@Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz,Sept. 27, 2014-April 26, 2015  

Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei responds to the layered history of Alcatraz, former federal penitentiary, site of Native American heritage and protest, and now a national park, with a major new body of work.  Ai is creating site-specific sculpture, sound, and multimedia works for spaces throughout the island, including restricted areas that will be opened to the public especially for this exhibition. A vocal critic of the Chinese government, Ai was taken into custody by Chinese authorities in 2011 and secretly detained for 81 days on charges of tax evasion. His bail was lifted in 2012 but he is still not permitted to leave China. As a result, he is developing the artwork in Beijing. @Large: Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz is organized by the FOR-SITE Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.  For information on @Large, Art in the Parks and associated programs visit http://www.for-site.org/project/ai-weiwei-alcatraz/Media contact: Alina Sumajin, Resnicow Schroeder Associates, asumajin@resicowschroeder.com, 212-671-5155.

 

The San Francisco Dungeon opens first North American attraction at Fisherman's Wharf

The Dungeon, a historical and theatrical attraction popular in Europe, opened their first North America production in San Francisco in June 2014.   Located in historic Fisherman's Wharf, this unique experience highlights 200 years of San Francisco's colorful past with dramatic and theatrical story storytelling. The San Francisco Dungeon guides visitors through theatrical sets on a 60 minute walk-through journey as nine different shows unfold, from the colorful Gold Rush era to authentic tales about the Barbary Coast criminal gangs, Alcatraz and more.  This is the first attraction of its kind in North America bringing to life the stories of old San Francisco with a larger than life cast, special effects, gripping storytelling, 360-degree sets and an underground boat ride.  The San Francisco Dungeon is designed to be fun and sometimes a little bit scary.   The attraction is open from 11 a.m. 365 days a year at 145 Jefferson Street.  For information, visit: www.thedungeons.com/sanfrancisco.  Media contact: Michelle Spita, Allison + Partners, 415-277-4920,  michelle@allisonpr.com. 

 

World-Famous Madame Tussauds at Fisherman's Wharf

Visitors can touch, see, feel and photograph favorite celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Zuckerberg at the new Madame Tussauds Wax Attraction in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.  Celebrating the city's iconic figures and landmarks through the use of a dedicated “Spirit of San Francisco” room, the new attraction will provide historical context to San Francisco's unique and colorful past with vivid scenes supporting the colorful cast of figures.   Madame Tussauds San Francisco offers guests the unique opportunity to “interact” with incredibly life-like iconic figures from the celebrity worlds of film, TV, music, sports and politics. The attraction is open at 11 a.m. 365 days a year, located in Fisherman's Wharf at 145 Jefferson Street.  For information, visit:  www.madametussauds.com/SanFrancisco. Media contact: Michelle Spita, Allison + Partners, 415-277-4920, michelle@allisonpr.com. 

 

San Francisco Bay Area to Host NFL Super Bowl 50 Feb. 7, 2016

The 2016 Super Bowl game, which will be held at the new Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California (45 miles south of San Francisco) on Feb. 7, 2016, will bring hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact to the entire Bay Area. The Super Bowl bid included more than 22,000 hotel rooms set aside for the event, along with official and unofficial events to be hosted throughout the Bay Area region, with free public celebrations and the NFL Experience in downtown San Francisco. For additional information visit www.sfsuperbowl.com or contact media@sfsuperbowl.com

 

Levi's® Stadium

Located south of San Francisco in the heart of Silicon Valley in

Santa Clara, Levi's® Stadium is one of the most technologically and environmentally advanced buildings in all of sports and entertainment, with the largest high definition outdoor screens in the world.  It will be the location for Super Bowl 50 on Feb.

7, 2016 but football fans can experience the stadium now by attending a 49ers game or the other events scheduled in the stadium.   The 20,000-square-foot 49ers Museum presented by Sony is a first-class celebration of the 49ers past, present and future.  Levi's Stadium has a seating capacity of 68,500 and more than 110,000 square feet of unparalleled event space.  

