Everything You Need To Know Ahead Of S&M²
With many Fifth Members traveling to San Francisco for S&M², we wanted to help you plan your trip! In addition to instructions for getting around the brand new Chase Center, we also wanted to get you prepared with some extra-curricular activities within the city limits.
Whether you’re looking for a timely San Francisco experience, or you’re more interested in Metallica’s history in the city, we’ve got your weekend covered! Scroll down to find out which stops you’ve gotta hit.
- The Main Events
- Pre-Show Parties & Related Events
- Venue Information
- How To Find Blackened & Enter Night
- Touring San Francisco - Metallica Landmarks
- If You're Making Your Way Out Of The City...
- Additional City Activities
THE MAIN EVENTS
S&M²: METALLICA AND THE SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH
Night One at the Chase Center
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH
Night Two at the Chase Center
Pre-Show Parties & Related Events
Enter Night Pilsner & Blackened American Whiskey - S&M² Metallica Pre-Party
Where: Connecticut Yankee - 100 Connecticut St, San Francisco, CA 94107
When: Thursday, September 5th at 6:00 pm
What: Special appearances by Stone Co-founder Greg Koch and Blackened Master Distiller Rob Dietrich
THE NIGHT BETWEEN - UNOFFICIAL SF S&M² PRE/POST PARTY & AWMH FUNDRAISER (SOLD OUT)
Where: The Chapel - 777 Valencia St, San Francisco, California 94110
When: Saturday, September 7th from 6:00 pm - 1:00 am
What: This party celebrates live music, Bay Area thrash, and Metallica! All profits from ticket and raffle sales at this event will benefit the All Within My Hands Foundation. This event is sold out; you must already have a ticket.
Enter Night Pilsner & Blackened American Whiskey - S&M² Metallica Pre-Party
Where: Lucky Strike - 200 King St, San Francisco, CA 94107
When: Saturday, September 7th at 6:00 PM
What: Special appearance by Stone Co-founder Greg Koch
THE BRIXTON & BLACKENED PARTY BUS CRAWL
Where: The Brixton - 2140 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123
When: Friday, September 6th at 3:30 pm
What: Enjoy Blackened cocktails and small bites at both Brixton locations and a luxury shuttle ride to the Chase Center
Tickets are required. Click here to purchase.
BLACKENED & ENTER NIGHT PRE-SHOW DINNER & DRINKS
Where: ATWater Tavern - 295 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158
When: Friday, September 6th at 6:00 PM
What: Great food and drinks, beautiful view, and walking distance to the Chase Center
BLACKENED & ENTER NIGHT PRE-SHOW DINNER & DRINKS
Where: ATWater Tavern - 295 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158
When: Sunday, September 8th at 6:00 pm
What: Great food and drinks, beautiful view, and walking distance to the Chase Center
VENUE INFORMATION
CHASE CENTER
LOCATION
1 Warriors Way
San Francisco, CA 94158
At South St between 3rd St & Terry A Francois Blvd.
BOX OFFICE & ENTRY INFORMATION
Box Office Location: West Entrance of Chase Center by the Warriors Shop (Event Center Main Entrance on map)
Hours: Opens at 12:00 noon through event
Will Call: Located at the Box Office
Entry: As specified on your ticket
CAMERA/ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY
Professional and/or commercial cameras with interchangeable or detachable lenses, tripods and audio/visual recording devices (includes GoPro, Google Glass, Spectacles etc.) are prohibited.
PROHIBITED ITEMS
- Large Banners and Flags: Spectators are not permitted to use or wave flags, banners, signs or other items that are affixed to any pole or stick made of wood, metal, plastic or any other hard material, and that is more than 11 by 17 inches in size.
- Whistles and Horns. Whistles, foghorns/airhorns and plastic horns, such as vuvuzelas and didgeridoos.
- Laser pointers or any similar devices.
- Optical Illusions. Items intended to create optical illusions or interfere with the ability of the eye to perceive depth or distance, such as pin wheels or umbrellas.
