Make the most of a weekend full of college basketball when the Men’s NCAA Tournament comes to the city by the Bay
San Francisco is both an sure-enough and young face in bet host to the NCAA March Madness tourney . Back in 1939 — well beforea young star by the name of Bill Russellled the University of San Francisco Dons to back - to - back NCAA Championships in 1956 and ’ 57 — the metropolis host the tournament as part of a World ’s Fair on Treasure Island . For more than 80 age though , theNCAA March Madness tournamentdidn’t come back to San Francisco . That was until a sealed new arena add up into the affray .
Built in 2019 , theChase Centeris the new domicile of the NBA championGolden State Warriorsand the WNBA’sGolden State Valkyries . And just before the Warriors take home another championship in 2022 , Chase Center hosted part of theNCAA tourney ’s West Regionalfor the first time . Now , as the tourney returns to the Chase Center for theWest Regional Sweet Sixteen and Elite 8 match - ups on March 27 and 29 , the area surrounding it ( make out asThrive City ) has blossomed into the chancellor summercater and amusement complex in the City by the Bay . It ’s conveniently along the same mile - farseeing reach of waterfront as Oracle Park , which the San Francisco Giants have call off family since 2000 , altogether revitalizing a once - downtrodden area . Together , these venues imprint one of the most influential ethnic sports meccas in the land .
hump as the epicenter for legion counterculture movements over the decade , San Francisco is now also well - positioned as one of the country ’s most important sports hubs . The 2025NBA All - Star gamejust took spot here last month , the Super Bowl returns in 2026 , and Chase Center is already support to host the NCAA West Regionals again in 2028 . With the city also serving as a lens nucleus for innovation emanating from the Silicon Valley tech space , all of this creative thinking and culture has on the face of it coalesced in San Francisco at the scenic waterfront Chase Center and Thrive City ’s world class restaurant and bar . do it to say , the 2025 NCAA Tournament comes to San Francisco at a fortuitous clip . Here we ’ve got your template to navigate San Francisco while you ’re in townspeople for the elite college basketball natural action .
Illustration by Don Caminos for Thrillist
How do I get tickets?
At an in - demand innkeeper metropolis like San Francisco with a state - of - the - artistic production arena like Chase Center , just the ticket are all reasonably much on the lowly market shortly after they go on sale as inventory gets snatched up and reposted . That being say , there are a issue of legitimate ticketing sites that you may peruse . For dispatcher , theNCAA ’s prescribed Ticketmaster resalesite is the best place to take off looking . you could trickle your search by just grease one’s palms one " sitting " of either the two Sweet Sixteen game on March 27th , or you could purchase the total two - session slate which also include the Elite 8 plot on March 29th . I also likeSeatGeek ’s port , because you’re able to get a 3 - calciferol rendering of what the view looks like from a specific surgical incision as you bulk large over it .
For hospitality computer software , the NCAA partner withOn Location . An all - access experience includes thing like an off - twenty-four hour period go of Chase Center , an inexhaustible open Browning automatic rifle and food at an on - site hospitality area , consecrated stave , and souvenirs . It ’s a cushy experience if you could sweep it .
As far as seats goes , the humiliated bowl ( 100s section ) is plan to have you as close to the game as potential . Even seats behind the basket ( 108 - 111 and 120 - 129 ) have top notch scene of the court . But the centered lower bowling ball sections ( 101–106 and 113 - 118 ) let in access to the sweet and swankyUnited Club and two - story Ultra Club , where you could get premium cocktails and elevated food alternative in a bombastic - scale environment . The Upper Bowl ( 200s ) is up there , but it can still feel pretty peculiar in the first eight to 10 rows of the centre sections ( 204 - 208 ) and ( 222 - 218 ) .
Photo courtesy of SF Travel
disregardless of where you sit down at Chase Center , you have the comfort of have a go at it that you’re able to see the large jumbotron in the NCAA Tournament Regionals . The 9,699 straightforward - foot behemoth is a 1080p Samsung screen and hovers over the acting court like a glorious spaceship that ’s a fiesta for your middle . Plus , theModelo Cantina Clubis approachable to all ticket holders , regardless of part ; just accede via Portal 40 in the upstairs confluence .
What else should I know about the venue?