For information, visit www.levisstadium.com.  Media contact: Roger Hacker, 408-986-4890, roger.hacker@49ers.com.

 

Golden Gate Bridge Electronic Tolling

San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge is the first bridge in California to switch to electronic tolling. Those weekends backups heading to The City are now a little easier with no more stopping at the toll plaza.  FasTrak ($6 toll) and Pay-By-Plate ($7 toll) are the two options.  FasTrak offers discounted toll rates which anyone may use or the Pay-By-Plate option: License Plate Account or One-Time Payment. A License Plate Account may be opened online with a credit card to allow drivers to “pay as you go,” with the card being charged each time the bridge is crossed.  The One-Time payment is designed for infrequent bridge users and visitors, and is easiest when paid online using a credit card. If no action is taken, the registered vehicle owner is mailed a Toll Invoice.  For information, visit: www.goldengate.org/tolls or call 415- 921-5858.

 

 

ARTS & CULTURE

 

Keith Haring: the Political Line

The de Young Museum in Golden Gate Park will feature Keith Haring: The Political Line Nov. 8, 2014 through Feb. 16, 2015.  This is the first American exhibition to assess the political dimension and scope of Keith Haring's artistic concerns. Working across a variety of media, including subway drawings, paintings and sculptures, Haring (1958–1990) devoted himself to messages of social justice and change.  Haring's work has long been a part of the city's visual culture. Haring created works for diverse venues in San Francisco during his lifetime, including murals for DV8, an underground club once located in the South of Market neighborhood and a huge, multipanel painting for the South of Market Childcare Center.   His triptych altarpiece “The Life of Christ” (1990) is installed in the AIDS Chapel at Grace Cathedral.  Haring's outdoor sculpture “Untitled (Three Dancing Figures)” (1989), will be moving from its current location at the Moscone Center to the de Young for the duration of the exhibition and remain at the museum during the expansion of the convention center.  For information, visit https://deyoung.famsf.org/press-room/keith-haring-political-line.  Media contact:Erin Garcia, egarcia@famsf.org

 

Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House at Legion of Honor Oct. 18, 2014 – Jan. 18, 2015

 

Houghton Hall brings to San Francisco a wonderful array of objects from one of Britain's great country houses and reflects the history of this magnificent estate across nearly 300 years, from the 18th century to the present day.

 

Houghton Hall: Portrait of an English Country House tells the story of the structure and its inhabitants through displays that convey key architectural spaces.

William Kent was the first British architect to design furnishings in concert with architectural interiors, and a selection of pieces that he created specifically for Houghton Hall will be exhibited. In addition there will be porcelain and silver objects and family portraits and other pictures by notable English painters such as William Hogarth, Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds that reflect the aesthetic and historical significance of the house.

 

This exhibition is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in collaboration with Houghton Hall. The Legion of Honor is in Lincoln Park, 34th Avenue and Clement Street in San Francisco.  For information, visit http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/. Media contact, Erin Garcia, egarcia@famsf.org and Arlo Crawford, acrawford@famsf.org.

 

Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) 

 

In December 2014, the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) will reopen after a $1.3 million renovation that will refresh the museum's overall look and feel as the Museum approaches its 10-year anniversary next year. When completed, MoAD will re-open with more exhibition space, the ground floor and lobby will have a more open layout and welcoming entrance, and there will be an upgrade to all of its technology including interactive iPad kiosks in the renovated lobby and a new website.  

 

MoAD is one of the few museums in the world focused exclusively on African Diaspora culture and on presenting the rich cultural art works of the people of Africa and of African descendant cultures all across the globe. The renovation is the first of several upcoming initiatives that are all part of a new effort to bring the Museum to its next level of development as a world class arts and culture institution located in San Francisco's downtown Yerba Buena district. Learn more at www.moadsf.org. Media contact: K.C. Price, 415.358.7252, kcprice@moadsf.org.

