Sports Basement - Potrero
Categories: Outdoor Gear, Bikes [Edit]
Neighborhood: Mission1590 Bryant St
(between 15th St & Alameda St)
San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 575-3000
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. - Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
43 reviews
Neighborhood: Fisherman's Wharf
"I had a seriously good time riding my bike from Fisherman's Wharf, over the GG bridge to Sausalito and then onward to Mill Valley - 6 miles…" read more »
186 Reviews for Sports Basement - Potrero
What a cool place! I had no idea that this place was in my neighborhood!
Great prices, great stafff, a nice guy helped me pick out a new running shoe.
Not only did they have really cool items for every sport under the sun, they have a great variety of regular clothes and cool messenger bags.
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I'd give this place another five stars if I could.
One of my favorite businesses of all time, let alone The City.
The layout is organized and fun.
The service is always genuinely helpful.
The prices are great.
My only qualm....
Which happens every time I walk out of either this or the Mason location....
Even though I always find what I need... or don't need but want anyway....
"Should I check out the other location???"
Sheesh.
First time I went here I was thrilled and my friend and I spent about three hours here, stocking up on pretty much everything we needed (only thing I missed was climbing clothes). They have great prices and the staff has always treated me well, they're attentive, nice, and friendly. At least in the bike department, because that tends to be where I go.
Yesterday I tried out their bike mechanic service for the first time. I came from Mike's Bike's where they wanted to charge me $70 for taking off a pair of brake levers and it took 15 minutes before anyone would even talk to me there even though they weren't busy.
So, when I went over to SB to ask the same thing I figured it would take a long time when I saw nearly ten customers by the service corner, but no... it took about two seconds before I got help, they told me it would cost $25 for the labor and $3 for new cables. I was thrilled, picked up my bike a few hours later, paid $28 - 10% discount, and they'd done a great job. Brakes well adjusted, etc. Yay!
Both Sports Basements in SF are top notch.
Great items, prices, and customer service!
This is a really awesome community service. Yoga is taught here every Sunday for free and the instructors are competent and aware of the fact that people of all skill levels are in this class. It is open to anyone, welcoming, and very uplifting. I think that if I were to recommend anywhere in the Bay area to start Yoga and get into it with a group who cares about health, this is it. Plus, they also offer 15 percent discounts to everyone in the class! This is really a sweet program!
Be very thankful to Tony for organizing it and for teaching class the last Sunday of every month. oooooOOOOOOOMMMmmmmmm!
I'm not really the yoga type and ommmmmms make me nervous but when I found out that Sports Basement had yoga for free on Sundays I thought I'd take a break from drinking mimosas and give it a try. I feel like all the bad behavior I exercised over the weekend is erased by my Sunday morning yoga and I can start of my week with a clean slate. No one seems to care that my sweat is really pellets of alcohol from the night before or that I arrived in my pajamas. And in case you didn't think that free yoga could get any better, Sports Basement also provides mats for you to use, this means all you really have to do is role out of bed by 1pm.
Huge!! Great prices. Extensive selection. Super friendly and helpful staff. You can tell these people know what they are talking about and really enjoy working here.
Anything you could ever need or want relating to sports is all here, under one roof.
This place offers a discount for almost anything. For example, I got a discount on my purchase because the guy at the register saw my gym membership card in my wallet. Sweet!! Just be sure to ask at the checkout.
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I've been to this branch a few times now, and have always walked away with good-quality clothes that fit so well at very reasonable prices (I clip those 15% and 20% coupons in the paper every chance I get too and coordinate my shopping trips here with them! - hint, hint, print more coupons, SB!).
I really enjoy the experience of this store as it is so "green" - they use recycled boxes tied with bungee cords as shopping baskets, use recycled materials in their dressing rooms which I find so charming, and re-use shopping bags to put your purchases in if you don't have your own bag. I also like this branch because it's easily accessible to me by bus (I wish they would spruce up and clean up the bus stop across the street - Line 27 going towards downtown though).
I've been meaning to try one of their free yoga classes one of these Sundays at 1PM - I will try it soon and will provide an update. Stay tuned!
Great place to get shoes for spin class. They even have a huge selection in mens sizes. They also put the clips in for you.
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Update: Wow, what an improvement over the last time I was here; they had a great selection of hiking/camping gear and in my size. Nice.
Show your 24 Fitness card and save a stellar 10% ....Righteous.
