Downtown San Jose Welcomed More Than One Million Visitors During World Cup

Downtown San Jose drew more than one million cumulative visits over the course of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. San Pedro Square operated as the official Soccer Celebration Headquarters and staged watch parties for every one of the tournament’s 104 matches across 39 days.

Local hotels recorded solid gains from mid-June through mid-July. Occupancy rose 9 percent year over year, average daily rates climbed 17 percent, and revenue per available room increased 28 percent. On match days the RevPAR jump reached 42 percent, with even stronger results during the Round of 32 and Round of 16 week.

San Jose Mineta International Airport handled more than 500,000 passengers between June 13 and July 19. The airport managed 21 official team flights involving nine national squads and recorded its busiest departure day of the year the morning after a U.S. match at Levi’s Stadium. Private aviation traffic for one contest alone approached 200 aircraft.

City leaders credited coordinated work among municipal departments, the San Jose Sports Authority, Team San Jose, the Earthquakes, and other partners for turning the tournament into a showcase. Attention now turns to upcoming events such as the CrossFit Games, Slam Jose! basketball festival, and the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose Half Marathon that can keep the momentum going.

The tournament left a clear mark on the city’s hospitality and transportation systems while giving thousands of visitors a direct look at Downtown San Jose’s growing sports and entertainment energy.

Source: SVBJ

World Cup Fever Filled Downtown San Jose with Record Crowds

Over six weeks of World Cup matches, Downtown San Jose recorded more than 900,000 visits, far surpassing the original projection of 350,000. San Pedro Square became the clear center of the action, transformed by the San Jose Earthquakes and city partners into a continuous outdoor festival with jumbo screens, food, and fans packed along the pedestrian mall.

High-demand games pushed the numbers even higher. Mexico’s matches drew the largest turnouts, with nearly 40,000 people across Downtown for the Round of 16 clash against England and more than 37,000 for an earlier group-stage game. Organizers responded by adding screens and, when needed, shifting the biggest crowds to Discovery Meadow and SAP Center. Restaurants and bars in the square reported steady waves of customers that many owners described as stronger than multiple Super Bowls combined.

The success built on San Jose’s deep soccer roots and deliberate planning. City leaders had set aside funding two years earlier for major-event coordination, a decision that paid off once the tournament arrived. Light-rail trains filled, sidewalks stayed busy, and the usual quiet of post-pandemic office hours gave way to an energetic, multi-week celebration that felt closer to a music festival than a typical Downtown evening.

Safety challenges appeared at the edges of the official zones, yet the overall experience remained manageable as organizers refined operations match after match. The stretch offered a clear demonstration of what Downtown can deliver when people have a compelling reason to show up.

With the final behind us, the calendar already includes the CrossFit World Championships at SAP Center and the convention center, plus upcoming tech gatherings, concerts, and street festivals. The infrastructure, partnerships, and recent practice are in place. Sustaining the energy will depend on creating more reasons for residents and visitors to return, night after night.

Source: The Mercury News

San Jose World Cup Watch Parties Surpass All Expectations at San Pedro Square

San Jose turned San Pedro Square into a global gathering spot during the World Cup with watch parties that pulled in far more fans than anyone anticipated. Hundreds of thousands of soccer enthusiasts filled the space in Downtown San Jose, creating an electric atmosphere that highlighted the city’s growing reputation for hosting large-scale public events.

The turnout demonstrated strong community interest in international sports and the appeal of shared viewing experiences in the heart of the city. Fans from various backgrounds came together to cheer, celebrate goals, and enjoy the vibe that only a packed public square can provide.

350,000 visitors were expected for the entire World Cup series, but it now appears that number will be exceeded by a great margin. The San Pedro Square area is quickly making adjustments to address the massive crowds, including easier bar access and extra screens. It's also music to my ears when hearing visitors from other countries telling others to go to San Jose to watch the games instead of SF. Check out the full video at the source link.

Source: Fox KTVU

San Jose Will Host a Free Soccer Celebration at San Pedro Square as the FIFA World Cup Brings Major Economic Gains to Downtown

The FIFA World Cup will generate between $480 million and $630 million dollars in economic impact for the Bay Area and Downtown San Jose is preparing to capture a significant share of that activity over the next six weeks. Businesses throughout the area adjust staffing levels and supply chains now to handle the expected surge in visitors.

San Pedro Square will transform into the central gathering spot for soccer fans with the Soccer Celebration running from June 11 through July 19. Admission stays free, and more than ten thousand people already signed up for the June 11 opener between Mexico and South Africa. A twenty-seven-foot screen will rise above the square, funded in part by the San Jose Earthquakes along with hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional entertainment investments from the team and partners.

