Golden State Warriors game guide: Best seats, where to eat and insider tips for Chase Center

Welcome to SeatGeek Front Row, where SeatGeek employees share their best tips for getting the most out of live events. For this edition, senior instructional designer Hallie Blakey walks you through exactly how to experience a Golden State Warriors game at Chase Center like a San Francisco local, with insights ranging from where to sit to grabbing the perfect bite.

There’s nothing quite like a Warriors game at Chase Center, whether it's the bay views on your way in, the roar of Dub Nation when the threes start falling and the energy that spills out into Thrive City before and after the final buzzer. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, so you can make the most of your night in San Francisco, no matter which game you’re headed to.

How to get to Chase Center

If you’re taking public transit, your Chase Center event ticket actually doubles as your Muni fare for the day on buses and light rail (excluding cable cars). That means you can ride to and from the arena without paying a separate fare. 

If you’re riding the bus, there’s no need to tap to pay. Just have your ticket ready as proof of payment if a fare inspector asks. If you’re boarding Muni at a metro station, you can show your ticket to the attendant or enter via the gate closest to the booth.

For the easiest trip, take the T line to the UCSF/Chase Center stop, which drops you right by the arena.

If you opt for Uber, Lyft or Waymo, just keep in mind that the official drop-off and pick-up locations are a bit of a walk from the arena. Build in a few extra minutes so you’re not rushing to your seats.

Where to eat before going to a Warriors game

The area around Chase Center is called Thrive City, and the restaurants and shops there perfectly capture San Francisco’s culinary identity. I highly recommend arriving an hour or two before the game to enjoy a meal here, or even earlier if you want to catch Steph Curry’s pregame shootaround.

If you’re a local, you’ll recognize some classic SF spots. If you’re visiting, you’ll get the full San Francisco foodie experience all in one place.

Here are my favorite options:

• Fikscue is an Indonesian BBQ joint from Oakland that’s been all over NYT and Eater lists since it opened. The rendang plate is a great sampler, and the brisket is incredible.

• Che Fico’s second location in the city is focused on pizza, and offers gorgeous waterfront views from its patio.

• Local favorite Burma Love has a location called Kayah here. Burmese food is big in SF, so it’s only fitting that there’s an option in Thrive City.

• Gott’s Roadside is a classic Bay Area burger mini-chain, and their soft serve is not to be missed.

• Señor Sisig is another San Francisco icon with a location here—Filipino-Mexican has got to be one of the best fusions there is.

• It’s only right that there’s a dim sum option by the arena. Dumpling Time has all the classics with some excellent modern twists.

• If you’re planning to eat inside the arena and only have time for a drink, try the craft beer at Harmonic Brewing.

Tips for entering the Chase Center

Pack light. Small purses are fine, but larger items like backpacks will need to be checked for a fee, which can slow you down and add to your costs. Either way, be ready to pass through security before you enter the arena. 

Keep in mind that only tickets from the Golden State + Chase Center app are accepted at the doors, so make sure you download the app and set up an account well before game day.

How early to arrive at Chase Center before a Warriors game

If you want to make a full night of it, arrive 90 minutes to two hours before tip so you can walk around Thrive City, grab food and explore a bit before heading in.

If your priority is seeing Steph’s legendary warmup routine, build in even more time. To be safe, you’ll want to be in your seat before he starts warming up, which is usually about 1.5 hours before the game.

Notable concessions at Chase Center

If you didn’t eat at Thrive City before the game, expect higher prices for food and drink inside the arena. However, if you have a Chase credit card, you’ll get a $5 discount on food purchases of $30 or more, which helps a bit.

That said, there are some standout options that are genuinely worth the splurge:

• A pepperoni slice from Tony G’s

• The iconic burger hot dog from Hot Dog Bills

• Loaded kettle chip nachos from Big Nate’s BBQ

If you’re planning to snack your way through the game, these are the spots I’d prioritize.

Best seats at Chase Center to watch the Warriors

If it’s in your budget, sitting in the lower level at Chase Center usually feels more immersive than the upper level, where the sound and atmosphere can feel a bit farther away from the court.

To save on lower level seats, look for tickets in the corner sections instead of center court. You'll still have a great view while getting to experience the full energy and atmosphere of the arena.

Wherever you end up sitting, a little planning on tickets, food and timing will make your Chase Center night feel like a true NBA Front Row experience.

San Francisco local Hallie Blakey is just as big a fan of her city as she is of the Warriors. She’s always on the hunt for the best bites around town.