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Golden GaYte Newsletter #5: Getting to the Games

Depending on when you depart, you’re just hours away from the kickoff of the Jasinski Golden GaYte Classic.

With a few days remaninig,  we’re looking to get you the information that matters the most (because we know you’re forgetful).

This week we focus on more specific directions to getting to the gym, continue to talk up the benefits of the Golden GaYte Premier package, hope you come to our open forum about the state of gay basketball, our registration party, tournament rules and more. Again, take a look and print these out. You’ll find yourself enjoying more of what we have to offer you.

* DIRECTIONS/GETTING TO THE GAMES: Most of the tournament games will be played at the RSF on the campus of UC Berkeley (2301 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94720), right across the Bay Bridge.

If you’re staying at the host hotels, enter BART at Civic Center station (less than a 5-minute walk from the host hotels)

  • Board a RICHMOND-bound train.
  • Exit at the Downtown Berkeley station (the sixth station after going under the Bay).
  • When you leave the station, you’ll be on Shattuck Avenue. Walk three blocks south (probably to the right).
  • Turn left at Bancroft Way. Go two blocks and the RSF will be on your left.

The RSF is just past the track stadium and Ellsworth Street. Go up the stairs leading to the steamboat looking air vents. It should be less than a ten-minute walk.

BART Map

On Saturday morning until about 10am and all day Sunday, there are no direct trains. You will need to board a PITTSBURG-bound train and transfer to a RICHMOND-bound train at 12th Street Oakland (it’s a timed transfer, so cross the platform and the Richmond-bound train should be there in a minute–if it’s not already there waiting for you).

BART starts service later on Sunday, so if you have a 9am game on Sunday, you can either go to Civic Center station and board a PITTSBURG-bound train at 8:11 and transfer to a RICHMOND-bound train at 12th Street Oakland at 8:29, arriving in Berkeley at 8:39. Or you can board at Powell Street station (a few-minutes walk down Market Street from the hotels) at 7:53 and arrive in Berkeley at 8:19.

On Saturday, the trains back to San Francisco could be bound for SF, Daly City, Millbrae, or SFO Airport. They’re all good. On Sunday, there are no direct trains, so board a FREMONT-bound train, go two stops to MacArthur station, and cross the platform for a SF train (again, a timed transfer).

* EARLY BIRD PREMIER PACKAGES ($20) ENDING: We’ve shoved this down your throat, but really, if you’re planning on attending some or all of the events, it’s in your own best interest to purchase the premier package now. Not only will you NOT be charged cover at any of the venues, not only will you get a tournament T-shirt (by American Apparel) and JGGC water bottle, assorted discounts, coupons and goodies from ESPN, BODY, Where Magazine, Eros, LOGO (limited quantities), but purchasing it NOW will save you an additional 25%.

Early bird pricing ($20) goes up to $25 on Thursday morning. Get yours today before the price goes up: Click here.

* REGISTRATION PARTY @ the LOOKOUT: The Golden GaYte Classic registration party will be held at the Lookout on Friday night, from 7-10pm. With extended Happy Hour prices and 20% off food for Premier Package holders (Download Lookout’s Menu), the registration party will be your chance to “registrate,sign your waiver, pick up your tournament program (survival guide), your gift bag, and your weekend begins. Captains and team representatives, please be ready to come to the…

NATIONAL GAY BASKETBALL OPEN FORUM

* CAPTAINS’ MEETING & OPEN FORUM: Captains should plan on meeting on Friday at 6:30 @ the LookOut Bar to discuss the any questions or issues about the tournament. In the second half of this meeting, ~7:00pm, we’ll open it up to ANY players/representatives that would like to be included in an open forum about gay basketball – we’ll have a couple of general questions to get this going, but feel free to bring your own questions, discuss concerns, expectations, etc.

This is our chance to openly speak about ANYTHING gay basketball (including the NGBA, Gay Games, etc.)  If the captain cannot make the captains’ meeting, please send a representative or two from your team.

