War Memorial Gym - San Francisco Dons

Photos by Jeremy Pushkin, Stadium Journey

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00

War Memorial Gymnasium 2335 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA 94118

San Francisco Dons website War Memorial Gymnasium website

Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 5,300

---

Welcome to the Hilltop

War Memorial at the Sobrato Center has been home to Dons basketball since 1958, built as a tribute to USF alumni killed in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The Dons are three-time national champions, winning back-to-back titles in 1955 and 1956 behind the legendary Bill Russell and a third in 1977. Despite that rich history, USF has made just one NCAA Tournament appearance since 2000, so it is the intimate on-campus game day experience rather than postseason hype that draws fans to the Hilltop. A $15 million renovation added a club level, remodeled restrooms, and a video board in each corner, giving this gym a modern edge without losing its old-school charm.

Food & Beverage 2

War Memorial offers limited concessions with basic stadium fare: hot dogs on sourdough buns ($7), bratwurst ($8), nachos ($7), popcorn, pretzels, and frozen treats. Both cash and card are accepted, though $50 and $100 bills are not. The venue is a Coke facility with beer and wine available at $12. The standout is the Hilltop Pilsner, a collaboration with local brewery Magnolia brewed specifically for the Dons, a nice local touch that elevates an otherwise ordinary selection. No outside food is permitted, though sealed water bottles are allowed in. Grab the Hilltop Pilsner and a hot dog on sourdough for a San Francisco twist on the stadium classic.

Atmosphere 4

The "Welcome to the Hilltop" branding sets the tone as soon as you walk in. The lower level, with its sections named after Dons legends, features individual seats, with the center two sections on each side offering padded chairbacks — the most comfortable option in the building. The remaining lower level seats are unpadded, while the upper level is entirely general admission bleachers. For premium options, the Sobrato Club level ($100–$300) includes complimentary food and drinks. The lower level padded center sections are the best seats in the house, but a packed War Memorial with a rowdy crowd is electric from anywhere.

Four high-quality corner screens show a live game feed with player stats, complemented by a dot-matrix scoreboard on one side of the gym. Championship banners celebrating men's and women's basketball and volleyball hang from the rafters. WiFi is available throughout.

Game day entertainment leans on a live band in the student section supplemented by some piped-in music, giving War Memorial a more organic college basketball feel than many major D-1 arenas. The Dons run several promotional games throughout the season, notably including the Bill Russell Impact Game, a tribute to the USF and NBA legend. 

Neighborhood 4

The campus sits in a largely residential neighborhood, but the surrounding area is rich with independent businesses and some of San Francisco's most iconic attractions. For a quick pre-game bite, Arguello Market offers solid grab-and-go sandwiches just a short walk from campus. If a sports bar is more your speed, Kezar Pub is a popular local option across from the San Francisco 49ers original stadium. The broader area includes excellent dining along Clement Street or Divisadero Street

The historic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood is just a half mile from campus, and nearby Golden Gate Park borders the area with the de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, and Japanese Tea Garden all within reach. Chase Center (Golden State Warriors) and Oracle Park (San Francisco Giants) are about five miles away for fans looking to catch additional sports, and the Dons themselves play select games at Chase Center. Hotels in the immediate area are limited though the Hotel Kabuki in Japantown, about a mile away, is a good option.

Fans 3

War Memorial draws a mix of alumni and local basketball fans rather than a heavily student-driven crowd. The student section was roughly half full, though the rest of the arena had respectable attendance. Consistent sellouts are rare outside of rivalry games, but WCC matchups against Saint Mary's and Santa Clara bring the best energy and the biggest crowds.

What the crowd lacks in size, it makes up for in spirit. Even with a half-empty gym, fans were starting chants, making noise, and staying engaged throughout, even in the midst of a blowout. The student band adds to the energy. In a packed War Memorial for a rivalry game, the atmosphere can be genuinely intimidating, as evidenced by the 2024-25 season in which the Dons went undefeated at the Hilltop for the first time in over 40 years.

Access 3

Several Muni bus lines serve the campus, with the 5-Fulton and 31-Balboa providing the most direct access. Uber, Lyft and Waymo are widely available. Street parking is competitive in this more residential neighborhood. 

The main entrance is located across from the campus bookstore. Gates open one hour before tip-off and entry is quick, with a bag check but light security. Paper tickets are still available at the box office for those buying last minute tickets, a nice option in an increasingly mobile-only landscape.

The entire concourse overlooks the court, so you never miss a play while stretching your legs. However, all concessions and restrooms are on the lower level, and the main food stand does not have a view of the court, so plan your concession runs accordingly. Restrooms are serviceable with no major lines or issues.

Return on Investment 2

Tickets purchased directly from USF start at $25–$35 for upper level general admission, with lower level seats around $50. Senior and youth tickets are a few dollars cheaper. USF also offers a Family Pack of five tickets at $10 off per ticket, which is the best deal available. Secondary market tickets are scarce and often more expensive than the box office, so buying direct is the way to go. The Sobrato Club ($100–$300 depending on matchup, including all-inclusive food and drinks) can represent solid value for fans who plan to eat and drink at the game.

For a mid-major program, prices feel a bit steep, though it is significantly more affordable than the Warriors, the other basketball option within city limits.

Extras 3

The Hall of Fame area is the crown jewel. On display is a signed Chuck Taylor shoe from Bill Russell, jerseys of Russell and Bill Cartwright, and the program's national championship trophies. For college basketball history fans, it is a must-see stop. The Hall of Fame also includes artifacts from the now-defunct Dons football teams, which counts NFL Hall of Famers Pete Rozelle, Ollie Matson and Gino Marchetti among its notable alumni.

Former Dons great Bill Cartwright is often in attendance, so keep your eyes open for a living legend. Championship banners celebrating the program's three national titles hang alongside those from women's basketball and volleyball, giving the building a real sense of tradition.

Final Thoughts

War Memorial at the Sobrato Center is a hidden gem for college basketball fans. The intimate setting, rich history, and passionate core fanbase create an experience that feels authentic in a way that bigger arenas struggle to replicate. Come for a rivalry night against Saint Mary's or Santa Clara, and this 5,300-seat gym on the Hilltop will remind you why college basketball in a small venue can be something special.