SAN FRANCISCO – Music from the opera “La Traviata” echoed through Oracle Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. Instead of baseball, guests watched a live performance of the San Francisco Opera on the giant screen for the annual “Opera in the Ballpark” event.

Residents like Melissa Buckminster came out to enjoy the music under the stars.

“We can take out the whole broadcast, our picnic, and watch amazing opera under the lights. What more could you ask for,” Buckminster said.

This free event drew thousands of people to the stadium. People rolled out picnic blankets on the grass, shared food with friends and sipped wine while enjoying the show.

“I would never have gone to the opera if I hadn’t been able to attend this event,” said Emily Ranieri.

Guests watched a simulcast of the opening night of Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata at the War Memorial Opera House as it was performed live.

The California Classic sponsored the event.

Bill Lueth, president of KDFC, said it was a way to give everyone access to world-class performance.

“It’s one of the great opera companies in the world, let alone America, and it’s not that easy to get in to see it among the 2,500 opera tickets. But here you can come in and try it, have garlic fries and hang out with your closest friends,” Lueth said.

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