The following additional items cannot be brought into the arena by spectators,
however, this is not an all-inclusive list:
- Weapons (including guns and knives of all sizes)
- Beverages
- Mace or Pepper Spray
- Poles, selfie-sticks, tripods, monopods and missile-like objects that can be thrown
- Bats and clubs
- Backpacks (except for single-compartment drawstring bags that meet the NBA bag-size requirements and media backpacks that have been screened at the media entrance). Purses (including fashion backpack purses) and diaper bags that have the appearance of backpacks will be allowed, provided that they meet the 14” x 14” x 6” size requirement
- Hard-sided bags
TRANSIT & PARKING INFORMATION
Click here to view the event transportation guide.
HOW TO FIND BLACKENED & ENTER NIGHT PILSNER
Check out the Blackened American Whiskey Locator and the Enter Night Pilsner Locator to find your beverage of choice in San Francisco or check out some of our local favorites below.
SOMA
- STEM Kitchen & Garden - 499 Illinois St, San Francisco, CA 94158
Killer bay views and amazing food and cocktails. - Hotel VIA - 138 King St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Great rooftop bar with a rad view. - The Brixton on 2nd - 701 2nd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
Great food and drinks in a rock n' roll inspired restaurant. - Tempest - 431 Natoma St, San Francisco, CA 94103
UNION SQUARE
- Rambler - 545 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Cool bar and restaurant in the middle of the square.
DOWNTOWN
- San Francisco Proper Hotel - 45 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102
Breathtaking rooftop views with fire pits and killer cocktails. - Louie's Bar - 55 Stevenson St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Best place in SF for great late night food and drinks. - One Market Restaurant - 1 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Best fine dining and cocktail spot near the Embarcadero.
MISSION
- Elixir - 3200 16th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Craft cocktails and awesome people. - Curio - 775 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Great food, cocktails, and vibes! - The Beehive - 842 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Try the adult grilled cheese, trust us!
NORTH BEACH
- The Showdown SF - 1268 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133
CHINA BASIN/MISSION BAY
- Polo Grounds Pub & Grill - 747 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94107
- ATWater Tavern - 295 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94158
- Chase Center - 1 Warriors Way, San Francisco, CA 94158
TOURING SAN FRANCISCO - METALLICA LANDMARKS
THE STONE
412 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133Photo by Brian Lew
What it was then: A small music club known by many names, 412 Broadway was home of The Stone from 1980 - 1993 when it hosted not only Metallica, but also Prince, James Brown, Machine Head, Muddy Waters, The Four Tops, Wilson Pickett, John Lee Hooker and countless others. The Stone is attributed for hosting Cliff Burton’s first concert appearance with Metallica.
First played by Metallica: September 18, 1982 - check out the setlist!
What it is now: Penthouse Club & Restaurant (Topless Strip Club) - If you’re traveling with the kids, you might want to skip this one.
OLD WALDORF
444 Battery St, San Francisco, CA 94111What it was then: A famous music club during the late ‘70s and early ‘80s that hosted some of the biggest names in the music industry including AC/DC, Dire Straits, Blue Öyster Cult, Iggy Pop, Blondie, Rory Gallagher, Pat Benatar, R.E.M., Spirit, Poco, U2, Dead Kennedys, and of course, Metallica.
First played by Metallica: October 18, 1982 - check out the setlist!
What it is now: Punch Line San Francisco (Comedy Club) - The venue regularly hosts premier comedians and features eclectic food, craft beer, and endless laughs!
MABUHAY GARDENS
443 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133What it was then: Originally constructed in 1919, the venue became home to Bay Area punk and New Wave bands as well as an important touring stop for bands from beyond the San Francisco Bay Area. Among the acts to grace the stage were Dead Kennedys, Iggy Pop, Toy Dolls, Blondie, The Go-Go’s, Devo, The Runaways, Metallica and more.