 

SFMOMA Expansion Plans Include Extensive Off-Site Programming

 

The physical space known as SFMOMA (San Francisco Museum Of Modern Art) closed on June 2, 2013. Much of its collection, however, remains in view and shared through a series of collaborative and traveling museum exhibitions, site-specific installations and neighborhood festivals that will take place throughout the Bay Area during the construction of its new building. The building, which will triple the exhibit and gallery space, is slated for completion in early 2016. Instead of relocating to a temporary space during the time leading up to the opening of the new building, SFMOMA is using the time to experiment, engage with new cultural partners and create innovative ways for audiences to experience its collection. For information, visit www.sfmoma.org or call 415-357-4000. Media contact: Robyn Wise, 415-357-4172, rwise@sfmoma.org.

 

ATTRACTIONS & TOURS

 

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company Launches Chocolatier Program

 

Ghirardelli Chocolate Company, San Francisco's premier chocolate manufacturer, announced the launch of the Ghirardelli Chocolatier Program, now open exclusively at their Marketplace, 900 North Point St #52.  This innovative program enhances each guest's ability to experience this famous chocolate in all five senses through live demonstrations and permanent visuals, giving guests a heightened understanding of Ghirardelli chocolate.

 

In the new initiative, Bree Smith, lead Ghirardelli chocolatier, will be on site Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. demonstrating the chocolate experience from “bean to bar.” Each day, additional chocolatiers will create fresh, hand-crafted products in front of guests. The exclusive Ghirardelli Chocolatier products include slabs offered in milk, dark and white chocolate, with a variety of inclusions, from almonds, sea salt cashew, apricot and more; molded bars in the form of the iconic Ghirardelli light bulb sign or a cable car design; and seasonal molds.

 

“The Ghirardelli Chocolatier Program gives each guest the opportunity to create a unique, one-of-a-kind chocolate bar on-site at Ghirardelli Marketplace,” says Martin Thompson, Ghirardelli president and CEO. “We look forward to expanding the Chocolatier program to our other Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shops in the near future.” For information, visit www.ghirardelli.com. Media contact: Julie Richter, Charles Zukow Associates, 415.296.0677, julier@charleszukow.com

 

The Haas-Lilienthal House

Built in 1886 , the Haas-Lilienthal house is a Queen Anne-style Victorian designed by Peter Schmidt.  It is the only intact private home in San Francisco of the period that is open to the public, complete with original furniture and artifacts. The house has elaborate wooden gables, a circular corner tower and luxuriant ornamentation.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Haas-Lilienthal House is a city landmark and a national treasure. It is also the home of San Francisco Heritage, a non-profit architectural and cultural preservation organization. All proceeds from the rental of the Haas-Lilienthal House go to maintaining and preserving this beautiful structure for future generations to experience the magnificence of a bygone era.

The Haas-Lilienthal house is open to the public Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m. and Sundays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All visits to the house must be guided. Volunteer docents lead interior tours through the house and explain the exterior Victorian architecture. A display of photographs in the downstairs supper-room describes the history of the home and the family who lived here until 1972. Special private tours of the Haas-Lilienthal House are available for any size group up to 44 people and for groups up to 25 for walking tours. For information, visit http://www.sfheritage.org/haas-lilienthal-house/tours/. Media contact: John Adams, 415-441-3000 ext.25, jadams@sfheritage.org.

Lovely Martha Sport Fishing

Since 1908, this four-generation, family-run business has been taking guests on fishing excursions beyond the Golden Gate Bridge onboard the Lovely Martha. The current Lovely Martha is a custom built mahogany vessel with a full sound system, state-of-the-art equipment and two decks for optimal viewing. First-timers and seasoned fisherman alike will enjoy deep sea or “potluck” fishing for salmon, sea bass and halibut. Besides sport fishing, excursions are available for sightseeing cruises, whale-watching (seasonal), private charters and special events.  For information, visit http://www.lovelymartha.com/index.htm. Media contact: Frank Rescnio, 415-509-5552, frescino@aol.com.

