Mayor Breed Announces New Thrive City Entertainment Zone

San Francisco, CA - Mayor London N. Breed, the Golden State Warriors and the Office of Economic Workforce and Development (OEWD) today announced the establishment of San Francisco's second Entertainment Zone at Thrive City, the 11-acre public space that includes restaurants, bars, and retailers surrounding Chase Center. Mayor Breed's legislation to create the Thrive City entertainment zone under Senate Bill 76 authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, was co-sponsored by Supervisors Matt Dorsey and Rafael Mandelman and approved by the Board of Supervisors in October.

Thrive City will celebrate the official kick off for the new zone with a Winter Wonderland Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 30. The free public event will feature festive activations centered around San Francisco's tallest Christmas tree (90 feet), a guest appearance by Warriors' legend Festus Ezeli, and a performance by Montell Jordan. During the event, participating Thrive City retailers will be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages to-go for attendees to enjoy within the zone as part of the festivities, which will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

"We have been laser focused on finding and implementing creative solutions that bring better opportunities for our businesses and a surge of new energy for residents and visitors across San Francisco," said Mayor London Breed. "We have seen the significant boost in economic benefit for our bar and restaurant partners on Front Street in both City sanctioned entertainment zone events, and our goal is to expand these benefits across the City to help strengthen San Francisco's Downtown and neighborhoods citywide. We are thrilled to announce the expansion of entertainment zones to a space that needs no introduction on how to have a good time, to help bolster the vibrancy and energy already underway at Thrive City. I want to thank the Golden State Warriors and Chase Center for their continued commitment to building a stronger San Francisco, and Senator Wiener and all of our partners involved to make this happen."

In June, the Board of Supervisors approved Mayor Breed's legislation to designate Front Street, between California and Sacramento streets, as the first entertainment zone in San Francisco and the state under SB 76. Entertainment zones are designed to support the sustainability of local bars and restaurants and boost neighborhood economic activity by permitting restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic beverages to-go for outdoor consumption during special, permitted events.

In September, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 969, a new law authored by Senator Wiener and sponsored by Mayor Breed that will allow cities and counties across the state to model San Francisco's strategy to designate entertainment zones beginning January 1, 2025.

"San Francisco is at its best when we gather to celebrate our incredible community-and innovative laws like SB 76 and 969 make our traditional gatherings even more exciting," said Senator Scott Wiener. "I'm delighted to see entertainment zones become a ubiquitous tool for San Franciscans to gather and have fun in our amazing City."

"Thrive City's new Entertainment Zone is a game-changer for San Francisco's vibrant nightlife and local economy," said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. "By creating a dynamic space for fans and visitors to gather before and after Warriors games and concerts, we're not just enhancing the event-day experience - we're also providing a vital boost to our local restaurants and businesses. This is exactly the kind of innovation that keeps San Francisco thriving as a cultural and entertainment destination."

"San Francisco thrives on innovation and the Front Street Entertainment Zone has proven what's possible when City Hall partners with small businesses, civic leaders, and the entertainment industry to activate public space," said Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. "The Thrive City Entertainment Zone will build on this success. As a global hub for culinary excellence, arts, and entertainment, San Francisco is uniquely positioned to make Thrive City a must-experience destination. Mayor Breed and Senator Wiener deserve great praise for their work to make entertainment zones a reality in San Francisco."

Since its launch, the Front Street Entertainment Zone has hosted two successful events in partnership with the community benefit district Downtown SF Partnership and the OEWD, Oktoberfest on Front on September 20 and Nightmare on Front Street on October 31. Both events drew approximately 10,000 attendees and participating business- Schroeder's, Harrington's Bar & Grill, and Royal Exchange-reported a 700-1,500% increase in sales.

"We are ecstatic to see new Thrive City Entertainment Zone come online at the start of this holiday season" said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director, OEWD. "Based on the incredible success we've seen on Front Street, we have no doubt that the Thrive City Entertainment Zone will deliver big economic benefits to participating businesses. I want to thank the Golden State Warriors and Thrive City for taking advantage of the opportunity Entertainment Zones provide to create more impact for their retail partners and for giving the community even more occasions to come together and celebrate our hometown heroes."

Retailers participating in Thrive City's inaugural entertainment zone event include Che Fico Pizzeria, Dumpling Time, GluGlu, Gott's Roadside, Harmonic Brewing, Kayah by Burma Love, and Miller & Lux. Thrive City expects to announce additional entertainment zone events soon.

"Thrive City's Entertainment Zone presents an exciting opportunity to enhance the overall event experience while supporting our retail partners," said Warriors President and Chief Operating Officer Brandon Schneider. "Entertainment Zones have demonstrated their ability to positively impact local businesses, and we are eager to see those benefits come to life for our growing list of Thrive City retailers."

"Splash at Thrive City is excited to participate in the new Thrive City Entertainment Zone," said Partner, Sidecar Hospitality Andy Chun. "Having helped launch the City's first entertainment zone on Front Street with Schroeder's, we've seen firsthand how impactful these activations can be for San Francisco. We're really looking forward to bringing more fun to the Bay!"

Thrive City, the 11-acre community gathering space surrounding Chase Center, serves as the Bay Area's destination where visitors can experience health and wellness community engagement events, diverse restaurant and retail options, and live entertainment offerings.

Created by the seven-time NBA Champion Golden State Warriors and Kaiser Permanente, Thrive City was built upon the shared goal of creating a healthy community through year-round programming and making resources available to all families, friends and neighbors. For more information on Thrive City, please visit thrivecity.com.

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