MLB picks Giants' Oracle Park to host 2028 All-Star game
All Star Game coming back to SF
MLB announced the All Star Game will return to San Francisco in 2028
SAN FRANCISCO - Major League Baseball announced Friday morning that the San Francisco Giants will host the 2028 All-Star Game at Oracle Park.
All-Star game at Oracle
What we know:
It's been 19 years since the All-Star Game has been played in San Francisco, and the Giants are crediting Mayor Daniel Lurie for a big assist in landing the game.
"The All-Star game coming back to the most beautiful city in the world. It's only fitting. It's really exciting," Lurie said.
He touted the city's recent run of hosting high-profile sporting events, and said hosting the All-Star game will help grow the city's reputation as a sports destination.
"We know how to do big events well, here in San Francisco. We had the NBA All-Star Game last year, Super Bowl LX earlier this year, six World Cup matches, Vogue world is coming next year…," Lurie said. "(Hosting) the All-Star Game, it just makes sense."
He also pointed further back in the city's history — San Francisco was home to baseball legends Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and Joe DiMaggio.
Local perspective:
The game will be played on July 12, 2028. The news may have just been announced, but fans are already anticipating it will be an event to remember.
"I'm pretty excited, I think I'd be most excited for the home-run derby and see some of the splash hits come from that," Brendan Waterval said.
"I think it's a huge deal, it's so cool to see the all-star game coming back to san Francisco," said Ally Knizner, whose husband Andrew Knizner plays catcher for the Giants. "It's an electric stadium, with, in my opinion, some of the best views and food in baseball, and in a beautiful city that makes it feel even more special."
The Chronicle reports that the mayor pitched the city and Oracle Park directly to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred two weeks ago.
"The eyes of the world have been on San Francisco for the last two years, and we’re proving that we are a city on the rise," Lurie said in a press release last week.
As part of the All-Star festivities, the Giants will also host accompanying events, including the MLB Draft and the Home Run Derby.
The Source: MLB, San Francisco Chronicle, Mayor Daniel Lurie