I got a sidestep request the last time I (virtually) flew into KSFO. The initial approach controller told me to expect 28R. Then the final approach guy set me up for 28L. After I turned to final, the tower (or perhaps the final app controller, I cant remember) asked if I could take 28R. Since I was flying as a FedEx MD11 and the cargo ramp is the the right of 28R I had no issues with that. But, it was further proof that you should always remain alert for any last-minute requests from ATC. You never know what might be asked of you.

I got that too when flying into KSFO during an event. There was some joker that kept spawning on the runway trying to ruin the fun for everybody involved. So I had to sidestep to 28R

Luckily you didnt get stuck behind that clown who landed on 28R and whose plane stopped on the runway because his autobrakes fully kicked in. That "clown", by the way, shall remain nameless. :(

At the airport that I fly from (KBJC), runway 29R has an ILS, 29L does not (although 29L does have a GPS approach). When practicing ILS approaches, I have often received an approach clearance to the 29R ILS, sidestep to 29L. This allows me to do the ILS, while allowing the tower to use 29R for departures, etc. I have only ever seen ATC initiate a sidestep. Bruce.