Customer service: helpful and friendly.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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04/29/2008
Huge store.
Customer Service: ok.
parking : barely ok. I should take away one star for barely… Read more »
Great place for all your athletic and health needs! Free Yoga on Sundays too! you can't beat that. Also the staff are very helpful and friendly. For more info on the free yoga classes, ask for Tony Eason!
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Since my previous review was for the old location on 16th Street I think an update is in order.
I still love the Sports Basement, and this is my go-to place for outdoor wear, running apparel and endurance supplements (such as Sports Beans, Hammer Gel and Endurolytes). Their low prices are absolutely amazing! I always visit the section for men's running shoes hoping that they'll have one of my favorite Saucony models in stock, and when they have it and my size is available I'll buy at least two pairs knowing that in a few short weeks this model will be sold out and replaced by another.
Put on some comfortable walking shoes when you shop here because there are four levels to shop in and explore, and you'll get a little exercise from the different levels of stairs. If I remember correctly bicycling and triathlon gear (including wetsuits) are on the lower level. Commuter bags, outdoor apparel, women's apparel and sports drinks and supplements are on the main level. Winter sports equipment, camping gear, ball sports equipment and backpacks / hydration units are on the second level. Men's apparel, shoes and socks for both men and women are on the top level. I know. Too much information!
The staff remains the most knowledgeable around so don't be afraid to ask questions.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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01/27/2007
Sports Basement has long been my favorite place to shop for running gear, gels and other… Read more »
Nice new location for this sporting goods chain. The prices are good, and they give a 10% discount for bicycle coalition members (as well as some of the gyms in the city). They carry items for swimwear, hiking, and plain working out.
However, even though this is a very large store, the selection is not quite as good as Lombardi sports. Sometimes the things that are on sale or discounted are not exactly what you were looking for, but you buy it anyway.
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Yesterday was my first time at this SB location and I was blown away! I'm a regular at the Presidio location, but this Potrero location is awesome. Four floors of outdoors-y goodness! The first floor has TONS of triathlon equipment from bikes to swimsuits. The 2nd floor is an entire floor devoted to apparel--my kind of place. Great North Face, Colombia, Volcom stuff ranging from hiking gear to sundresses. The 3rd floor has tents and other camping gear and the top floor is running stuff--a runner's heaven. I could probably spend my entire day (and paycheck) here and be completely outfitted for any outdoor adventure I could ever imagine!
Big plus for the underground parking garage. Another big plus for super knowledgeable staff.
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I can't really say it's in a great area. It's hidden cavern. Big banner out in the front so you can't really miss it.
Huge selection. Knowledgeable staff to assist. One staff member came up to me and asked if I needed help and then given me so much good info about cycling shoes. Too cool ! Not a crowded place. Free in-closed garage parking in the back. The store itself is not as big as the one in the Presidio but they have a good selection.They have cycling bib's and spinning shoes..awesome!!!
Very good selection of everything under the sun!
Go check it out for yourself.
I can't say enough good things about this place. Check out the free yoga every Sunday at 1:00 pm. Good for beginners and also for those of us who just need a good stretch.
The sports basement is basically rad. They make me feel like a class-A athlete/outdoors-woman every time I set foot inside the place, which says a lot, because if you knew me, you'd know that I am very far, indeed, from that description...
However I did participate in the AIDS LifeCycle of spring 2006 (woot!) That was around the time that I first got familiar with this handy store out of necessity. I almost bought a road bike from them, in fact, but ended up with a bunch of biking gear instead, which was half the challenge of preparing for the event for me!
Now on to my next big feat, I'm planning some no-frills travel in coming months and need to get a decent frame pack...S.B. was my first stop. Multiple sales associates approached me right off the bat and offered all kinds of helpful feedback without making me feel like a dumbass! This one guy, I think his name was Peter, was especially amazing! This is not just any old retail job, these people are passionate about what they do and it is apparent that they truly want to help you find what suits you best, even if it means not buying something from them! The helpfulness mixed with the LOW prices mixed with the easy-going, NO-PRESSURE attitude...what more could you ask for?
Customer service-wise, this is the Nordstrom of sporting goods stores (now there's an analogy I can relate to, again speaking to the whole non-sportiness factor!) San Franciscans are blessed to have such convenient access to this place!
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It's huge in here and they have a plethora of outdoor gear, shoes, clothes, etc. The environment is kinda like a Trader Joe's meets REI.
The staff actually know what they're talking about and they're super friendly.
