San Francisco in May

Question

Hi there, we’ll be visiting San Francisco for the first time in late May next year. We would love to experience a sports game while we’re there. I believe it’s out of season for American football and basketball and have looked at baseball games at Oracle Park which don’t seem to be playing at home. Is someone is able to advise if maybe there are lower league teams we could watch? Thank you in advance.

Answer

Great idea to catch a sporting event in San Francisco in May! You’re right that the NFL and NBA are out of season then, but there are still some good options—especially in minor-league baseball and vintage baseball. There are currently not many fully professional “lower-league” pro teams in SF itself right now, but here are some good alternatives and what to look for:

Possible Sports Games to See Around San Francisco in May

San José Giants (Minor League Baseball): - This is the Single-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. - In May, they typically have home games at Excite Ballpark in San José. - It’s about an hour’s drive from San Francisco, which can make for a fun afternoon or evening trip.
Oakland Ballers vs. San José Giants — “Battle of the Bay 2.0”: - The Oakland Ballers are a new independent baseball team in the Pioneer League. - There was an exhibition game scheduled between the San José Giants and the Oakland Ballers. - While not “minor league affiliated” in the traditional MLB system, this could be a neat, local, lower-league feel game.
Bay Area Vintage Base Ball: - If you want something very different, the Bay Area Vintage Base Ball league plays in traditional 19th-century “base ball” style. - They have games in May (for example, May 4 and May 18 on their 2025 schedule). - It’s a fun, historical, family-friendly experience—not professional, but very local and charming.
Soccer: - As of now, Golden City FC (a pro soccer team) is expected to begin play in San Francisco in MLS Next Pro in the future. - That means in May of next year, they likely won’t have matches yet, so this isn’t an option for your trip.

My recommendation for your trip:

Given your timing in late May, the San José Giants minor-league baseball games are probably your best bet for catching a live sports game. They’re relatively close, affordable, and a classic baseball experience. If you want something extra quirky and fun, the vintage base ball game could make for a really memorable and unique afternoon.

Here are a few tips if you go that route:

Check the San José Giants’ official schedule online for the exact dates close to your stay.
If you decide on vintage base ball, check the Bay Area Vintage Base Ball website for game times and locations.
Plan for transport: driving to San José is usually easiest, but traffic can vary—especially on weekends.
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) for an outdoor baseball game—it can be sunny in May in the Bay Area.

San Francisco in May

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