San Francisco gears up for a bustling weekend as it sets the stage for two major events, the NBA's 74th All-Star Game at the Chase Center and the city’s grand Chinese New Year Parade. Basketball enthusiasts from various corners are anticipated to flock to the city for All-Star activities starting tomorrow, with the game scheduled for next Sunday. Concurrently, the Chinese New Year celebrations, which honor the Year of the Snake, promise to splash the city in vibrant colors and cultural festivities.
As reported by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, the All-Star weekend isn't just about the main event next Sunday; it includes "All-Star Alley," NBA-themed pop-up stores on Powell Street, and the NBA Crossover Fan Experience at Moscone Center. Concerts at Pier 48 and various other events will keep the city buzzing. A throwback to 1967, the city last hosted the All-Star Game at the Cow Palace, but this year’s game is at the state-of-the-art Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors.
The Chinese New Year Parade, one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia, is a significant event in San Francisco. "More than 200,000 people lined the parade route last year and took part in the Chinese New Year Community Street Fair in Chinatown," mentioned the SFMTA post. These gatherings and processions embody a tradition dating back to the 1860s to showcase the Chinese community's contributions to the city and have grown into a celebration embraced by all.
Handling the influx of potentially half a million people is no small feat. The SFMTA is stepping up traffic management, rerouting Muni services, and deploying parking control officers to keep the vehicles moving and the streets clear. Their efforts are fundamental in supporting over 600 events throughout the year, including the Bay to Breakers race, which called for numerous street closures. "We should all be proud of our roles in helping our city shine," the SFMTA expressed as it prepared for the bustling weekend.