I love how they have a place to recycle your old shoes. And donate your old couch here and they'll pay you for it.
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This place is great, from the minute you walk in the door you are welcomed into the sporting world. No matter what your need are for adventure they offer great equipment on THREE FULL FLOORS. Now that is being said by a female, which you ladies know finding a backcountry pack is difficult! They have great clothes and sale/bargain bins all over the store. They have a rack full of "samples" for cheep money! The staff is super chill, smart and directs you to the proper person to ask your details questions. If they don't have it they can get it, or tell you where you can get it in SF!!
Oh yes, and do check out the "store directory", it's right when you walk in the front door and it's a card board design of the whole entire store! Great idea...kudos to whom ever made that :)
Def worth taking a look if your in the market for ANY sporting goods.
A really huge store with good prices. Free yoga on Sundays for those who do yoga (not me). Good hiking gear and general sports wear.
This is an awesome place to go to for a lot of outdoorsy things. If you want to feel really athletic and like you're one with nature, I would go here..cause I'm not like that and this is really how I felt when walking into Sports Basement. They have a lot of different selections from hiking to yoga to swim gear. I went in to pick up a swimsuit and ended up browsing through all of the four floors of outdoor clothes and gear they have. They have basically everything you need to help you get off your butt and go outside and break a sweat. The employees there are all very nice and helpful, and I never felt like I was being pushed to buy anything. They also have discounts for you if you're a 24 hour fitness member, just have your card with you.
There's nothing you really need that you can't get at Sports Basement. Including free yoga classes on Sundays at 1p. It's a great service to the community to offer these classes -- you can drop in on any Sunday and try a new style of yoga or a new instructor without dropping $10 or $15. And when you take a yoga class SB will give you 15% off your purchases the rest of the day. That's right, free yoga plus a discount on lots of good stuff. I love this place. I'd move in if I could.
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Tobey in the Bike Department, who races bikes, is responsive to your particular needs, very knowledgeable about the field of bikes, in a word, AWESOME. Returned new road shoes and inserts that might
have contributed to knee problems, no questions asked. Then took things a step further to help me out: did a bike fit to adjust the bike to reduce knee pressure; and recommended other items, like knee warmers, and a recovery drink for my specific problems. Also he showed me that the bike department stocks many items made by local manufacturers. GREAT!!
Free Yoga on Sundays, 15% DISCOUNT given after attending class, and a superlative yoga Teacher Tony Eason.... what more can I asks for. Keep up the good community/corporate citizenship.
How did we survive without Sports Basement? The moderate pricing, huge selection of everything sports and outdoors keeps me coming back. Oh, the parking garage is so great, although not so easy to find.
There are floors and floors of sporting and active living stuff. REI pricing was always so prohibitive now that i've taken up a sport, I can't do with out SB.
Minus one star 'cause the stocking is not consistent, many products are not restocked and some products take a while for restocking.
With as much money i have spent at Sports Basement, i should be a minority owner. Amazing place, mecca for me.
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Can't go wrong with either branch in sf. check my review for Mason St. location for a more detailed review.
I was able to find badminton rackets at better price than big 5, lots of sports clothing, snacks, plus free yoga every sunday from 1 - 2:30pm. Yea!
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Arriving in the Mission an hour and half early I had plenty of time to kill so a stop at the highly rated Sports Basement and a not so pressing need for a new pair of running shoes was my calling.
Maybe I'm being too critical, but I thought the knowledge of the staff was a little sub par. In terms of selection, no problem and if you sort of know what your step is like you can dummy your way to a decent shoe at an ok price. But for someone who needs to have one watch me run and give me some advice, they didn't quite catch the boat.
For browsing and killing time, great store as they have plenty to keep one entertained. As I write this, I'm thinking a second visit might be in the cards.
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I'm digging this place. The have awesome selections in all sporting areas. Prices are decent. Service floor members are friendly.
There is a parking lot around the corner. I didn't notice this when first visitng Sport Basement.
This place is amazing! Exceptional customer service! Even if they don't have it they will give the best advice where to get it!
I love them!
First thing that strikes you here is the size of this place--like a loft that decided to become a sports equipment store. They have outdoor clothes, camping/Hiking/biking/skiing equipment, backpacks and even food supplements like for marathons or hard cycling.
If you want North Face & Columbia clothing; they've got plenty; Ex Officio and other brands like Burton as well.
