Gwen Stefani joins Sting with “Message in a Bottle” at AT&T Park at Oracle OpenWorld Appreciation Event.  Photo by Marcus Siu.

Article and photos by Marcus Siu

SAN FRANCISCO, September 21, 2016 – Even though Treasure Island has been the main venue of choice for the OracleWorld Appreciation concert events for its spectacular views along the Bay along with its carnival and party atmosphere, it was nice to have a change of venue with another monumental landmark venue that the city of San Francisco had to offer.

This time around, in arguably the best baseball modern-day stadium in the country, it seemed appropriate that Oracle would choose AT&T park this year; the home of the World Series winning San Francisco Giants, as well as the stadium that is well known for “splash” hits.

Between the two performing headliners, Gwen Stefani and Sting; the evening was splashed with hits galore.

Their songs are big “hits” and heard all around the world.

It was unfortunate that Billy Joel, who was originally announced to play this years event, had to cancel due to health issues.   As an avid New York Mets fan who has played Shea Stadium several times, it would have been perfect vehicle for Joel.  Especially since the Mets were the expansion team that replaced the New York Giants in 1958, who relocated to San Francisco, becoming the San Francisco Giants.

Of course, the rest is history for the San Francisco Giants.

In a gorgeous San Francisco evening with perfect temperatures, lucky Oracle OpenWorld Appreciation party recipients were treated in a beautiful ball park setting, treated with traditional ball park food, such as various gourmet sausages, hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders, french or garlic fries, nachos, peanuts, along with as much beer and wine you can possibly drink.

It was quite a sight to see the stadium filled with people in the stands, as well the “more appreciative musical standing room only crowd” in front of the stage, which was planted right below the AT&T park logo in centerfield.  All levels were open, so it was nice to walk around to get a different perspective of the venue while the music was going on.

Gwen Stefani opens up the Oracle OpenWorld Appreciation event at AT&T Park.  Photo by Marcus Siu.

Sting onstage at AT&T Park at Oracle OpenWorld Appreciaton Event.  Photo by Marcus Siu.

Gwen Stefani opened up with “Red Flag”, from her new number one selling album, “This is What the Truth Feels Like which was released this year and is her first new solo album in ten years.

The remaining setlist included “Wind it Up”, “Baby Don’t Lie”, “Make Me Like You”, “Underneath it All”, “Misery”, “Rich Girl”, “Hella Good”, “What You Waiting For?”, “It’s My Life”, “Don’t Speak”, “Used to Love You”, “Hollaback Girl”, “Just a Girl”, and “The Sweet Escape”.

CEO of Oracle, Mark Hurd, and San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee walked onstage and introduced Sting. who quickly opened with “If I Ever Lose My Faith in You” and was later joined by a duet with Stefani with the classic Police song, “Message in a Bottle”.

The remaining setlist included “Englishman in New York”, “Every Little Thing She Does is Magic”, “So Lonely”, “When the World is Running Down”, “Fields of Gold”, “Roxanne”, “I Can’t Stop Thinking About You”, “Walking on the Moon”, “Desert Rose”, and “Every Breath You Take”.

He returned to the stage with “Next to You” and “Fragile” as his encores.

Wrap another great night and year for Oracle OpenWorld.

AT&T Park from the Third level with Sting at Oracle OpenWorld Appreciation Event.  Photo by Marcus Siu.