SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco will host the 2007 All-Star
Game, an official with Major League Baseball told The Associated
Press on Wednesday.
The source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the
decision had been made but there are still some negotiations
regarding hotel rooms to be worked out before it is final. An
official announcement is expected by commissioner Bud Selig after
the World Series.
It will be the city's first time staging baseball's midsummer
classic since 1984, and a great chance to showcase its beautiful
waterfront stadium, SBC Park, which opened in 2000. The San
Francisco Giants have topped 3 million in attendance all five
seasons the stadium has been open -- thanks in large part to the
popularity of slugger Barry Bonds.
The Giants had no official announcement Wednesday, though did
acknowledge they knew they had long been considered a favorite to
host the game. Also, Peter Ragone, spokesman for Mayor Gavin
Newsom, declined to comment on the All-Star Game until it became
official.
The last time the city had the All-Star Game was July 10, 1984,
at Candlestick Park, where the National League won 3-1.
This will be the first time the game won't alternate between the
American and National leagues. Detroit hosts next summer's game,
then Pittsburgh has the 2006 event -- meaning the NL will host two
straight games.