The San Francisco Giants and Oracle Park will host the 2028 All-Star Game, MLB announced on Friday.
San Francisco has hosted the All-Star Game four times in franchise history. The last time the Midsummer Classic was played at the City by the Bay was in 2007 with the American League defeating the National League, 5-4, at what was then named AT&T Park.
That game’s most memorable moment was Ichiro Suzuki hitting the first inside-the-park home run in All-Star Game history, jetting around the bases after a deep drive to right-center field off San Diego Padres pitcher Chris Young. The ball ricocheted to the right, away from Ken Griffey Jr. expecting a bounce toward center field.
“With its passionate fanbase, world-class ballpark, and rich baseball history, San Francisco will be an outstanding host for All-Star Week, which culminates in one of Major League Baseball’s best traditions, the Midsummer Classic,” said MLB commissioner Rob Manfred in a statement.
“We look forward to bringing the excitement of All-Star Week and the celebration of baseball to the Bay Area.”
San Francisco previously hosted the MLB All-Star Game in 1961 and 1984 at Candlestick Park.
Oracle Park — with features inside and outside the stadium including McCovey Cove and Triples Alley, with the giant baseball glove and the Coca-Coca bottle in left field — provide a distinct setting and the potential for unusual plays for the MLB All-Star Game.
One question regarding the 2028 All-Star Game is whether or not MLB players will participate in the Los Angeles Summer Olympics. With a short flight from L.A. to San Francisco, that was likely a significant factor in Oracle Park being chosen for the event.
Additional logistics that need to be determined with the MLB Players Association include the possibility of a longer All-Star break with players splitting time between the Summer Olympics and the All-Star Game.
Next year’s MLB All-Star Game will be hosted by the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.