Basketball captivates many, yet being a British fan often includes challenges, especially when it comes to witnessing the sport’s elite performances in the NBA. The NBA season is structured around complicated playoff formats, making it difficult to determine when and where the top stars will compete together. Every season culminates in a best-of-seven playoff series between Eastern and Western Conference champions, alternately played at each team’s venue.

For years, this complexity didn’t pose a problem for me, but as basketball rises in popularity among youth in the UK, my teenage sons have developed a fervent interest in the sport. Attending the NBA All-Star Weekend provides a perfect opportunity for us, as it’s a highly anticipated event that showcases the best players and can be planned well in advance. This year’s event took place in San Francisco. My last visit there was over 25 years ago, before the city’s tech boom drastically transformed its housing market. As my 15-year-old son Jake eagerly anticipated seeing stars like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Victor Wembanyama in action, I too was excited about experiencing the changes in San Francisco.

Arriving in the city, I noticed it had turned into a vibrant basketball hub. Outside our hotel, the Beacon Grand, Union Square was transformed into a basketball court, and All-Star Weekend staff were present at every corner. Long lines of fans donned hoodies and Air Jordans, waiting eagerly to access pop-up shops selling coveted merchandise. Nearby diners featured constant basketball broadcasts, and the hotel bar buzzed with excited discussions over whether Curry or LeBron deserves the title of the greatest of all time. The atmosphere thrilled Jake, who felt at home among fellow fans.

On Saturday, we attended an event called Lunch with a Legend at a large arena by the waterfront, featuring NBA legends Gary Payton and Mugsy Bogues sharing their experiences. It was amusing to hear them comment on how basketball is often seen as the lesser sport in the U.S., ranking behind football and baseball in cultural significance, yet in Britain, it is becoming a rapidly growing passion.

For the duration of the weekend, all public transportation was free, which meant our trip to the Chase Center, accommodating 18,000 fans, was packed with eager basketball enthusiasts. The diversity among attendees—young and old, male and female, from various backgrounds—stood in stark contrast to the predominantly male British football crowds. The vibe of the All-Star Weekend was more about celebration than competition, generating a delightful atmosphere filled with collective joy.

The challenge for the NBA, however, remains in how to encourage its players to fully engage with the festivities. The standout of the skills challenge that evening was 7’3” Wembanyama, who attempted to best the clock in a series of basketball drills. Unfortunately, his strategy of not aiming proved counterproductive, leading to his disqualification, which was not what fans came to witness.

The three-point shooting contest was much more intense and captivating, but the highlight of the night was undoubtedly the slam dunk competition. Mac McClung energized the crowd by executing astonishing dunks, including jumping over a car, another player, and finishing by leaping over someone on a ladder, prompting ecstatic reactions from the audience.

Sunday was spent at the NBA Crossover event, an exciting convention filled with merchandise, guest players, shooting competitions, and discussions, which caused a stir among fans who recognized popular basketball YouTubers. Later, we returned to the Chase Center for the grand finale featuring a competition between four teams of NBA stars, one led by the iconic Shaquille O’Neal. This year, the format had changed to a points race rather than traditional quarters, creating a more competitive edge. Though the game didn’t reach the same intensity as a typical NBA match, Curry’s impressive long-range shots stole the spotlight.

Throughout the event, we were entertained by various performances, including dance troupes and comedic commentary from Kevin Hart, further enhancing the festive atmosphere. The presence of celebrities like Spike Lee and Ivanka Trump only added to the star-studded nature of the weekend.

After the NBA events concluded, my reluctance to leave the Beacon Grand’s impressive surroundings contrasted sharply with my son’s joy when we checked into the nearby Four Seasons. With a high-quality basketball court just an elevator ride away, Jake happily spent the following hours playing with fellow basketball lovers.

Despite the troubling reports about San Francisco’s challenges, my experience contradicted these narratives. The city boasted futuristic advancements, with driverless taxis navigating clean streets lined with luxury storefronts. Although I did witness some troubling scenes, particularly in certain neighborhoods, the vibrant culture and community spirit remained intact.

Intrigued, I set out to explore the Mission District, a once-familiar hipster area from my past travels, but I was taken aback by the stark contrast from the upscale districts. There, I encountered harder realities of life amid the homeless population, which highlighted the disparities present in the city.

Even with its difficulties, San Francisco showcased resilience, with shops clearly marking where not to enter due to public safety concerns, yet still offering an enjoyable experience for those willing to navigate its complexities.

The Mission District still possesses a lively atmosphere, reminiscent of its earlier charm, while Haight-Ashbury retains its vintage allure. Exploring the Golden Gate Bridge and the picturesque Sausalito added to the charm of the trip. The city’s unique blend of cultures and its creative spirit continually rekindled my fondness for San Francisco.

At our last hotel, 1 San Francisco, there was little indication of the political controversies surrounding the country. Instead, it embraced eco-friendly luxury, with rooftop gardens and artisanal products sourced from local businesses. While national narratives may suggest otherwise, the heart of San Francisco still embraces progressiveness and community support.

Though the NBA aims to expand its global reach, with forthcoming events discussed in cities like Manchester, future All-Star Weekends promise to remain highly sought after. With Los Angeles set to host next year’s event, my sons are already expressing eagerness to attend.