The San Francisco Giants have just made an important acquisition.
But, no, it’s not a power-hitting second baseman so the team can better compete with the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers in 2026.
It’s actually the Curran Theatre.
The Giants announced Thursday they have acquired the famed theater — which is one of the marquee spots for performing arts in all of the Bay Area — from the Curran’s previous owner Carole Shorenstein Hays “in a private transaction.”
The acquisition will not affect the future of the theater, which is located on 445 Geary St., in the heart of the city’s theater district, officials said.
“The acquisition marks a significant moment in the city’s cultural life, uniting a storied performing arts venue with a civic institution deeply committed to San Francisco’s long-term vitality through sports and entertainment,” according to a news release. “The Shorenstein family’s relationship with the San Francisco Giants reflects shared values of stewardship and long-term investment in San Francisco.”
The Curran will continue to be operated by BroadwaySF, San Francisco’s biggest theater presenter, which also presents shows at the Orpheum and Golden Gate theaters, both located on Market Street. All current programming will continue as scheduled.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The move further paves the way for the Giants — who have long welcomed major concerts into its picturesque ballpark — to be involved with more kinds of entertainment offerings.
“Acquiring the Curran expands our commitment to San Francisco and reinforces our core belief that sports, arts and culture are essential to San Francisco’s identity, economy and resurgence,” says Larry Baer, president and CEO of the Giants. “We intend to honor the Curran’s storied past steeped in Broadway shows and musicals and continue to build and expand the offerings of live performances reflective of our city’s culture, inclusive of music, comedy and family entertainment.”
Carole Shorenstein Hays says the deal helps secure a good future for the theater.
“The Curran is where I first fell in love with the theater as a young girl, and its curation has been the center of my professional life since I acquired it in 2010,” she says. “It was essential to me that its next stewards would ensure it remains a vibrant home for artists and audiences alike. I am so pleased that the Giants have stepped up to the plate.”
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie also applauded the Giants’ move.
“This is a landmark moment for San Francisco, representing an unprecedented commitment by the Giants to the cultural life of our city,” he says. “It sends a powerful signal of confidence in downtown and Union Square and the essential role the arts and entertainment play in driving our city forward.”
Since opening in 1922, the Curran has hosted several landmark productions. Among the most notable bookings include August Wilson’s “Fences” (which played the Curran prior to winning the Tony Award for best play as well as the Pulitzer Prize); the world premiere engagement of “Wicked.”; and the incredible run of “The Phantom of the Opera” that lasted from 1993 to 1999.