* WEATHER UPDATE: What a difference a week makes, looks as if we’ve a 20% chance of rain for the tournament weekend but we all should know better than to rely on weather forecasts this far out. We’ll likely not know what the weather will really be like until the day before (if we’re lucky), but we still want to give you a heads up on whether an umbrella, windbreaker or a tank top should be included in your carry-on.

* TOURNAMENT RULES: We’ve developed the tournament rules (downloadable Word .doc), mostly based on our basketball experience and past tournaments. No worries, there’s nothing out of hand or rules you’ve never seen before, but please take a look at the rules before you take the court  - every possession counts and we want to make sure you know the rules.

* PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS:

*EVENTS: RSVP to all of the weekend’s events on Facebook:

* GOLDEN GAYTE CLASSIC SPONSORS/PARTNERS: We’d like to thank a few of our tournament sponsors/partners and we’d appreciate if you’d patronize their websites and establishments…

http://www.edgesf.com/
http://www.sens-sf.com/
http://www.lookoutsf.com/
http://www.espn.com
http://www.notsotough.com/

Please pass this information on to your teammates to ensure they get the same info so you don’t get that phonecall asking you where the gym is, where the events are, what time they start…etc.!

Golden GaYte Newsletter #4: Stay Green & Wear Pink

Just 9 days before the official beginning of the Jasinski Golden GaYte Classic. Lots of information to know, so print out these newsletters, read them over for the plane ride or in the bathroom, as it will make for a better, more informed and efficient tournament experience.

This week we focus on San Francisco’s public transport system, pontificate the benefits of the Golden GaYte Premier package, chat a bit about keeping hydrated (and green) during the tournament, the Rockdogs’ FADE TO PINK Party, and much more.

* SF Bay Area Transport: MUNI vs. BART: Keep green, take public transportation when in the city. Basically, if you’re taking  traveling within the city limits, you’ll take MUNI, if you’re headed to Oakland, SFO, the peninsula, or to the  Berkeley gym, you’ll be using BART.

MUNI and BART are the main modes of public transport in San Francisco

The MUNI system is a network of metro/subways, buses, streetcars and cable cars serving the city of San Francisco. Muni passes (daily, weekly and monthly) are available. Individual Muni tickets ($2) and transfers are valid on all Muni services except cable cars ($5). There are MUNI Passports available that are good for 1, 3, and 7 days that inlcude cable cars.

The BART system (Bay Area Rapid Transit) carries commuters within the city limits, and to areas outside the city — to the East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley) and to the Peninsula. BART also travels directly to/from the SFO airport terminal and to an airport shuttle stop close to OAK airport. BART tickets are valid on BART only. Your ticket value will depend on the dollar amount you choose to add to your ticket when you buy it at a ticket machine.

* WATER BOTTLES: We’ll be providing customized water bottles (and water) for everyone that purchases the premier package. The bottles hold 20 oz., are fully recyclable and are BPA-free. In our promises to remain as green as possible, we decided that providing players with tournament water bottles will reduce significant waste and footprint on the environment.Golden GaYte Water Bottle (not the exact one you'll get, but very similar!)

If you don’t go with the package, You can buy a bottle on its own and we’ll provide the water. You’ll receive the bottle for “free” with your premier package purchase – another reason to jump on that deal today (more below).

* GOLDEN GAYTE CLASSIC PREMIER PACKAGE (EARLY BIRD $20): The SFGBA has negotiated discounts from the events and our Premier Package holders will save $$$ over the course of the tournament. For just $20, you can get in on our weekend package and will receive:

* Free entry and guest list access for Hip Hop Party @ Trigger feat. DJ Scene
* 20% off food at Registration Party @ Lookout
* Free entry & guest list access to B.O.C. Registration Afterparty
* Dinner, guest list access & free club entry @ Sens in the Embarcadero
* Golden GaYte Classic BPA-free, recyclable, souvenier water bottle
* Golden GaYte Classic Tournament T-Shirt
* Golden GaYte Gift Bag sponsored by ESPN, American Apparel, Where Magazine, & more…
* Access to discount food & drinks throughout the weekend with SFGBA wristbands
* Free entry & guestlist access to Rockdog FADE to TO PINK Party on Sunday night

Again we recommend getting in on this sooner than later. Non-players can also get in the fun, the premium package will cost non-players just $35. So sign up for the early bird premier package pricing

The regular price of $25 for players and $40 for non-players kicks in Thursday, Febryuary 11th. To get the $20 weekend package with early-bird pricing, use Paypal.