 

The Sea Lion Center at PIER 39

Operated and managed by Aquarium of the Bay, the Sea Lion Center is a free nature center where guests can learn about the world famous California sea lions that inhabit the docks at the end of PIER 39.  The Sea Lion Center overlooks PIER 39's K-Dock, the usual hangout of these charismatic mammals that mysteriously made this their home in January 1990, shortly after the Loma Prieta earthquake. The Sea Lion Center features interactive displays, educational videos, fascinating presentations and one- on-one interactions with naturalists. Guests can touch real sea lion artifacts including pelts and skulls, and size themselves up next to a life-size sea lion skeleton. For information, visit www.aquariumofthebay.org or call 415-623-5300. Media contact: Mallory Johnson, 415-623-5340, mallory@bay.org.

CityPASS Offers Visitors Significant Savings

The San Francisco CityPASS program, which saves 46 percent on combined attraction admissions covers prepaid admission to the California Academy of Sciences, a Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise, a choice between the Aquarium of the Bay and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, as well as a choice between the new Exploratorium and the de Young Museum and Legion of Honor. And getting to all of these attractions — not to mention Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown and other notable sights — is easy with a Muni and Cable Car 7-Day Passport, also included in each CityPASS booklet. The passport lets visitors enjoy an unlimited number of rides on all Muni buses, streetcars and the city's famous cable cars. San Francisco CityPASS costs $86 for adults and $64 for kids, 5-11. Passes, which may be purchased online at www.CityPASS.com,  at the San Francisco Visitor Information Center at Hallidie Plaza and at any of the CityPASS attractions, are valid for nine consecutive days, beginning with the first day of use. Media contact: Deborah Wakefield, 503-292-4418, deborah@citypass.com.

 

Tam Hiking Tours

Tam Hiking Tours offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Bay Area without having to travel far from the city. Mt. Tamalpais, located just 15 minutes from San Francisco, has recently become more accessible to Bay Area visitors and locals alike. Mill Valley resident and lifetime hiker Debra Schwartz started Tam Hiking Tours, an outdoor recreational service, which hosts private and group hiking tours for people of all ages on Mt. Tamalpais and surrounding areas. These guided hiking tours provide education about Mt. Tamalpais, Mill Valley and San Francisco history, local Native American history, and Bay Area geology while hiking on trails through redwood forests and along open ridges with spectacular panoramic views of the entire Bay Area region, including Mt Tam, the Pacific Ocean, Sausalito, Tiburon, San Francisco and Mt. Diablo. Tours range from 1.5 - 4 hours and personalized tours for groups and individuals are available. Organic box lunches are available on request. For information, visit www.tamhikingtours.com or call 415-888-2474. Media contact: Debra Schwartz, debra@tamhikingtours.com

 

Nite Tours International Launches San Francisco Nightlife Tour

 

Nite Tours International, one of the world's leaders and providers of nightlife tourism products has launched “Sip Happens” Union Square Club Crawl. The first tour of its kind in the Bay Area, Nite Tours' “Sip Happens” San Francisco provides party-goers a unique experience of visiting “A list” nightlife venues in the San Francisco Union Square setting. The tour, includes VIP venue access with no line waits (5 minutes or less) and no cover charges to four of San Francisco's hottest nightlife venues “Sip Happen” is offered every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and starts at 8 p.m.; the cost is $19 per person. For information, visit www.nitetours.com or call 702-877-NITE (6483). Media contact: Renee Roberts, 702-337-5922, renee@paragonpublicrelations.com.

