The Warfield

The Warfield is a historic theater at 982 Market Street, in the Tenderloin and Mid-Market area of San Francisco, California. Built in the 1920s, it is one of the city's largest concert venues and hosts national touring acts across a wide range of genres. The room features a large standing floor in front of the stage and a seated balcony, giving visitors a choice between close-up energy and a more relaxed view.

The crowd depends on the artist but is generally adult, with fans from their twenties to older ages, and dress is casual. Many shows are all ages or 16 and over, while some are 21 and over, so the specific event listing should be checked. The atmosphere is loud and energetic on the floor, with the ornate theater interior adding a sense of occasion. Sightlines are generally good from the balcony, which also offers table or bar access.

Programming covers rock, alternative, hip-hop, electronic, pop and country acts, along with occasional comedy and special events. Because it is a major touring stop, the venue often sells out for popular names. Bars serve beer, wine, spirits and mixed drinks at concert pricing, typically higher than at neighborhood bars, and drink lines can be long before the headliner.

The venue operates on show nights, with the calendar posted on its website. Tickets are required and typically range from about $40 to $150 depending on the act, with prices rising for in-demand shows. Doors usually open an hour or more before the show. Advance purchase is recommended, and reserved balcony seating may be available for some events. Reservations in the table sense are not used, and bottle service is not part of the concert format.

The Warfield is close to Civic Center, Union Square and Market Street transit lines, which makes it easy to reach by Muni or BART. The surrounding blocks can be rough late at night, so many visitors prefer rideshare or well-lit routes after the show.