* FADE TO PINK Party hosted by the Rockdogs: After the final games on Sunday, the San Francisco Rockdogs are helping to host the FADE TO PINK closing party on Valentine’s day. Wear your pink and join all the ballers for the FADE TO PINK after party at the Lookout. We’ll have plenty of fun and surprises in store for you at the party. More details to come…Rockdogs: FADE TO PINK PARTY @ the LOOKOUT

* WELCOME TO SAN FRANCISCO: Kurt Degroot is one of the centers for San Francisco S.O.S. (formerly the Dallas Drillers). Degroot is originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin but has lived in Minneapolis and New York City before moving to San Francsco 10 years ago.

A sushi-lover, Kurt recommends Barracuda Sushi (2251 Market St.) or Moki’s (615 Cortland Ave). Kurt digs the Lone Star Saloon (1354 Harrison St.) because it’s “Bear-Friendly and has a pool table.”

The 6-4 Degroot suggests that visitors make their way across the Golden Gate Bridge, and if time permits, visit Muir Woods. Degroot offers three rules of thumb for visitors to San Francisco: “Don’t leave anything visible in your car, if you need suggestions on things, just ask someone. People are pretty friendly and helpful. Finally, always wear a condom LOL”

* FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Barracuda: http://www.yelp.com/biz/barracuda-japanese-restaurant-san-francisco
Lone Star Saloon: http://www.yelp.com/biz/lone-star-saloon-san-francisco
Golden Gate Bridge: http://www.yelp.com/biz/golden-gate-bridge-san-francisco

* FINALIZE ROSTERS: Please send us your most updated roster by the end of this week. Remember, players not approved, or on your official roster will not be allowed to play.

* SF WEATHER UPDATE: Right now, Weather.com has San Francisco Bay Area as being dry with lows of 49 degrees and highs of 62 degrees, with a 0% chance of precipitation for the basketball tournament weekend – we’re still more than a week away so take that forecast with a grain of salt.

Yelp sponsors the SFGBA with their weekly newsletter* GOLDEN GAYTE CLASSIC & SFGBA IN YELP’S NEWSLETTER! We’re proud to announce that the Golden GaYte Classic and the SFGBA has been featured in Yelp’s weekly newsletter. The local San Francisco edition goes out to nearly 190,000 subscribers, check out our blurb here.  Check out Yelp’s newsletter here.

* GOLDEN GAYTE CLASSIC SPONSORS/PARTNERS: We’d like to thank a few of our tournament sponsors/partners and we’d appreciate if you’d patronize their establishments when you’re working
your way around San Francisco.

We’ve got one more newsletter on the way. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at info@sfgba.com. You can also become our Facebook friend to stay on top of all the news, updates, and events. See you next week….!

Welcome to the San Francisco Gay Basketball Assoc.

SFGBA happy family picture
The San Francisco Gay Basketball Association (SFGBA) has been a local LGBT fixture for nearly 25 years. We’re a non-profit 501(3)c organization and through basketball, has provided safe space for thousands of community members throughout the last three decades. The SFGBA is behind several different gay basketball programs:

  • We hold Basketball Open Gyms every Sunday at our gym in the heart of the Castro, from 5-8pm (except some Holidays) which is open to men, women, gay, lesbian, and straight people of all skill levels
  • The CBL (Castro Basketball League) plays twice yearly and features both a competitive and recreational league. This last season, we had eight teams and over 60 players involved.
  • The Golden GaYte Classic, our first tournament in 10 years is set for February 13, 14 with events and parties for off court fun to supplement the on-court hard work.

If you’re interested in learning more about any of our basketball programs: Sunday open gyms, the Castro Basketball League, or participating (whether as a fan or player) in the San Francisco Gay Basketball tournament, please email us. We look forward to seeing you on the court.