 

 

Scenic Running and Walking Tours

 

Explore San Francisco offers some 20 tours, walking and running, including a deep dive into the Mission District along Valencia Street and the 16th and 24th street corridors, a Little Saigon food tour and an expedition to the home of the famous parrots. The popular Art in Nature excursion includes a guided run through the dramatic terrain of the Presidio and Golden Gate Park, home of two major museums; and Lands End explores the beautiful coastal trails. Culinary walks, visits to San Francisco's urban wine country and the Ferry Building are recent additions and they will soon debut scooter and North Beach pub-crawl tours. Alcatraz tours are also included in some packages. For information, visit www.exploresf.biz or call 415-793-1104. Media contact: Michael Moran, 415-793-1104, michael@exploresanfrancisco.biz

 

Urban Hiker Tour

 

Urban Hiker San Francisco is a new tour company offering five routes that bring together some of the best the city has to offer. The hikes include "Urban Jungles and City Heights" (5 miles/3 hours), "Presidio Exploration" (5 miles/3 hours), and "Tales of the City" (4.5 miles/3 hours), which includes North Beach as well as Telegraph and Russian Hills. The more off-the-beaten-path hikes include "Walk on the Wild Side” (4.5 miles/2.5 hours), which explores Glen Park and “Stairways to Heaven” (3 miles/2.5 hours). Hikes are offered at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and are considered moderately strenuous because of hills and stairs. Tour prices are $35-$45 per person. Custom hike routes are also available. For information, visit www.urbanhikersf.com or call 415-669-HIKE (4453). Media contact: Alexandra Kenin, 415-669-HIKE (4453), alexandra@urbanhikersf.com.

 

Magic Bus SF Adds “Rock and Roll” Alcatraz Option

Magic Bus SF, the world's first time-traveling bus tour, offers a multi-media experience that revisits the Summer of Love, the Haight-Ashbury and Chinatown. As the bus travels to historic points of interest, real footage is projected on retractable screens to create a multi-media experience. A combination package of Magic Bus SF and Alcatraz tour tickets is now available, allowing visitors to experience the famous histories of the “Rock” and San Francisco's heart of rock n' roll, as told by original voices and videos from the period. Adult tickets for Rock and Roll and Magic SF combo ticket are $80 per person and tours must be taken on separate days. For information, visit www.magicbussf.com or call 855-WOW-MAGIC (855-969-6244). Media contact: Gabriel DeRita, 415-332-8867, magicbussales@gmail.com.

 

WINERIES & BREWERIES

 

Dogpatch WineWorks Features Collective Tasting Room

Dogpatch WineWorks, 2455 Third St., a 15,000-square-foot urban winery located in the historic Dogpatch neighborhood of San Francisco is open to the public every Thursday-Sunday. The tasting room provides a space to experience a collection of wines from a number of boutique wine brands in a variety of offerings. Dogpatch WineWorks is housed in a unique loft-like environment, originally constructed in 1940s, and joins a number of creative new artisan shops and dining establishments in the area.  Walk-ins are welcome; parties of six or more can experience a seated tasting of a featured flight led by a tasting room host, by appointment only. Dogpatch WineWorks also offers educational seminars, crush camp intensives, blending sessions and winery tours for individuals as well as corporate groups. For information, visit www.dogpatchwineworks.comor call 415-525-4440.  Media contact: 415-525-4440, info@dogpatchwineworks.com.

 

HOTELS

Scarlet Huntington Hotel debuts on Nob Hill

Singapore-based hospitality group Grace International has revealed The Scarlet Huntington, which opened in May 2014 following a $15 million renovation of San Francisco's beloved Huntington Hotel.  The new name, The Scarlet, portrays an avant-garde style that draws inspiration from a deep Peranakan heritage, derived from the blended cultures of 15th century Chinese immigrants in modern-day Malaysia and Singapore, woven together with San Francisco's history and diversity. The iconic red of the former Huntington Hotel's exterior – as displayed in the brick façade and illuminated sign high atop the hotel – will permeate the new aesthetic, representing the hotel's heritage while embracing opulent gold, sophisticated black and bright gemstone-inspired colors to convey sheer luxury and glamour.  In preserving the integrity of the hotel, the bones of the building have been retained, including the black wood hand-carved door at the entrance of the hotel, crystal chandelier, crown molding, adorning arches, and the original mailbox chute from 1924 that will continue to be used by guests of The Scarlet Huntington. For information, visit http://www.thescarlethotels.com/huntington-hotel-san-francisco/.  Media contacts: Jenn Wade, Alexandra McClure, Allison Frazier and Erin Eways at Glodow NeadCommunications, 415-394-6500 or jenn@glodownead.com.

