I ticked off San Francisco’s AT&T Park for a San Francisco Giants game at the end of June and had a good chat with the Giants VP of ticket services and guest relations Russ Stanley about the exceptional things that the Giants do for their fans here.

After 60+ US venue visits across a host of different sports in the past couple of years, this is now in my top five global sporting fan experiences with some of the points below highlighting why.

• Sustainability: From recycling, solar power, bike parking station, waste management and a sustainable concession stand, the focus on green initiatives is to be applauded here. ‘The (edible) Garden’ mini-farm provides a platform for community engagement, education, 50+ kinds of fresh produce used in a game day snack bar and hosts field trips for kids. An edible garden at a stadium? Crazy huh!

• F&B: Endless variety of gourmet and local selections to vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options meaning its very inclusive. Widest selection of local, special release and independent craft beer I’ve seen at any US venue as well. 

• Kids Fan Engagement:  ‘The Guzzler’ slide, batting cages and a fan zone that features a replica AT&T Park designed for young children that includes skills drills, fish tank and a mini video-board. Their ‘Rounding Third Bases’

• Seating: Unique and diverse social seating spaces including the flight deck, JD barrel house, Levis Landing as well as the free viewing holes….or you can try your luck in a kayak on the water too.

• Digital/Social: The ‘@Cafe’ serves as a gathering spot for fans during the game who want to follow all things related to the team and features the ‘Hall of Bobbleheads’ and a video wall showing team/fan content.

It is well worth looking into the Giants fan experience to see the things they do to make a day at the ballpark a memorable experience for guests.