If you’re all social media-y, you can rate the SFGBA on Yelp!, you can follow the happenings on our San Francisco Tournament Facebook fan page, let us know you’re visiting on our Facebook eventTwitter, or subscribe to the SFGBA RSS feed.

Golden GaYte Newsletter #3: Get on the Guestlist!

We’re 15 days away from the official beginning of the 2010 Golden GaYte Classic and the SFGBA will be sending out newsletters to keep the players, participants, fans, and volunteers informed for our February tournament. *

Get on the guest list for ALL of the Golden GaYte Events!

Get on the Guest list with the Golden GaYte Weekend Package: The SFGBA has partnered with our event sponsors and establishments to put together a great weekend package that is of value to all the players.

For just $20, you can get in on our weekend package, and in exchange for an Andrew Jackson, players will receive:

  • Free entry, guest list access, & V.I.P. Lounge for Hip Hop Party @ Trigger
  • 20% off food at Registration Party @ Lookout
  • Free entry & guest list access to B.O.C. Registration After Party
  • Dinner, guest list access & free club entry @ Sens in the Embarcadero
  • Golden GaYte BPA-free, 20 oz. Water Bottle
  • 5-minute massage at the gym
  • Golden GaYte tournament T-Shirt
  • Golden GaYte Gift Bag sponsored by ESPN, American Apparel, Where magazine, Yelp!, & more…
  • Access to discount food & drinks throughout the weekend with SFGBA wristbands
  • Free entry & guestlist access to Rockdog FADE 2 PINK Party on Sunday night

We’ve negotiated discounts and as a Premier Package holder, you will save $$$$$$$$$$ over the course of the tournament. The dinner and experience on Saturday night is worth the package alone.

If you plan on flying in late on Thursday, Friday or saturday, we
highly-recommend paying for your premier package beforehand. That way
we’ll place you on the guestlists and you can roll off your plane straight
into the events without worry. Non-players can also get in the fun, the
premium package will cost them just $35. To get the $20 weekend package:

http://www.sfgba.com/home/tournament/premier-package/

* Send in your Team Rosters, Bio, & Photos: Want your mug to be in the tournament program? We’re looking for Team Bios – a quick statement of how your team formed, your history and what you hope to accomplish as well as team photos – on court and off. Send your rosters, team bios and photos to info@sfgba.com to have them included in our tournament program.

Have you updated your roster? Please send us your most recent roster so we have that for our tournament program. Remember, rosters are locked a week before the tournament begins so please keep that in mind.

* Weather Update: Our weekly newsletter will send out the most updated weather for the upcoming tournament. The weather in San Francisco in 2009 fell between 50 degrees and 57 degrees for Valentines Day Weekend.

* Scorer’s Table Help: We’re trying to make the weekend as seamless as possible for you, but we do require your help with the scorer’s table. As with other tournaments, we’re asking that the two teams that just completed their games designate a player to help with the scorer’s table for the following game. Captains, please alert your teammates of this requirement! If you’re interested in volunteering to help us, please feel free to respond to this email.

* EVENTS: Pre-registration @ Buck Tavern Flying in early? Get to Buck’s Tavern on Thursday night for our pre-registration party for discount drinks, appetizers, and dinner. Keep your eye out for more event info!

buck tavern

* EVENTS: Brunch @ Lime on Monday Are you planning on staying until Monday? Well, we’ve partnered with the Flavors You Crave group and our official brunch spot on Monday will be @ Lime, from 10am to 1pm – featuring great food, bottomless mimosas, in a great atmosphere in the Castro. Part of the proceeds from the brunch will help to support the SFGBA.

* Cal vs. Washington State: On the Saturday of the tournament, in the gym next door to ours, The University of California will be playing Washington State from 1 to 3. The SFGBA can get group tickets ($15); I know that nobody knows when their games are yet, but if you could let us know how many from your team would be interested *if* you’re not playing for one or both of those hours, we’ll know whether to pursue this as an option. We need some more people to qualify for the group discount

* San Francisco Recommendations: Phil Mullins of the SF Shock Originally from Colorado, Phil has been in San Francisco just 1.5 years, but has already discovered the “orgasmic, pretentious pastries” at Bakery Tartine.