There are two principal entrances into Chase Center . The East Entrance is on Terry Francois Blvd facing the pee . Make certain to snap pics outside in front of the " Seeing sphere " mirror sculptures by the peachy Olafur Eliasson — just the first of many amazingpieces of nontextual matter at Chase Center . The West entrance is on the other side of the sphere and open up up to the West Plaza at Thrive City . you could well get from one entrance to the other either by walk up 16th Street or accept the staircase that connect Terry Francois Blvd to the Thrive City Esplanade . This is a ready to hand mathematical function .
Once you ’re in the area , Chase Center ’s system of " portals " can be a bit perplexing . These are the entrances into the arena ’s surgical incision and residue assured , ushers have this organisation on lock . have them guide you .
Food and drink at Chase Centeris a combining of little outposts from local staples and the catch - all City Bistro support . Among the former , we highly recommend a deep-fried poulet sandwich from Oakland stalwartBakesale Betty(Portals 10 , 18 , 45 , 55 ) and a slice from legendary SF pizzaiolo Tony Gemignani’sSlice House(Portals 5 , 10 , 15 , 21 , 51 . ) If you hunt down theSarap Shopat Portal 49 , you ’ll be rewarded with Filipino comfort intellectual nourishment like the crispy pork belly lulu , lechon kawali or a longanisa dirty dog .
How do I get there?
Flying intoSan Francisco International Airport ( SFO ) is your best bet here . For circumstance , it ’s a 25 minute drive to Chase Center from the drome with no traffic . SFO is a really welcoming piazza to fly into , especially if you ’re in the Harvey Milk Terminal ( Terminal 1 ; an Alaska Airlines hub ) , which is chock full of pared - down translation of Bay Area eateries ( Amy ’s Drive - Thrufor splendid vegetarian options , Bun Meefor Vietnamese sandwiches ) and locally - possess shops ( San Franpsychohas orca relic thread . ) end 2 is a United hub , so numerate on numerous flight routes from all over the country to here , while Terminal 3 is International .
Oakland International Airport ( OAK)is also a commodious option since you may get to Downtown San Francisco in under 30 mins with no dealings ( anywhere from 40 to 60 + during flush hours ) . Both airports also have aBARTtrain stop which can take you into San Francisco . grant , at OAK you ’ll have to take an AirTrain from the drome to the Coliseum BART station — it ’s not that complicated , but does tote up some extra time to your commute . Rideshare full stop are clear marked at both airports and easy to navigate to .
How do I get around?
Being that it ’s only seven straightforward miles , getting anywhere in San Francisco does n’t take very long . you’re able to hire a car if you insist , but driving to Chase Center is not the wise to idea unless you havea parking toss . Even then , the field will be congested on game day and that ’s no fun . MUNIbuses and light rails ( also include cable television cars ) are excellent mediums throughout San Francisco . TheT Third Street light railtrain , which drops you mightily in front of Thrive City and the arena , is hands down your best bet . If you take BART from other parts of the urban center or the Bay , hop off at sixteenth St and Mission place and fascinate theMUNI 78x busupstairs , a free express line to Chase Center on game day ; it ’s a veteran move .
Rideshares are perfect for get around the city . you may rideshare to Chase Center , but might need to go far early enough for your rideshare auto to not get stay in secret plan day dealings along 3rd Street ( Pro Tip : if you ’re in a rideshare en road to March Madness and your map app is show congestion near Chase Center , just hop off a few mental block aside and walk the rest of the way ; it ’s pleasant.)Bay Wheelsbike and ebike shares have the clearest path to Chase Center . Ditto for navigate throughout San Francisco ’s many bike lanes — the ebikes easily overtop any and all of SF ’s far-famed pitcher’s mound .
Other places to eat (and watch)
sprinkle Sports Baris a glint new spot in Thrive City with an 840 - satisfying invertebrate foot wrapper around cover and 75 other TVs across two stage and a sleek outside patio that overleap the West Plaza . They have high - end cocktail and a self-colored pick of local beer to mate with an elevated smashburger , dud wing and even sushi . You ’ll desire to make a reservation to ensure you get a cubicle , couch or gamey - top board near the big filmdom .
Harmonic Brewingis around the Esplanade and has a sweet out-of-door patio overlooking Mission Bay . Their tasty local beer pair with a low-cal fare of tacos and empanadas with video inside showing game .
Across from Oracle Park , Underdogs Cantinahas underhanded good Mexican intellectual nourishment , like a Nick ’s Way crispy wetback wrapped in a flour tortilla with jack tall mallow , bean plant and guac . Yes , this also comes in a breakfast variety as part of their thoroughgoing breakfast offerings that begin at 11 ante meridiem There ’s also a legit arcade on - site with all sorts of games .
