PRO Chess League Finals FAQ
PCL Finals FAQ
WHEN? WHAT? WHERE? WHO? HOW? OTHER Q's?
Member: Hey Chess.com, I just read your article and I want to see this myself!
Chess.com: So, you’ve heard about the PCL Finals in San Francisco, and you want to attend?
Member: Yes, but I don’t know anything about it. When, and where? And who’s going to be there?
Chess.com: All good questions. Here are the answers.
- It’s on April 7 and 8.
What are the PCL (PRO Chess League) Finals?
- The PCL Finals is a two-day affair where the four top teams from the 2018 PCL will battle to become the 2018 PCL Champions!
- Both semi-finals are on Saturday April 7. The first semi-final will start at 10 a.m. Pacific (6 p.m. London time) and the second semi-final at 2 p.m. Pacific (10 p.m. London time).
- On Sunday, April 8, we’ll be hosting the third place tiebreaker at 10 a.m. Pacific (6 p.m. London time). The PCL Final will start at 2 p.m. Pacific (10 p.m. London time).
So which teams are playing? And who are their players?
- The 4 semi-finalist teams are: The Armenia Eagles, the Ljubljana Turtles, the Saint-Louis Archbishops and the Chengdu Pandas.
Where is this happening again?
- Finals weekend is being held in San Francisco at the The Folsom Street Foundry. You can also follow it online on our Twitch channel or on ChessTV.
Where can I buy a ticket?
- No tickets needed! The venue is open to all, children included. There’s plenty of room for everyone!
I’m not from the area. How should I get into town?
- There are a few ways to get there. San Francisco airport (SFO) is the 7th busiest airport in the country. You can find flights from almost anywhere that will arrive there. Alternatively, the Oakland airport (OAK) is also a possible point of arrival. It’s smaller than SFO so may not have as many flights available. Finally, if you’re looking to take the scenic route, you can fly into San Jose airport (SJC), but you’re looking at a solid hour drive to get into San Francisco. However, with a small detour, you can visit both Apple and Facebook headquarters.
Do I have to just sit there quietly and watch the games? What else is there to do?
- This is a first of its kind event where the playing hall doesn’t need to be quiet. You're expected to be loud and cheer for your favorite teams and players!
Won't the players hear me? That doesn't sound like a chess tournament!?
- The players will all be wearing noise-isolating headphones so the audience can cheer for their favorites as loud as they want (within reason!). In fact, the live commentary -- provided by IM Danny Rensch, WFM Alexandra Botez, IM Anna Rudolf and GM Robert Hess will also be in the main area (you'll be able to hear them) with the fans.
- If you're still bored, we’ll also have a "Chess.com Free Play" area where spectators can play chess with each other or online.
Am I supposed to sleep on the street?
- We recommend you do a search of your own to find suitable accomodations for yourself. San Francisco has every kind of hotel at every price point. There at least 20 hotels within a mile of Folsom Street Foundry (1425 Folsom Street, San Francisco, California, Zip Code 94013). Here are a few brand name hotels in the area:
- Otherwise, you can always stay with friends or family, or even rent an apartment!
What if I get hungry or thirsty during the weekend?
- We’re sure you will! The bar at Folsom Street Foundry will be open. They will be serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The kitchen will be closed at the venue but San Francisco has you covered!
We hope this answers all your questions! Leave a comment below if we missed anything.
Looking for more PRO Chess League?
CLICK HERE to visit the official website
CLICK HERE to follow the PRO Chess League on Chess.com
CLICK HERE to follow the PRO Chess League on Twitter
CLICK HERE to like the PRO Chess League on Facebook
Further, if you need additional clarifications, please contact our Press Liaison for this event:
Simon McNamara
Director of Professional Relations, Chess.com
e-mail: simon@chess.com
phone: (800) 318-2827
