Red Wings in San Jose

[SanFranWingsFan 0]

Does anyone know where they're staying and which arena they're using for practice? I'm also looking for a sports bar in San Francisco where Detroit fans are going to watch the games. Every place has too many Sharks fans or baseball is on. Thanks

[FabHckyBbe 2]

Does anyone know where they're staying and which arena they're using for practice? I'm also looking for a sports bar in San Francisco where Detroit fans are going to watch the games. Every place has too many Sharks fans or baseball is on. Thanks

My ASSUMPTION (and remember, this is only an assumption) is that the Wings will be staying at the Hotel Valencia in Santana Row -- a VERY upscale hotel in a VERY upscale shopping center/entertainment/dining/planned living combo. This is the kind of outdoor shopping mall that has stores like Gucci and Feragamo instead of Walmart and Target, plus there is the hotel, condos, apartments, shopping, a movie theatre and fine dining establishments.

Most out-of-town team have been staying there since the place opened in 2003 or 2004 as they have everything an out-of-town team could need (nice restaurants, upscale shopping, movie theatres) all within walking distance.

http://www.hotelvalencia-santanarow.com/

http://www.santanarow.com/

If you ever come to visit Santana Row, Straits makes epic martinis.

As for a Red Wings-friendly sports bar in SF -- I have no ideas.

Edited to add: I'm assuming (again) that the Wings will either use the Sharks practice facility, Sharks Ice at San Jose, or they will have morning skates at the Tank like the Sharks do. I would be completely shocked if either session were opened to the public. Ususally Sharks training camp and non-gameday practices at the Ice Center are open to the public but game day skates at the Tank are always private. However, during the playoffs, all practices are ususally private.

http://www.sharksiceatsanjose.com/

And remember, when you make an assumption, you make an ass out of umption.

Edited April 28, 2011 by FabHckyBbe

[SanFranWingsFan 0]

Great place to start! (Probably with one of those martinis, at least!)

I heard that Kezar Pub in SF might be another viewing spot.

Go Wings!

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Ken Kal did a fluff piece on "sharks fans" from santana row. It would make sense he's near the team and was too lazy to scout a better polling location.

[Uncle Danny 155]

Red Wings bars in SF:

Kezar Pub (Stanyan near Haight): This is probably the premier Wings bar in town -- the owner/bartender is from Detroit. Lots and lots of tvs and the best wings in town (no pun intended -- they're tasty!). The only downside is that it can get a bit crowded, especially for weekend games. I would imagine that this place is insane for this matchup. If you can get a seat, this is the place to be... just be sure to get there a little early.

Kilowatt (16th St. between Valencia and Guerrero): Less of a Wings bar than in years past, as the two bartenders from Detroit have moved on...but you can always get a TV with the game on it, and the local crusties at the bar itself are typically Wings and Toronto fans. This place is decidedly NOT a sports bar, though... more of a punk rock dive that happens to be filled with Red Wings fans. You won't be able to get any sound here, as they'll be playing music.

Shotwells (20th St. and Shotwell): Not a hockey bar, but they do have the NHL package and will show Red Wings games on request (assuming there isn't a Giants game on). Best beer selection in the city, and the staff and locals are amazingly friendly. If you land here, tell them Dan sent you...hell, I might even be there

I should add that Kezar runs shuttles from SF to San Jose for games. Something like $60 for the ride, a keg on the bus and some nosebleed seats. Very rowdy bunch of fans. I've never done the shuttle myself, but when I make it to the Shark Tank, I always go up and say hello to the Wings faithful. Friends who've done the whole package say it's one hell of a good time.