 

New Hotel G blends innovation with timelessness

Following an extensive two-year renovation of a century-old building, Hotel G opened at the corner of Geary and Mason streets on May 2, 2014.  Originally built in 1908 as The Fielding Hotel, much of the emphasis of the hotel transformation was about staying true to the historic design of the building. Many of the original features were carefully restored, including wood and concrete flooring in the guestrooms and hallways, and the building's original façade.  Comprised of 153 guestrooms on 13 floors, the interior was designed by New York-based Hun Aw Studio.  Hotel G has partnered with San Francisco-based Creativity Explored, a non-profit arts center for adult artists with developmental disabilities, to curate, showcase and sell artwork. A diverse mix of abstract paintings, intricately detailed pen and ink drawings, colorful ceramics, folk textiles, digital prints, collages and mixed-media sculpture adorn guestrooms. All of the artwork is available for sale with proceeds going directly to the artist.   For information, visit http://hotelgsanfrancisco.com.  Media contact: Kelly Chamberlin, Chamberlin Public Relations, 415- 336-4332, kelly@chamberlinpr.com.

 

The Warwick San Francisco in Union Square Newly Renovated

 

Situated amid San Francisco's thriving theater and art scene, the newly renovated Warwick San Francisco embodies a luxurious home-away-from-home style where hospitality and well-being is the ultimate goal. Fusing the 101-year-old building's authentic history with modern hospitality, the hotel features 74 guest rooms, including 20 suites, each designed in the traditional Beaux-Arts method with contemporary touches. Original headboards and armoires have been preserved, but updated in modern shades keeping a timeless look and feel while offering fresh design elements. Historical photographs curated from the San Francisco Public Library archives adorn the walls. Beyond the exciting transformation of the hotel, The Warwick San Francisco introduces Aveline, the restaurant dining concept by acclaimed chef Casey Thompson, featuring New Californian cooking, complemented by a vast array of unique yet approachable wines, beers and cocktails. Across the hotel lobby is The Warwick's cocktail bar, The European Bar & Lounge, which features mostly European spirits, aperitifs, a selection of champagnes by the glass and bottle, and lower-proof cocktails with a regional twist. Guests can also order a selection of bar bites from a bar-exclusive menu by Casey Thompson. The Warwick San Francisco is located on 490 Geary St. at Taylor. For information, visit http://warwicksf.com.  Media contact: Trisha Clayton, 415-346-4565, t.clayton@comcast.net.

 

 

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SFO)

SFO and San Francisco SPCA Introduce the “Wag Brigade” to Bring Stress-Relief Therapy Dogs to SFO

In December 2013, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) launched the “Wag Brigade” program to bring trained dogs into the Airport terminals to make passenger travel more enjoyable.  The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA) brings specially trained dogs to walk the terminals with their handlers to take the stress out of air travel.  The dogs are identified by vests that read “Pet Me!” and are planned to be at SFO on a daily basis. All participating dogs are graduates of the SF SPCA's Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) training program and are required to visit SFO prior to formal acceptance into the Wag Brigade program.  Dogs are evaluated for temperament and comfort with large crowds, security requirements, and the Airport environment. Media Contact: Krista Maloney, San Francisco SPCA, 415-522-3507, kmaloney@sfspca.org

