SPARK Social SF has pulled the plug on all remaining World Cup watch parties at its Mission Bay outdoor park, abruptly ending the popular gatherings after a late-night double shooting on the 600 block of Mission Bay Boulevard that left two people wounded, authorities said.
Venue Pulls Public Viewing
On its website, SPARK Social SF, the park said it will stop broadcasting matches for the rest of the tournament, although dining, reservations and family programming will continue as scheduled. According to SPARK Social SF, the call was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of guests, staff, vendors and the surrounding community.
Police: Two Wounded In Mission Bay
San Francisco police said officers responded at about 9:11 PM to reports of gunfire on the 600 block of Mission Bay Boulevard and found two people with gunshot wounds. Both were taken to a local hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The department issued an emergency alert urging people to avoid Mission Bay Boulevard North between Merrimac Street and Fourth Street while officers and medics worked the scene. No arrests have been reported, and investigators said the suspected shooter fled before officers arrived, according to KTVU.
Nearby Fan Zones Stay Open
The shooting took place on a block where fans had been gathering for World Cup viewing. Crime-scene tape went up around SPARK Social while crews worked, even as Thrive City at Chase Center - about three blocks away - continued to host a large, reportedly peaceful watch party. The Mission Bay district has been crowded with pop-up events and food trucks throughout the tournament, and city officials and organizers are keeping a close eye on public gatherings as the investigation moves forward, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
What Happens Next
SPARK Social said its parks remain open for regular business and that existing reservations and scheduled programming will go on as planned, while thanking patrons and vendors for their support. The shooting remains under investigation, and police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators, according to KTVU.
