Home » City Guide »

America’s Cup 2013

The best places to watch the America’s Cup races for free
By - posted 9/8/2013 No Comment

San Francisco’s Summer of Racing concludes as Emirates Team New Zealand takes on defending champions, Oracle Team USA in 72-foot catamarans during the 2013 America’s Cup Finals at the Marina and Piers 27/29 from September 7-21, 2013.

America’s Cup Finals
September 7-21, 2013
Two 30 minute (approx) races scheduled daily: 1:10 pm & 2:10 pm

  • Races schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions and/or cheating scandals.
  • This is a best of 17 series, so the first team to nine victories wins, so the racing could end as early as September 14th. If racing lasts until September 21st, the final race will be at 1:10 pm.

Where to Watch the Races for FREE:

Pier 27/29 | Finish Line: The finish line is located near America’s Cup Park at Pier 27/29 along the Embarcadero at Lombard.

  • Funcheap Tip: Pier 27/29 is best for watching most of the race on the big screen TVs in front of the Presentation Stage, and then 5-8 minutes before the end of the race, walking to the edge of the pier and watching the finish line in person.
  • There is a large free standing-room public viewing area at the Viewing Deck at the end of Pier 27 – this is perfect for watching the finish line.
  • Free large screen TVs (with live commentary) with comfy bean bags and fake grass are located in Puma Yard and at the presentation stage.

Getting There: Dedicated Embarcadero “Cycletrack” Bike Lane
The northbound lane of the Embaradero will be converted to a two-way “cycletrack” express lane to Pier 27/29. The bikeway will be set up from Sunday 9/8 to Sunday 9/15 from Washington Street to Pier 23.  >> Read more about the Cycletrack
– There is a free bike valet at Pier 23 from 10am to 7pm on most race days.
– Traveling by Muni? Read the SF Muni Guide to getting to America’s Cup for all the re-routes.

Other America’s Cup Park Activities

At the America’s Cup Park on Pier 27/29, you can also watch post race-live Q&A at the Presentation Stage, enjoy a free ride in the Flying on Water 4D AC72 simulator, learn about the science of sailing, meet athletes, relax in bean bags and listen at Puma Yard, get free shaves at the Gillette Shaving Station (Sept 7-8, 10, 12), or listen to a free concert at America’s Cup Pavilion (tickets are required to enter the concert venue, but there are several locations around Pier 27/29 to hear the show just fine and there’s even a limited narrow view of the stage for free)

 

Marina Green | Main Racing Area: The starting line and Bay racing can be viewed best from the America’s Cup Village at Marina Green.

  • Funcheap Tip: Marina Green is perfect for watching most of the race live in the Bay, but the finish line is actually over by Pier 27/29 so you’ll need to watch the finish on one of the big screen TVs
  • There is a limited amount of free public viewing along the shoreline and the bluffs of Marina Green.
  • There is also a big screen showing the races at Marina Green with live commentary which anyone can watch for free.
  • The cheapest paid tickets are on the Deck at Marina Green (for $75) which gives you an elevated view.

Trumer Pils America’s Cup Viewing Party (Opening Day, 9/7 at Noon)

  • If you want to avoid the crowds in the Marina or at Pier 27, Watch the races on TV at a party hosted by Trumer Pils at SoMa StrEat Food Park (428 11th St., SF) with beer specials, food trucks and games.

You can also view the races for free in person anywhere else along the Marina, Crissy Field, or from Angel Island.

America’s Cup Final schedule (best-of-17 series)

  • Saturday, Sept. 7: Final Race 1 (1:10 pm); Final Race 2 (2:10 pm)
  • Sunday, Sept. 8: Final Race 3 (1:10 pm); Final Race 4 (2:10 pm)
  • Tuesday, Sept. 10: Final Race 5 (1:10 pm); Final Race 6 (2:10 pm)
  • Thursday, Sept. 12: Final Race 7 (1:10 pm); Final Race 8 (2:10 pm)
  • Saturday, Sept. 14: Final Race 9 (1:10 pm); Final Race 10* (2:10 pm)
  • Sunday, Sept. 15: Final Race 11* (1:10 pm); Final Race 12* (2:10 pm)
  • Monday, Sept. 16: Reserve Day
  • Tuesday, Sept. 17: Final Race 13* (1:10 pm); Final Race 14* (2:10 pm)
  • Wednesday, Sept. 18: Reserve Day
  • Thursday, Sept. 19: Final Race 15* (1:10 pm); Final Race 16* (2:10 pm)
  • Friday, Sept. 20: Reserve Day
  • Saturday, Sept. 21: Final Race 17* (1:10 pm)
  • Sunday, Sept. 22: Reserve Day
  • Monday, Sept. 23: Reserve Day
    *If necessary