WORLD SERIES: City by the Bay braces for Series

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - This city of hills, fog and some of the most expensive homes in the nation is hosting a World Series for the first time since 2002 and the signs are everywhere.

Bleacher seats are going for $600 a pop - a bargain compared to the $6,000 asking price for a vantage point directly behind home plate for the first two games Wednesday and Thursday nights between the Giants and Texas Rangers.

Nearby taverns are stocking up for record-shattering business and advising patrons desiring seats to arrive hours before Wednesday's first pitch.

"These couple of days and nights will rival, if not surpass, our previous sales records," said Peter Osbourne, owner of three establishments directly across the street from the ball park - MoMo's, Pete's Tavern and Pedro's Cantina. "We are looking at a 30 percent to 40 percent increase over our busiest days."

Catholic school children are wearing San Francisco Giants gear instead of their traditional uniforms and the city's iconic Coit Tower, which looms over the northern neighborhoods, is bathed in orange light. City Hall is flying the Giants' flag and the games will be broadcast on giant screens across the street in Civic Center Plaza, which drew large crowds for viewing of the World Cup this summer.

Signs touting the "torture" of the team's nail-biting victories in significant games during the last several weeks abound throughout the financial district and street vendors Tuesday morning set up tables full of souvenirs - licensed and otherwise.

Fans waited in long lines Tuesday at official San Francisco Giants stores, snapping up every available cap, shirt and blanket, which may come in handy. The National Weather Service forecasts cool nights Wednesday and Thursday.

National Weather Service meteorologist Austin Cross said there's a 40 percent chance of rain Thursday night. He expects the temperatures to be in the high 50s for both games with light winds each evening.

Kai Tokugawa, 28, of nearby Corte Madera waited in line at the Giants Dugout next to AT&T Park on Tuesday to buy her family, including nephews who live in Spokane, Wash., four Giants shirts and two foam fingers.

"I have to train my nephews right," said Tokugawa, who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area rooting for the Giants.

Authorities are bracing for a crush of watercraft descending on McCovey Cove on Wednesday and Thursday night and are devising plans to limit the number of boats allowed to drop anchor behind the right-field wall.

Kayak rentals are brisk even at close to double the usual price at some outlets.

Coast Guard Lt. Marcus Brown said McCovey Cove will be patrolled by the 87-foot cutter "Pike" along with boats from the San Francisco Police and Alameda County Sheriff's Department.

"It will be hectic in there," Brown said.

San Francisco Giants spokeswoman Staci Slaughter said the team is working with Major League Baseball and the San Francisco Police Department to beef up security. San Francisco is hosting the first two games and, if necessary, the last two games next week. Slaughter declined to discuss details, citing security concerns.

She said the Giants' hosting of the All-Star Game in 2007 and its World Series appearance in 2002 has helped it prepare this year.