San Francisco is gearing up for one of its biggest sports weekends. For the first time in history, the NBA All-Star lands in the city. In 2000, it was held in Oakland, but San Francisco will reap the benefits. The home of the Golden State Warriors is already pulsating with the league’s hallmark event inching closer by the day. Businesses are pumped and the city is bound to see an incredible economic boom.

The All-Star weekend it’s like a normal NBA game at the Chase Center. During this time of the year, the best that the NBA has to offer gets on the same stage in a variety of events. Likewise, tourism sees a massive. It’s no different for San Francisco. Over 100,000 visitors are projected to travel to the city for the festivities.

For San Francisco, FOX KTVU predicts the weekend could generate $350 million in business.

The buzz has already begun storming the city. The St.Regis, one of the top hotels in the city is already booked out with the anticipation of NBA All-Star gracing the city. Moreover, a variety of businesses such as Splash in Thrive City are excited to offer a unique experience to visitors. They are offering a two-level Sports Bar experience with 75 TVs, games and a “massive video wall” as part of it’s offerings.

But it’s not just new businesses that will thrive. Small business owners are enthralled with the All-Star weekend coming to San Francisco. Gill Pyumo, the co-owner of Senor Sisig can’t wait to share Filipino cuisine with those that come to the city. “We’re super excited. Being a basketball fan, it’s one of my dreams to not only be here around the All-Star game but also to have my business, Senor Sisig, and be a part of the Warriors… and put it out to the masses,” he said about the impact of the weekend.

With all the facts, it looks like San Francisco is in for an exhilarating weekend. But there’s one man who isn’t thrilled with the location.

Charles Barkley’s criticism of the NBA All-Star weekend being held in San Francisco is still strong

Last year, with Draymond Green right by his side, Charles Barkley didn’t hold back his criticism of San Francisco. Barkley claimed he couldn’t even walk in the city among a whole rant. And well, with the news about the NBA All-Star weekend coming to the Bay, he wasn’t on board with the news.

“I’m not going. I’m not going to that rat-infested place out in San Francisco,” the NBA Hall of Famer claimed. Furthermore, he also called the city ‘not beautiful’ as he contemplates whether to be present from Thursday through Sunday. And well, there have been some concerns about safety in the past.

But Mayor Daniel Lurie isn’t a stranger to these claims. He voews to improve the reputation of San Francisco. While it could be a gradual process, the NBA All-Star weekend’s impact could be transcending for the city. Furthermore, if you ask Adam Silver, he doesn’t agree with Charles Barkley.

“I have no doubt that San Francisco and the Bay Area will demonstrate to Charles that his impressions about the city are flat-out wrong,” the commissioner told San Francisco Standard. And judgment day isn’t far away. From what is seen, San Francisco is seeing a positive response from visitors and various members of the community want to leave a lasting impression.

Will that extend to Charles Barkey is something only time will provide answers for.