Lance Yamamoto/SFGATE
March 23, 2023
The world’s most famous plumber has arrived in San Francisco.
On Thursday, pedestrians and drivers alike on the streets of SF can be treated to a surprise appearance from the Mushroom Kingdom’s go-to pipe-clearing go-to place: Super Mario. Ahead of the April 5 premiere of the new Super Mario Bros. Movie, and coinciding with the annual Game Developers Conference, a bright yellow van decorated with a logo will be driving around town handing out free merchandise related to the movie.
The van started the day on Treasure Island before stopping near Market Street. The remainder of the afternoon includes the planned Haight-Ashbury route, the Golden Gate Bridge, Marina Green, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Moscone Center (for GDC) and Oracle Park.
Super Mario Bros. Van in San Francisco, California on March 23, 2023
Lance Yamamoto/SFGATE
Super Mario Bros. Van in San Francisco, California on March 23, 2023
Lance Yamamoto/SFGATE
Super Mario Bros. Van in San Francisco, California on March 23, 2023
Lance Yamamoto/SFGATE
A Super Mario Bro team member in the van in San Francisco, California March 23, 2023
Lance Yamamoto/SFGATE
Super Mario Bros. van in San Francisco. (Lance Yamamoto/SFGATE)
Although the drivers aren’t dressed up as Mario and Luigi, the van has plenty of nerdy details for fans. A sticker on the back of the van confirms Mario’s plumber’s license (although they only serve Brooklyn and Queens), and a phone number (929-55-MARIO) leads to a cheeky voice message announcing a new slogan about their quick service, the stock has some Familiarity for fans of the series: “We’re not saying let’s wait. We say let’s go!”
Watch the trailer for the new film below.
Dan Gentile is culture editor at SFGATE. He relocated from Austin, TX to San Francisco where he worked as a vinyl DJ and freelance food and music writer. His writing has been published in Texas Monthly, American Way, Rolling Stone, Roads & Kingdoms, VICE, Thrillist, and others. Email: Dan.Gentile@sfgate.com.
