Things to do / Travel Guide
Address:2600 Geneva Ave
Daly City, California
Our Sports Superfan Says:
It may have lost its major professional sports teams, but the Cow Palace's current main client is a little more appropriate, considering its name. Just outside San Francisco, the Cow Palace hosts the Grand National Rodeo, Horse & Stock Show each April, one of the largest rodeo events in the United States.
At the Grand National, fans can, of course, check out the bucking broncos at the rodeo, but they can also catch horse shows, livestock competitions, and a full-blown county fair, with a carnival for children (just indoors). There is a beauty pageant and country and western music performances on show as well. The Grand National's Web site features available accommodations, with special rates for the nearly two weeks' worth of events.
In the past, the Cow Palace was a major sports venue in the California Bay Area, before being replaced by newer buildings in Oakland and San Jose. Opening in 1941, the Cow Palace was the home of the NBA's San Francisco Warriors (now Golden State) when they moved from Philadelphia. The Warriors played their home games there in the 1960s and '70s, before moving across the bay to Oakland. It was also the home of the NHL's San Jose Sharks for that franchise's first three seasons, until their building in San Jose was ready. The 1960 NCAA Final Four, featuring local University of California, was also held here, as was the 1967 NBA All-Star Game. It also hosted the 1956 and 1964 Republican National Conventions.
Now, in addition to the Grand National, there are assorted concerts and pro wrestling events at the Cow Palace, as well as other events, including an exhibition match by the Harlem Globetrotters basketball team.
The Bay Area Rapid Transit offers service via the Dublin/Pleasanton train to Daly City – the physical home of the Cow Palace. It is located at the Balboa Park Station.