Simply by being home to the San Francisco Giants, Oracle Park is one of the big-name parks when it comes to baseball. There is so much more to this park though. It cost 357 million dollars by the time it was finished in the year 2000 and seats 42 300 fans. One of the things that makes it unusual in terms of ballparks, is that it is blessed with stunning ocean views. 

If a player whacks one out of the park and the ball reaches the ocean, then another unusual event takes place. The ball is retrieved by one of a pack of five Portuguese water dogs. These dogs are all specially trained members of BARC (Baseball Aquatic Retrieval Corps) and are almost as renowned as some of the players. Retrieved balls are auctioned off at the end of the season and the proceeds are given to animal shelters.

As any visitor to San Francisco soon learns, there is plenty to see and do. Whether you are visiting just the park or plan or exploring further afield, it makes sense to leave your luggage in a storage locker near Oracle Park, and there are plenty available within easy striking distance of this venue. 

Oracle Park bag policy

You won't get into the park if you are carrying a bag that is larger than 16'' by 16'' by 8''. Any sort of bag is acceptable, but it mustn't exceed these dimensions. Bags going in will be inspected before you enter the park and there is no storage facility for oversize bags. 

If you are carrying blankets or jackets, don't place them in the bag as this will delay security checks. With these restrictions in place, storing your bag off-site becomes even more realistic and stress-free. 

Oracle Park food policy

Cans, glass bottles, and alcohol are strictly forbidden. You can take your own food in, provided it is contained in a soft-sided cooler that conforms to the size restrictions already mentioned. In the stadium itself, there are a wide variety of concession stands selling traditional baseball cuisine.  

You will also notice a distinct San Francisco Bay influence on some of these dishes. Expect to see garlic fries, called Gilroy fries, which are an Oracle Park tradition. They are generally served in a replica Giants helmet. There is an Oracle Park app that allows you to order your choice in advance.

Oracle Park camera policy

Camera and video equipment are welcome but with the stipulation that your use of them does not interfere with the viewing pleasure of other fans. You are not permitted to record for commercial use and of course, any photographic kit bags need to conform to those bag size limits. Otherwise, it might be better to leave your photography gear behind at a luggage storage service near Oracle Park.

Oracle Park rules

• No weapons are allowed into the park unless carried by on-duty law enforcement officers. The definition of weapons includes fireworks and laser pointers.
• All alcohol and drugs are banned.
• The only pets allowed into the park are service dogs and, of course, the elite BARC corps when acting in their official capacity.
• There is no smoking anywhere in the grounds and this includes e-cigarettes and vaporizers.
• Baby strollers are permissible if they can be folded and stored beneath your seat.
• Umbrellas are allowed in but may not be opened during the game.

Oracle Park transport options

There are car parks at the park but on big game days, traffic can be a nightmare. There are passenger loading zones near most of the gates if you opt for taxi or Uber connections. Alternatively, if you are feeling more energetic, a recently added bike network allows easy access and there is more bike parking than at any time in the park's history. The park is close enough that you can even walk on one of the new slow lanes designed with pedestrians in mind.

There are also special event trains and ferries laid on for the bigger games.

Oracle Park lockers

Because there are no lockers in the park itself, and as the bag size is somewhat prohibitive, you may choose to use one of the many luggage storage services near Oracle Park. These are plentiful and convenient. Being freed from the burden of carrying a bag and having to look after it will add a new dimension to your visit. The lighter you travel, the easier it will be to enjoy not just your event but also everything San Francisco has to offer.