re really far down the line, the Bay Bridge. This will be a great view on Saturday and Sunday, but only average on Friday. (Back when we could afford to run lights on the Bay Bridge this was a stunning night time seat). Sitting even with home plate in the upper level will give you a view of the hills and the Bay. Keep in mind there’s not much out there to see at night. If you want to sit lower and close to the field for one of the games, pick Friday night and go for the spectacular views during the day games.
Like any ballpark, the view gets extreme when you’re far down the foul lines. I personally don’t care for this sight line. But I will note that the promenade seats in the far right field corner are elevated enough to provide a decent view. Be warned, however, that you will be exposed to the wind there.
There are no restaurants or bars inside Oracle Park. The closest thing is the 415 Club behind the bullpens in centerfield. But even that is nothing like what Twins fans are used to at Target Field and why, in my opinion, Target Field ranks slightly ahead of Oracle Park in general.
Premium seating
The Alaska Airlines Club Level is similar to the club level at Target Field. Sitting here gives a nice compromise between Bay views and game views. Don’t expect premium food or amenities though. It is mostly the same as everywhere else in the ballpark and there are a few things you can’t get on this level.
Lower level premium Field Club seats come with stadium access through a separate entrance and a separate concession area with the same food as everywhere else. Think similar to that separate section of seats behind the dugouts at Target Field, but with their own stadium entrance. The main benefit here is the dedicated access and concessions. You’ll also have your own bathrooms.
Dugout Club is Oracle Park’s equivalent to the Champions Club. Food is included, drinks are not. Don’t expect premium dining; it’s a sampling of concession food from around the ballpark. The club area is a converted umpire’s dressing room and feels more like a lounge than a restaurant or club. The view from here is very close, but it’s also low to the ground. Some of the seats by the on-deck circles are actually below field level. It’s cool, but know going in it’s going to be a weird vantage point. Also note the Twins will be in the first base dugout.
Above the right field wall is similar to the overhang seats at Target Field. If you go too far toward right-center you’ll start to get a weird angle. Err on the side of going farther toward the foul line.
Let’s go deep on seating details now. These are my personal secrets so please don’t share them with Giants fans who might steal the good seats from me the rest of the year.
– Be careful about section 315 in the view box level. TV cameras are stationed there and anything row C and above risks being stuck behind them. If you’re picking specific seats from the Giants website just stay close to the aisles. If you’re buying by row from a resale site go for row A or B.
– In the club level, view box and view reserve you need to be at least three rows back to avoid being obstructed by the railings. The second row might be okay in the upper levels depending on how tall you are.
– Seats numbered one through about six in section 119 are offset at a weird angle that points you toward the visiting dugout.
– Section 110 and 121 also have a weird seat alignment.
– Sections 106-7 have a standing bar in the back so there can be drunkards hollering sometimes. Same above the batters’ box ad display on the third base side.
– Be careful with sections in the far left field corner. Section 132 and 134 merge at the bottom, with 132 angled towards left field and 134 angled towards the infield. 133 is stuck in there like a pizza slice. Section 103 in the right field corner is similar but without the pizza slice.
– In section 310 sit closer to the homeplate side of the section (higher numbered seats)
– Longer View Box sections 310, 313, 315, 318 and 321 are good but the higher you go the closer you get to the View Reserve and basically pay a premium for the exact same view.
If you already have seats or are curious about the view from a certain spot, drop me a DM. I’ll try to get a pic for you next time I’m there or will check the sun/shade situation during an afternoon game.
When the game ends, leave. You’re on your own now!
The Wandering Lostie 