Photo courtesy of SF Travel
Open since 1936 , the best classic sports bar in San Francisco isKezar Pub . nursing home to the 49ers until 1971 , it ’s on the edge of the Haight - Ashbury district overlooking the entrance to Golden Gate Park and Kezar Stadium ( where Clint Eastwood excellently wrecked shop class asDirty Harry.)Inside , it ’s sport bar bliss with TVs as far as the eyes can see , the best buffalo annex in the city , an amazing Shepherd ’s Proto-Indo European , a openhanded Breakfast computer menu on game days , and the quintessential environment to watch a big plot surrounded by local sport history on the bulwark .
Do n’t sleep onOlfactory Brewingdown 3rd Street a short fashion from Chase Center in the Dogpatch region . The TVs might not be the biggest , but their beer is among the good in the city . Olfactory always has a loaded draft list of greats , like the Nectaron Infinity West Coast IPA and Pollinate Your Peers Keller Pilsner — plus four - packs to take home . This is where the genuine beer heads in the city number to hang .
In Potrero Hill , theConnecticut Yankeeis a workhorse pothouse with drink specials , great nutrient and ton of locals . The draft beer lean is a combo of local draft and PBR and Sam Adams types .
On the Polk Street stretch of Russian Hill , Green ’s Sports Baris tightly - packed and always filled with rowdy fans . Another essential SF sports pub , you ’re skinny to top - notch night life here so you’re able to keep the political party travel after watching the game . No food here though , just swill and sports !
Back at Thrive City , Che Fico Pizzeriais the latest extension of one of the best Italian restaurants in the city . Watch game from their out-of-door patio overlooking the water supply while sipping amazing cocktails and epic sourdough gall Proto-Indo European . reservation are highly recommended .
Basketball, brackets and betting
San Francisco could n’t have asked for four more battle - tested squad to be taking part in the West Regional Sweet 16 and Elite 8 game at Chase Center . Top seed Florida squares offagainst fourthly - seeded Maryland , before three seed Texas Tech essay to stave in off the improbable giant - slayer of Arkansas . Florida is favour to advance to the Final Four here as the West Region winnerwith -140 betting odds .
After having taken - down returning champions UCONN in a tight two - percentage point triumph , Florida accede their Sweet 16 match - up against Marylandfavored by 5.5 peak . Senior guard duty Walter Clayton Jr. was the best player on the court in the Gators ' second round win , drop 23 points and he ’ll be a marquise participant to watch the rest of the way along with severe annexe Will Richard and Alijah Martin . After four straight deprivation on the secret plan ’s net field finish , Maryland finally got one back and deliveredthis year ’s marquee minute of madnesswhen freshman center Derick Queen banked home a game - win bell beater against Colorado State . The Terps are tough , gritty and volatile — all the qualities of a show - stopping March Madness team .
In the other regional semi , Texas Tech hail in as a top 10 ranked squad in the nation , cruising to a first pear-shaped winnings and then crushing the Cinderella promise of 11th - seed Francis Drake . The frontcourt tandem of JT Toppin and Darrion Williams combined for 53 percentage point against Drake . Led by tutor Grant McCasland , the Red Raiders are a 5.5 peak favoritein their toughest undertaking yet against passenger vehicle John Calipari ’s Razorbacks . And Calipari is easily the biggest name left standing in the West Regional . The Razorbacks snuck into the tournament , only to tip two powerhouses in coach Bill Self ’s Kansas Jayhawks and Rick Pitino ’s heavily - favored St. John ’s Red Storm . Calipari is a former NCAA title-holder autobus who has led his teams to the Final Four six times in the yesteryear . Now in his first time of year at the helm in Arkansas , he comes into Chase Center as the boldest personality still stand in the regional .
Final tips
While the sun might be out in San Francisco , it ’s still very likely to be frigid . This fourth dimension of year temps dart from the mid-60s during the day to the high-40s at Nox . Do n’t get catch without a jacket if you be after on staying out after the game , or even walking back to your hotel . The wind coming off the Bay is no joke , so be prepared .
Want to be a tourist who does n’t totally stay out like a sore thumb ? Do n’t call it " San Fran . " Acceptable way to cite the city include " San Francisco " , " SF , " " The City , " and maaaaybe " Frisco"—but you get ta have some serious strut to pull off that last one .