First played by Metallica: November 30, 1982 - check out the setlist!
What it is now: Now FAME Venue (Event Venue) - Today the venue hosts corporate events, conferences, summits, expos, product launches, live streaming, video recording, film hosting and more.
KABUKI THEATER
1881 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115Photo by John Hara/The Chronicle
What it was then: Home to weekly shows put on by Bill Graham in the early ‘80s including Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Eurythmics, Men at Word, Eddie Money, and Metallica.
First played by Metallica: March 14, 1985 - check out the setlist!
What it is now: Now AMC Kabuki 8 (Movie Theater) - A multiplex located in the Japan Center complex in San Francisco's Japantown neighborhood.
SAN FRANCISCO CIVIC AUDITORIUM
99 Grove St, San Francisco, CA 94102What it was then: Built in 1915 as part of the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, this historic building has hosted a multitude of significant cultural events, including a speech from Martin Luther King Jr. to the NAACP in 1956, and served as the Golden State Warriors’ home court from 1964 to 1966. Among the performers to fill the auditorium are Elvis Presley, The Rolling Stones, Jefferson Airplane, and Metallica.
First played by Metallica: December 31, 1985 - check out the setlist!
What it is now: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (Concert and Event Venue) - Located in the heart of Civic Center Plaza, Bill Graham Civic Auditorium has hosted huge names in music including Grateful Dead, Elton John, Sam Smith, Swedish House Mafia, Chance the Rapper, The Killers, Janet Jackson, Phish, Lady Gaga, Bob Dylan, Tool, Bruno Mars, Zedd, Bette Midler, Juanes, Red Hot Chili Peppers and many more.
CLIFF BURTON MEMORIAL PLAQUE ON THE BARBARY COAST TRAIL
Broadway and Colombus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133The Barbary Coast Trail is one of several San Francisco Historical Society walking tours connecting 20 historic sites and local history museums in San Francisco, California. Approximately 180 bronze medallions and arrows embedded in the sidewalk mark the 3.8-mile (6.1 km) trail. The Cliff Burton Memorial Plaque is located on the corner of Broadway and Colombus Ave, below the Condor Club Sign (560 Broadway – yep! Another strip club.)
STRAWBERRY HILL
Golden Gate ParkA favorite spot for young rockers to hang out, drink, and talk music, Lars remembers a particularly pivotal moment in Metallica history that happened on Strawberry Hill:
Well, I came up here [to San Francisco], actually, in the spring of 1981 and ended up at a kegger over on Strawberry Hill. And I met a bunch of really cool San Francisco kids. One of them was named Ron [Quintana]. And he told me he wanted to start his own fanzine, like a hard rock fanzine, where he wrote about all his favorite bands. And he wanted… he asked me whether he should call the fanzine Metallica or Metal Mania. So I suggested that he call it Metal Mania.
TOMMY'S JOYNT
1101 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94109Tommy's Joynt is the Original Hof-Brau of San Francisco, and has become one of San Francisco's longest-living institutions. On top of that, this is where Metallica asked Jason Newsted to join the band. Great Americana fare, a pile of steaming pot roast, and endless free dill pickle slices make this place a must-visit on any trip to The Bay Area.
The Record Vault
2423 Polk St San Francisco, CA 94109The now defunct Record Vault was the epicenter of Bay Area Metal in the ‘80s. It was the place to go to find whatever record you were looking for, no matter how deep the cut, and to hang out with other kids rocking the same music. This place made a 180 in style, and is now home to a high end interior design studio.
KUSF Radio - Ron Quintana Rampage Radio
While we’re taking this trip down memory lane, we wanted to give a quick shout out to KUSF, specifically Rampage Radio hosted by Ron Quintana, which was responsible for helping launch the metal scene in San Francisco.
