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.

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.
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…
* 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.
* 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….!