Mayor Lee Welcomes Turkish Airlines to SFO April 13, 2015

Turkish Airlines will begin non-stop service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Istanbul next spring.
Turkish Airlines officials said the airline plans to launch service at SFO on April 13, 2015, with flights operating five days per week to Istanbul using Boeing 777 aircraft.  The flag carrier of Turkey plans to increase service to daily flights on May 11, 2015. Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier of Turkey, is the fourth-largest carrier in the world by destinations served, with flights to more than 200 international locations.  For the fourth year in a row, Turkish Airlines was named as the “Best Airline in Europe” by SkyTrax,  an independent international agency that monitors the aviation industry and whose aviation benchmarking surveys are considered among the most reliable in the world. Flights between SFO and Istanbul will be operated using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft seating a total of 337 passengers, made up of 28 business class and 309 economy class seats. For information, visit http://www.flysfo.com/.Media Contact: Doug Yakel, 650-821-4000, doug.yakel@flysfo.com

Etihad Airways -- daily nonstop service from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco begins Nov. 18, 2014
San Francisco becomes Etihad's sixth U.S.  destination, complementing New York, Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles and Dallas (starting Dec. 3, 2014). Etihad will operate a three-class Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, leased from their partner Jet Airways, offering eight first class, 30 business class and 308 economy class seats.

“We welcome Etihad Airways to SFO, our international airport,” said San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee.  “This new nonstop flight not only provides a direct route between the San Francisco Bay Area and the United Arab Emirates, but better connects Etihad's global network throughout the region, including India and Africa.  The Etihad flight is a valuable bridge linking our two regions and our residents, and we are truly confident in its success.”

James Hogan, President and CEO of Etihad Airways, said in a statement that, given San Francisco's global prominence as a tourism and business center, he anticipates a strong demand for the flights “not only between San Francisco and Abu Dhabi, but onwards to destinations across our network and the networks of our codeshare partners.”For information, visit http://www.flysfo.com/.Media Contact: Doug Yakel, 650-821-4000, doug.yakel@flysfo.com

SFO Announces Upgrades to Free Airport Wi-Fi
The San Francisco International Airport (SFO) announced the completion of a comprehensive upgrade to the Airport's free Wi-Fi network.  In response to customer feedback, passengers can now connect ad-free with one click by accepting the terms and conditions. By selecting SFO's network named “#SFO FREE WIFI” and then launching a browser, passengers will experience:

• Add-free connectivity
• Faster speeds compared to the previous network system
• Longer connect sessions compared to the previous network system; up to two (2) hours
• Seamless movement between terminals with improved coverage and no requirement to reconnect

SFO has offered free Wi-Fi since 2010.  New wireless access points have been installed in all passenger terminals, as well as in the Rental Car Center.  Further upgrades will be made to provide additional increases in network capacity and add more wireless access points throughout the Airport. For information on environmental initiatives at SFO, please visit: http://www.flysfo.com/content/community-environment. Media contact: Doug Yakel, 650-821-4000, doug.yakel@flysfo.com 

 

SFO Museum

SFO Museum was established by the Airport Commission in 1980 for the purposes of humanizing the Airport environment, providing visibility for the unique cultural life of San Francisco and providing educational services for the traveling public.  The Museum was granted initial accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 1999, reaccredited in 2005, and has the distinction of being the only accredited museum in an airport.  Today, SFO Museum features approximately twenty galleries throughout the Airport terminals displaying a rotating schedule of art, history, science, and cultural exhibitions, as well as the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, a permanent collection dedicated to the history of commercial aviation. For information, visit www.flysfo.com/museum.

 

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official tourism marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, activities and more, visit www.sanfrancisco.travel or call 415-391-2000.  The Visitor Information Center is located at 900 Market St. in Hallidie Plaza, lower level, near the Powell Street cable car turnaround. American Express® is the official Card partner of the San Francisco Travel Association.

 

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 34 international cities on 29 international carriers. The Bay Area's largest airport connects non-stop with 78 cities in the U.S. on 15 domestic airlines. SFO is proud to offer upgraded free Wi-Fi with no advertising. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit www.flysfo.com. Follow us on www.twitter.com/flysfo and  www.facebook.com/flysfo.

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