Davies Symphony Hall
201 Van Ness Avenue; San Francisco, California; United StatesPhoto by Stefan Cohen
Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall opened in 1980 as the home of the San Francisco Symphony. Collaboratively designed by architects and acousticians to create an auditorium that allows sound to rise to its very top, this modern but warm space captures and diffuses music throughout the audience, creating an intimate setting that belies the stature of the building itself.
With sweeping views of San Francisco City Hall and the War Memorial Opera House, the curved glass-enclosed lobby offers an unmatched view of San Francisco's Civic Center. The 2739-seat auditorium is ideal for concerts, speakers, readings and presentations. Named for the most generous benefactor of its construction, Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall is dedicated to the joy of music.
Amoeba Music
1855 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117A trip to San Francisco isn’t complete without a stop into Amoeba in the famous Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. If you’re looking to pick up some music while you’re in town, this is the place to go.
If you’re making your way out of the city…
The Record Plant
2200 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 94965The studio that captured Prince’s For You, Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours, Stevie Wonder’s Songs in the Key of Life, Jefferson Airplane’s Nuclear Furniture, Gregg Allman’s Laid Back, Sly and the Family Stone’s Fresh, The Wailers’ Talkin' Blues, and so many more, The Plant in Sausalito is where both Load and ReLoad were recorded. To learn more about the historic life of this now permanently closed building, check out So What!’s 2016 article, "2200 Bridgeway: Inside The Plant."
Rasputin Music
2401 Telegraph Ave, Berkeley, CA 94704Rasputin Music is the largest independent chain of record stores in the San Francisco Bay Area and another great spot to pick up a new record while you’re here. To celebrate Record Store Day in 2016, Metallica invited some Fifth Members and old friends from back in the day to Rasputin in Berkeley for a little gig. This was the first time in 17 years that Metallica performed in Berkeley. They last played here on April 21 & 22, 1999 while they recorded S&M with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
Berkeley Community Theatre
1930 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94704Speaking of those original S&M gigs, Berkeley Community Theatre was the site that first saw Metallica and the San Francisco Symphony join forces for two historic nights and the recording of the live album, S&M.
Ruthie’s Inn
2618 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702Photo by Harald Oimoen
Ruthie's Inn was a small club run by Wes Robinson on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley, California that was instrumental in supporting the east bay punk scene and eventually spawned a thriving thrash/metal scene from 1983 - 1987. Many bands played their first gigs at this venue and helped pave the way and supported an incredibly vibrant community of social misfits and serious musicians who had something to say -- a great venue that has established itself in the annals of punk and metal history. A far cry from Ruthie's glory days of the '80s, the building now houses an event rental company.
Metallica Mansion
3132 Carlson Blvd, El Cerrito, CA 94530Photo by Brian Lew
Oh the humble beginnings of James and Lars… the pair lived here between ‘83 and ‘86 and wrote Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets in the garage that has since been torn down (don’t worry - James made a guitar out of the wood).
*A note of kindness: This is a residence, aka innocent people live here. Do us a favor and don’t knock on their door. If you visit, better make it a drive-by.
ADDITIONAL CITY ACTIVITIES
TWILIGHT PICNIC IN THE PRESIDIO
Thursday, September 5th from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pmSan Francisco’s largest campfire features a delicious selection of international cuisine from Off the Grid street food vendors from 5-9 pm. Enjoy a meal in a unique “picnic at dusk” atmosphere while you relax under the stars on the Presidio’s Main Parade Ground.
How to get there: Presidio Twilight is located outdoors on the Presidio’s Main Parade Ground, bordered by Montgomery Street and Lincoln Boulevard, across from the Presidio Visitor Center.
Twilight can be easily accessed by the MUNI 43 or the free PresidiGo Downtown Shuttle, which offers service between Embarcadero BART, the Transbay Terminal, Union Street/Van Ness Avenue and the Presidio’s Main Post.
EXPLORATORIUM AFTER DARK: REMIX
Thursday, September 5th from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pmTransforming, re-imagining, re-assembling, re-thinking, changing, combining: they’re all part of the art of the remix. Access your inner DJ, play around with mixing up all kinds of art, experience music that’s been rearranged, and discover remixed advances in science at After Dark: Remix.