In the afternoon, he enjoys Dolores Park for its “great view of the city, fun locals… it’s the place to be on a sunny day, and a great place to make out late at night.”

When not making out, Phil slips his 6-4 frame into his favorite bar in the Castro, Blackbird, because it’s “more relaxed, the music doesn’t suck, and it’s a fun and cute crowd…”

For more info:

Tartine: http://www.yelp.com/biz/tartine-bakery-san-francisco
Blackbird: http://www.yelp.com/biz/blackbird-san-francisco
Dolores Park: http://www.yelp.com/biz/dolores-park-san-francisco

* Golden GaYte Sponsors We’d like to thank a few of our tournament sponsors/partners and we’d appreciate if you’d patronize their establishments when you’re working your way around the Castro.

http://www.clubtrigger.com/
http://www.yelp.com/
http://www.americanapparel.net/
http://www.bucktavernsf.com/
http://www.edgesf.com/

Keep an eye out for next week’s tournament update and subsequent newsletters that will cover local recommendations, directions, things to do in San Francisco, transport, official event schedule, and more. Let us know what you’d like to see.

If you have any questions, please feel free to visit SFGBA.com, or contact us at info@sfgba.com

SFGBA Individual & Group Photoshoot

Here are some images that were taken and will be used for promotional shots for the Golden GaYte Classic, Castro Basketball League, SFGBA Open Gym, fundraisers, events, and parties.

* Photo and image credits (and much appreciation) go to Geof Teague – to see more of his work, please visit his website: notsotough.com

Golden GaYte Newsletter #2: Dinner Banquet @ Sens

With roughly four weeks remaining before the tournament, the SFGBA will be sending out weekly newsletters to keep the players, participants, and volunteers informed.

2008f-cdls.jpg

The tournament is in full swing with 22 teams registered, from New York to San Diego, L.A. to D.c. we’re proud of the teams that are coming to San Francisco for our first tournament in ten years.

We’re now working on getting all the details and events settled to ensure you guys have the best time. Over the next four weeks, we’ll give you rundowns on the gym, hotels, sponsors, events, and every thing else.

* Registration: All the teams have paid, but have you updated your roster? If you haven’t sent in your roster yet or have made changes, please keep us in the know of any team changes.

* Weather for the tournament: The Average San Francisco temperature for mid-February falls between 50 degrees and 70 degrees. At this point, to look like a local: wear layers!

* Looking to practice? We’ll be reserving the our home gym in the Castro on Thursday and Friday
for players that are coming in early and want to shake off the dust. Just drop us a note by replying to this email and we’ll make sure you’re on the list.

* RSF @ University of California: Most of the tournament games will be played at the RSF on the campus of Berkeley, CA, right across the Bay Bridge. The RSF is a 25-minute train ride from the tournament hotels. The RSF, or RecreaTional Sports Facility, is only a 5-10 minute walk (4 block walk) from public transport. Once there, you’ll find that there will be plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes to chill/relax it in-between games. The SFGBA tournament committee will also be providing concessions for sale right outside the gym. More to come as the tournament nears.

* Tournament Schedule: The Golden GaYte Clasic games will run on Saturday and Sunday, but with a bit of a twist. On Saturday, games will run from 8 AM to 7 PM at Berkeley’s RSF. On Sunday, games will run from 9 AM to 2 PM and the Golden GaYte Classic finals (LOWER B, UPPER B, and A finals) will be held in our Castro gym starting ~4:30 PM.

We’re working on finalizing our tournament and event schedule, but as things are planned right now, most teams will end early on Sunday, and likely have 2-6 hours to run around San Francisco before the tournament finals begin.

* EVENTS: Saturday night @ Sens:  On Saturday, the SFGBA has secured Sens in the Embarcadero, a beautiful
restaurant/lounge/club with “wooden doors, heavy beams and a vaguely Mediterranean feel, also has a brilliant only-in-San Francisco view of the Ferry Building’s red neon sign.”

