America's Cup - Counting down to the ‘Summer of Racing’ underway

by Stephen Barclay on 14 Mar 2013 The countdown has begun! We’ve taken possession of the new cruise ship terminal and are now starting to transform all of Piers 27 and 29 into what will become the America’s Cup Park. The America’s Cup Park and America’s Cup Village (Marina Green) will be the two major event locations during the 'Summer of Racing' in San Francisco. These sites will be linked by a two-mile 'fan walk' along the Embarcadero, starting from Pier 27 and passing Pier 39, SS Jeremiah O’Brien at Pier 45, Aquatic Park and around to Marina Green.

We’ve also announced the first acts in our concert series at America’s Cup Park: Imagine Dragons (May 31), Sting (June 2), Train (Aug 11) and Jason Mraz (Sep 1). We’ll announce more soon, including talented acts from other genres. On that score, we’re happy that representatives from San Francisco’s symphony and opera committees have agreed to join our Arts and Entertainment Steering Committee, and we look forward to them entertaining San Franciscans over the summer.

I am also pleased to say that we have had several very productive meetings with our neighbors to ensure these concerts are a positive experience for all.

Ticket sales for the Summer of Racing are proceeding well. We have been overwhelmed at the uptake of season passes, which entitle the holder to a bleacher seat and dedicated food and beverage concessions at every race… and there are around 50 race days!

That said, there are great vantage points around the San Francisco waterfront where you can watch the America’s Cup races for free. But if you want a bleacher seat in the best spots, a ticket to an official site or a corporate hospitality table within America’s Cup Park, then you are able to purchase tickets via the SF Giants and Sportsmark at the Americas Cup website.

Before the Summer of Racing in San Francisco commences, the last of the America’s Cup World Series regattas takes place in Naples next month. This will bring to a close a series of regattas that have taken us from Portugal to England, from San Diego to Naples, Venice and Newport. We had two fantastic events here in San Francisco last year, the October event in collaboration with Fleet Week. The image of the Blue Angels flying in formation above the America’s Cup AC45 fleet is a lasting memory for many of us. And I think it’s safe to say this summer is going to generate more than its share of special moments and memories.

As I say, the countdown has started.