By day the Exploratorium offers over 650 interactive exhibits exploring perception, art, and science for people of all ages, but After Dark, it's 21 and over. Grab your friends and a drink and get immersed in mind-bending experiences and unique, thought-provoking programs.
The Exploratorium is located at Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street). Click here for transit and parking information.
FERMENTED NIGHTLIFE, CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Thursday, September 5th from 6:00 pm - 10:00 pmThe California Academy of Sciences is breaking down the science of fermentation, showing you the chemical magic behind kombucha to chocolate and everything in-between. Fermentation transforms many of the foods you love, and some of the Bay Area’s best purveyors of fermented foods will be in attendance to show you how.
Enjoy music, creatures, and cocktails as you set out with friends on a journey to the stars and the depths of the sea. Featuring a new theme each week, after-hours access to all exhibits, and special programming, NightLife is your ticket to the nocturnal side of the Academy.
The California Academy of Sciences is located in Golden Gate Park at 55 Music Concourse Drive. Click here for transit and parking information.
2019 SF MUNI HERITAGE DAYS: RARE HISTORIC BUS & TROLLEY RIDES
Saturday & Sunday, September 7th & 8th, free from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, paid from 11:00 am - 5:00 pmSan Francisco transit history comes back to life at this annual, weekend-long blast from the past dating back to the 19th century. During Muni Heritage Weekend, visitors will be able to ride and view historic streetcars, cable cars, and buses that are rarely seen on city streets.
FREE MUSEUM WEEKEND
Saturday & Sunday, September 7th & 8th, hours vary by locationIf you have a Bank of America card, you get free admission to the Legion of Honor, the de Young Museum (both $15.00 without card), and the Contemporary Jewish Museum ($16.00 without card) on Saturday and Sunday.
RED BULL’S “BAY CLIMB”: INSANELY-STEEP UPHILL BIKE BATTLE
Saturday, September 7th from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, free to watch.There’s nothing more exciting in the world of cycling than that last mad dash to the finish line, the all-out leg clobbering final push that separates the meek from the mighty. Red Bull Bay Climb is a straight line sprint up the historic, near-vertical Potrero Hill in San Francisco that promises to deliver those end-of-race moments for all involved.
Spectator Information: There are no bleachers or seats available. Spectators are invited and encouraged to bring camping chairs if they would like. However, beach style umbrellas and pop up tents are prohibited with the exception of registered athletes/teams set up in the athlete area.
Located at De Haro St (from 18th to Southern Heights) in Potrero Hill, San Francisco.
2019 FESTA COLONIALE ITALIANA
Saturday, September 7th from 11:00 am - 6:00 pmFesta Coloniale Italiana is the only authentic Italian street festival held in San Francisco. This is a free, fun, family event and is open to the public. Enjoy browsing through the Italianissimi inspired products of the vendors while you sip a beverage, taste some delicious Italian food and stroll to the live music, as you make your way up Stockton Street to the display of vintage Italian autos and scooters provided by Dreams on Wheels Cars and Bello Moto of San Francisco.
The Festa takes place at 1630 Stockton St., home of the historic San Francisco Italian Athletic Club, which is adjacent to Washington Square Park in the Heart of North Beach.
URBAN HIKE
Wednesday, September 4th through Monday, September 9th - by reservation onlyHike the hidden staircases of San Francisco and get 360-degree views of the city with a local guide. Former San Francisco Radio host, and witty Irishman, Greg McQuaid will help you get your 10,000 steps in for the day and climb around 65 floors! Don't worry though, there's plenty of breaks in between stairs and there's as much down as there is up! Long (3 hours) and short (1.5 hours) options available.
FUEL UP IN THE MORNING
Hours vary by locationCheck out this list posted by Thrillist to find the perfect morning meal: The Best Brunches in 11 San Francisco Neighborhoods.
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