The only thing they don't seem to carry are things related to water sports (paddles, kayaks, etc). [Swimwear yes, however]
Friendly staff. Totally non-fussy inviting decor. I really liked the feel of this place--lots of places to poke around and find bargains here and there.
The lack of one star was our disappointment when we had arranged a team shopping day and there were simply not enough selection of the outdoor jackets we had wanted. But they are adjusting and have made future arrangements to make it right. When they do, I'll report back.
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I've gone to The Sports Basement a total of three times and loved each visit. I'm greeted every time I walk in the store and each time I walk into a new department. I love that kind of stuff.
On my third visit (yesterday) I had the same great experience. I'm in the market for a heart rate monitor that dose a lot of stuff while I'm working out. I'm trying to pull out my inner athlete and I think the Polar F11 will help.
But since I'm on a budget $160 for the F11 would eat more than half of the budget I went and got the other things I needed to draw out my inner athlete. Instead of buying shorts and sock I should of gotten a jacket it damn it cold this morning. I'm kind of surprise they don't carry Nike gear but oh well there is plenty of new balance and Adidas stuff to go around not to mention North face and I like their stuff too.
Yeah so when I need real stuff I'm going to keep going to Sports Basement
This place has more stuff you'd want to buy. Staff is just everywhere in this place so if you ever need help, they're EVERYWHERE. You can get help on everything and anything. People here come to YOU and ask you if YOU need assistance. Not just once and not just from one person. Best place to go when you need sports stuff. They have just about almost everything you need with better quality and higher end stuff for cheap.
The location isn't great for me (I live in the loin) but it's worth the 2 bus transfers to make it here. They have a fantastic selection of sporting goods within 5 levels. This is a huge brick warehouse that is well laid out and doesn't have an "old" feeling to it at all.
The basement has a fairly large bike selection. then they have sport clothes, kids' clothes, various extreme sports and even protein / energy bars.
Plenty of cash registers and there are tons of specials going on and sales. I'll be going back when I'm ready to buy a bike because they were so darn helpful!
Sports Basement is a great store. Period. But I was really excited when I learned about the free yoga class on Sunday. In this go-go-go world people of all walks of life could benefit from yoga and I think its great that Sports Basement is helping to make it accessible to all people.
Free yoga on Sunday afternoon in the huge annex is awesome. Thank you Sports Basement!
As soon as I walked into Sports Basement I was struck by an overwhelming feeling of wonderment and awe, and an sudden urge to pee. That happens when i get overly excited about things.
Luckily, a very nice and helpful employee explained the layout of the store while laying newspapers down around me and in various corners of the room.
I sniffed around looking for the perfect Pilates ball. I was thinking that I could make my abdomen really flat and toned and also chase the big shiny ball around the house and jump on it and stuff!
I smelled a few butts and everyone was very receptive. I found my Pilates ball, and my ass was shaking a mile a minute because I couldn't wait to take it home and drool on it.
I will be back because I saw really good deals on things that would help my balance and give me sexy biceps. And there is a variety of affordable exercise mats, perfect to stretch or to poop on.
The guy at the checkout counter was so nice. I wanted to lick him all over his face.
Did I mention this store is dog friendly?
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Before coming here, I skimmed some other reviews. I'm not sure why people stated that if you are looking for team sports equipment, don't come here. I actually had to call ahead to make sure they carried baseball equipment, which they do.
I picked up a pre-treated baseball glove for the softball game that I had later in the day. Prices were great. They also carry baseballs and a variety of bats and other equipment.
Eugy picked up a pretty cool volleyball kit for $18 to use at the bbq on sunday (which we never ended up using... haha...)
This store is also dog friendly. There was a lady walking around with the EXACT dachshund that I want. She better be glad this isn't 7 years ago. Otherwise, I would have taken Eugy up on his offer to distract her while I snatched the dog. teeheeheehee...
Back to the store. They carry a wide variety covering pretty much every sport and activity that you can imagine. I think the store is like 4 levels. Staff is very friendly and helpful as well.
Only downfall... PARKING. We couldn't find the parking lot that the store had signs up for. Luckily we found a open spot down the street.
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I was there to buy some womens running clothes. The people there were funny and very helpful. They were not too pushy. They didnt stalk me and my friend.
Prices were ok... nothing to write home about. But it was organized, neat and clean.
I was also happy to get a 10% discount... show your AAA or 24 hour card or tell them you are a snowpal member and get 10% off :) Cool!
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