San Francisco has long been known as a theater town. Opera, symphony, and Broadway shows are for the taking, nearly any time of year. So it was only a matter of time before a new kind of theater experience emerged within the City’s most exciting new entertainment venue, the 18,064-seat Chase Center.
Best known as the home of the Golden State Warriors (whose sellout games leave fans clamoring for tickets), the venue also hosts a number of additional marquee events throughout the year. More than 200 concerts, shows, cultural and sporting events provide egalitarian opportunity for all to experience the state-of-the-art arena, for which its art collection alone is worth a visit. (The venue features works from 250 global artists, including loans from SFMOMA and original pieces in collaboration with Adobe.) The global interior architect / designer firm of Gensler has ensured nary a bad seat in the house, yet, for the ultimate in viewing comfort, Chase Center’s Theater Boxes are just what luxury-minded attendees ordered.
“Theater Boxes provide a unique, upscale, and private experience for Warriors fans and concert goers alike,” said John Beavan, Senior Vice President of Ticketing at Chase Center. “Theater Boxes offer world class luxury for a group of four, and guests will enjoy an all-inclusive food-and-beverage experience featuring custom rotating menus, which provide seasonal, farm to table options, before and during their event.”
A total of 60 four-seat Theater Boxes line the east and west sides of the arena, 30 on each side, perched atop the arena’s luxury suites just more than halfway up. The vantage point for basketball games is prime—between the baselines. Unobstructed views are enhanced by the unmatched-in-size, 9,699 square foot Jumbotron video display that hangs at eye level. It might be hard to imagine that the crisp visuals afforded by this state-of-the-art screen are more exciting than live action, but the depth of color and sheer size create images that can’t help but mesmerize. (For concerts and other events, the display fully retracts.)
Each spacious Theater Box features four large, leather club seats, stacked in pairs, behind which is the private dining venue with full bar. Large televisions ensure that game action or favorite songs are not missed. Each box has its own dining table at which attentive staff serve complimentary beer and wine with a charcuterie plate starter. (Chase Center features the most extensive wine program for a U.S. sports venue with over 100 different wines.) The all-inclusive experience features an elevated buffet that rotates seasonally with multiple made-from-scratch courses by Bon Appetit, such as fresh salads, pulled pork, creamy mac ‘n cheese, a selection of breads, a carving station, and a display of delectable desserts. Ingredients are sourced from more than 25+ local farms throughout Berkeley, Campbell, Oakland, Petaluma, San Bruno and more. And de rigueur for any theater experience is freshly popped popcorn and boxed candies (think Jujubes and Swedish fish).
With so many amenities, including perhaps two of the best perks of all—VIP parking just below the arena and a private entrance—it stands to reason that the majority of the Theater Boxes are held seasonally by companies who utilize them for client hospitality. An annual purchase allows for access to every single event at Chase (including Warriors playoff games). “Theater Boxes are a great option for businesses that would like to take advantage of the diversity of content that Chase Center has to offer while managing just four tickets per event,” explained Beavan. “The all-inclusive offering allows Theater Box owners to provide a cost-free experience to clients, employees, and business partners.”
But a handful of Theater Boxes are available to the general public for individual games and events. And just as there is a resale market for regular season tickets, the Theater Boxes have their own resale site, so it’s possible for any given game or event that tickets can be acquired. Theater Boxes can be purchased at SuiteXchange (along with other Chase Center Suites and Lounges), the official suite rental marketplace of Chase Center.
“Enjoying a Warriors game or other Chase Center event from a Theater Box is a great way to celebrate any special occasion or simply enjoy an upscale night out,” said Beaven. “It takes the already electric experience of a Warriors game or concert to another level, and helps to create memories that last a lifetime. But seeing is believing, as it’s difficult to fully articulate the experience and amenities that accompany Theater Boxes at Chase Center. We would encourage anyone interested to request a tour with one of our Chase Center specialists. Theater Boxes are one of Chase Center’s best-kept secrets.”
Photos by Jason O’Rear, courtesy of Chase Center