Sounds expensive? Don’t worry, we’re putting together a player package that you won’t be able to refuse. Sens is located at 4 Embarcadero Center in San Francisco. Take a look at some of these great reviews: SFgate.com or Yelp. RSVP to the event on Facebook.

* What else is happening in San Francisco that weekend? In preparation for our tournament events, we found that many other events will be going on during the Valentine’s Day weekend. We’ll be partnering with some of these events to maximize your stay in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Not only is it Valentines Day and Presidents Day Weekend as well as the first day of Chinese New Year, it is also the NBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND, the weekend of IBR (International Bear Rendezvous), Club 21 in Oakland (Hip Hop and Latin Special night), Club Dragon (Asian Club), Underworld (Underwear Party), Club Nur (Middle Eastern Party), The Fresh (T-Dance) and the first episode of the Amazing Race.

* Sponsors: We’d like to thank a FEW of our tournament sponsors and we’d appreciate if you’d patronize their establishments when you’re working your way around the Castro.

http://www.lookoutsf.com
http://www.sens-sf.com
http://www.the440.com/
http://www.redbull.com

Keep an eye out for next week’s tournament update and subsequent newsletters that will cover local recommendations, directions, things to do in San Francisco, official event schedule, and more. Let us know what you’d like to see.

If you have any questions, please feel free to visit SFGBA.com, or contact us at info@sfgba.com

No Sunday ball this week (December 27th)

There will be NO Sunday basketball this coming Sunday, December 27. We look forward to seeing you the following Sunday, January 3, when we will resume our normally scheduled program. Have a safe and fun New Years!

Sponsor/advertise the Golden GaYte Classic!

The Golden GaYte Classic will bring 250+ players from 20+ teams from all over the United States to the San Francisco Bay Area. Additionally, your sponsor funds will assist our San Francisco Gay Basketball programs – from our league to our open gyms.

If you’re a business that is interested in supporting our tournament, we’d appreciate your help!

Download the Golden GaYte Sponsor Brochure and let the SFGBA know what level of sponsorship you’d like.

The SFGBA is a 501(3)c organization so your donations are tax-deductible. and we offer several different levels of sponsorship – something for every business – from just $25 to $5000.

Download our Sponsor brochure!

23rd CBL Season Award Winners

We had a great season and a couple of exciting games last night. Between the B and A finals, we handed out the awards, as voted on by you all…here they are:

MVP
A: Mikey Survillion
B: Tom Nagashima
B: Christophe Hugon

Defensive Stud
B: Brian Pearlman
A: Francis Broome

Division Hunk
A: Jesse Woodward
B: Ryan McPherson

Spirit of Jasinski
B: David Purvis
B: Tony Jasinski
A: Courtney Pope
A: Jim Oakley

Hustle Award
A: Stuart Leung
A: Bam Bam Bibbs
B: Chris Hastings
B: Brian Schroer

Most Improved Player
B: Bryant Lee
B: Max Mendoza
B: Brian Schroer
A: Jesse Woodward
A: Paul Walsh

Thanks to all who voted and congratulations to all the winners!!!

Next season will tentatively start on Thursday 11 March…be on the look out for the official announcement in a couple of months.

Run ‘N’ Gun & Nothing butt Rimm are CBL Champs!

We’d like to congratulate Nothing butt Rimm and Run ‘N’ Gun for their wins
in their respective divisions last night.

Scott Furr was all over the place with 16 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in NbR’s win over Cleaning the Rims in the B division finals. The big three for NbR also came up big; Ryan McPherson added 15 points and 5 rebounds, and Christophe had a double-double 10 points and 10 rebounds.

And it wasn’t just the Mikey Survillion show in the A finals, as the MVP got great assistance from Tony M. Both players had 16 points in the game, Mikey added 9 rebounds and 6 assists, Tony put up 3 rebounds and 5 assists – Trey added 15 points as RnG held on to the win after giving up a 20+ point lead.

Stats and boxscores will be up later today.