How to get to Chase Center

The ribbon has been cut. The bands are lined up. And vehicular traffic could be too much. Which is why hopping aboard public transit or jumping on your bike might prove the wisest way to get to and from the newly opened Chase Center in San Francisco’s Mission Bay.

Although the center has yet to open—it officially kicks off Friday with a Metallica/San Francisco Symphony concert—traffic is expected to be a dismal affair. So much so that nearby UCSF created a calendar specifically to warn about residents, students, and hospital visitors about Chase Center traffic.

And nearly everyone from government officials (“Don’t drive, if you don’t have to,” said Supervisor Matt Haney) to local media (“I’m just going to say it again here,” warned SFist, “do not drive to games and concerts at the Chase Center.”) have sounded the alarm.

Understandably so.

However, since San Francisco is a pedestrian-friendly city, there are more ways to get to Chase Center than by car. A 2015 SFMTA traffic impact report already put in place a slew of transit alternatives and pertinent details about congestion issues set to hit once the arena opens to fans (approximately 18,064 per game), concert goers (12,500), and conventioneers (9,000).

Here’s what you need to know.

Which Muni train can I take to Chase Center?

The best line to take is the T-Third Street line, which can be found at any underground Muni station, at any stop along the Embarcadero, or at any stop on Third Street. The T-Third line will drop you off at a newly expanded stop right in front of Chase Center.

According to the SFMTA’s traffic impact report, “The T-Third service will be supplemented with bus service to respond to distributed customer demand, to minimize transfers made, and to minimize rail car demand.”

Which Muni bus can I take to Chase Center?

78X and 79X: In an effort to push Warriors fans and concert goers toward public transit, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency will run two additional bus lines dedicated to whisking people to and from Chase Center: the 78X 16th Street Arena Express and the 79X Van Ness Arena Express.

The new 78X and 79X will run approximately 2.5 hours before the start of any Chase Center event and 30 minutes after events. Following said events, both routes will drop off at 16th and Mission BART Station. The new route 79X will run from existing route 47/49 bus stops along the Van Ness corridor.

30 and 45: You can take the 30 Stockton or 45 Union/Stockton to the terminus end at Townsend and Fourth Streets, and jump aboard the nearby Muni T Third Street line.

10 Townsend: This line, which cuts across South Beach and SoMa, stops at Townsend and Fourth Street, just across the street from the Caltrain Station and one block away from the T-Third Street Muni line.

Can I walk to Chase Center?

Absolutely. It’s not an impossible walk; in fact, the stroll along the Embarcadero is gorgeous. Furthermore, you will be in good company marching toward the arena with fellow Warriors fans and concert attendees.

Please note that the Third Street bridge, also known as the “Lefty O’Doul Bridge,” remains temporarily closed to pedestrians due to a restoration project. A detour can be found one block away at the nearby Fourth Street bridge. (This will also give you a chance to check out the budding Mission Bay neighborhood, which now has many cafes, shops, and eateries.)

Residents in Bayview, Hunters Point, and Potrero Hill should find the relatively short walk up Third Street a breeze.

What about a ferry?

San Francisco Bay Ferry will offer service from only Alameda (Main Street Alameda terminal) and Oakland (Jack London Square) to Pier 48-1/2, roughly 0.4 miles north of Chase Center just off Terry A. Francois Boulevard.

At this time, the special Chase Center ferry service will only happen during Warriors games and not for concerts.

Otherwise, you can take a ferry from almost any terminal in the bay to the Ferry Building in San Francisco.

Paratransit services

Taxi and paratransit pickups are located on Terry A. Francois Blvd. in front of Chase Center for north bound and south bound attendees.

Can I ride my bicycle to Chase Center?

Indeed. Chase Center has its own bike valet service (not available to bikeshare riders) for those riding their bikes. The valet can be found at Sixteenth Street and Terry A Francois Boulevard. Simply hand off your bike to an SF Bike Coalition member and have it parked at one of 300 bike parking spots.

Bike lanes heading to or near Chase Center can be found on Fourth Street, Terry A Francois Boulevard, and 16th Street.

Taking the train

Peninsula attendees can take Caltrain to the Fourth and King station.

What’s the parking situation like?

Not great. While the arena has 950 underground parking spaces, that’s not a lot of space for the 18,064 seats at Chase Center. And the 800-space parking garage across the street at UCSF will be off-limits, reserved for Warriors players, their support staff, and a select few season ticket holders.

Note that San Francisco has hired 20 new parking control officers “at a cost of $2.5 million a year to handle the expected traffic around the Golden State Warriors’ new Mission Bay arena,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

I’m furious! Who can I call?

Chase Center has set up a hotline for transportation concerns.

Neighborhood hotline: 415-496-0820

Neighborhood email: sfarena@warriors.com