Restaurant leaders such as those at Nuvo Hospitality plan for sustained sales growth rather than single peak days. They draw on experience from Super Bowl 60, which delivered strong results thanks to effective promotion and good weather, while avoiding the overstaffing pitfalls seen during Super Bowl 50. The activation of the Entertainment Zone ordinance will allow to-go alcohol sales for outdoor consumption, a welcome change for big events like this.

This event highlights San Jose's growing role in international soccer, supported by its dedicated facilities and the current momentum of the San Jose Earthquakes near the top of the MLS standings. Families, friends, and visitors from around the world will find a welcoming space to share in the excitement of the planet's premier sporting event, all while boosting local establishments in the heart of Downtown San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

New Series Highlights the People and Projects Shaping Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose now has a dedicated voice sharing the stories behind its ongoing transformation. Michael Lomio, the city's Downtown Manager, has started a weekly blog series titled "This is Downtown San José" to spotlight the efforts of staff, partners, businesses, and residents who invest in the area every day.

The series already features posts on topics like restroom improvements across the district, the success of World Cup watch parties that brought large crowds to public spaces, insights from hosting a national civic commons studio, and the growing international interest in Downtown San Jose as a destination. Other entries explore how small investments add up over time and how the city tracks meaningful progress through better metrics.

Lomio launched the series after noticing that many positive developments rarely reach a wider audience. By committing to one post per week, he aims to document the momentum and encourage more people to engage with or contribute ideas for future topics.

You can read the new blog posts over here.

I also took the liberty of adding a link to the new blog on the sidebar to the right and updating all of the lists. The broken/outdated links to other sites are now gone.

San Jose Launches Game On Youth Sports Program Ahead of Epic 2026 Events

San Jose is introducing the Game On youth sports program, designed to inspire thousands of local students and community members. Officials gathered at the Boys & Girls Club of Silicon Valley - Smythe Clubhouse to unveil this initiative, part of the city's SJ26 campaign and backed by the San Jose Sports Authority. From January through June, 50 activations called Game On Moments will roll out at schools and community spots, reaching young people with hands-on sports experiences. Mayor Matt Mahan emphasized turning the year's major events into enduring benefits that extend far past the calendar.

The South Bay hosts Super Bowl LX, three March Madness games, and six World Cup matches between February 8 and July 1, drawing global attention. Former San Jose Earthquakes player Shea Salinas, now a club ambassador, highlighted how preparations for community involvement started with the World Cup announcement. He noted the importance of professional organizations in creating positive change. San Francisco 49ers President Al Guido added that connecting kids with athletes fosters a cycle of inspiration, where pros reflect on their own early influences while guiding the next generation.

To build a lasting legacy, the program focuses on infrastructure like fields, coaches, referees, and leagues to support youth development. Salinas pointed out the need to capitalize on the excitement around soccer and football, ensuring stable environments where kids can grow. This ripple effect aims to instill values that carry forward, with families passing on the passion for sports. Brandi Chastain, founder of Bay FC, introduced goalie Jordan Silkowitz, recently named to the U.S. national team, to show how dedication leads to achievement.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Raises Nearly $5 Million for Epic 2026 Activations

San Jose and the San Jose Sports Authority have secured close to $5 million from corporate, public, and philanthropic partners to support a series of community activations throughout Silicon Valley in 2026. This funding arrives just in time for a major lineup of events, including Super Bowl LX, three March Madness games, and six World Cup matches from February 8 to July 1.

The money will finance over 100 watch parties, 13 concerts featuring national acts like Kehlani, and seven drone shows, with more details forthcoming. Most of these experiences come at no cost to residents and visitors, creating inclusive ways to join the excitement without game tickets. Additional support goes toward local youth programs, ensuring the benefits reach younger community members.

Contributions from Silicon Valley giants such as Adobe, eBay, and Google, along with local entities like Visit San Jose and San Jose Mineta International Airport, make this possible. An estimated 500,000 travelers are expected in the Bay Area for these events, generating $1.4 billion in economic impact that supports hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and cultural areas across the city.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose's Unforgettable 2026: Global Events and Citywide Celebrations Ahead

Happy New Year! 🎆

2026 will stand out as a landmark year for San Jose with two of the world's biggest sporting events right in the South Bay at Levi's Stadium. Super Bowl LX arrives in February, drawing massive crowds to the region. San Jose will host watch parties, concerts, drone shows, and over 100 fan experiences across the city, turning Downtown into a hub of excitement and bringing an economic lift to local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

Summer brings the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Levi's Stadium hosting multiple matches full of international flair. Fans from around the globe will flood the area, and San Jose hosts fan fests, cultural activations, and events that highlight the city's diversity. Easy access via San Jose Mineta International Airport makes San Jose a prime base for visitors, while residents enjoy the vibrant atmosphere spilling into neighborhoods and venues.

Beyond the stadium spotlight, San Jose's cultural scene will thrive with favorites like San Jose Jazz Summer Fest delivering top performances in Plaza de César Chávez. New housing projects will move forward, adding modern apartments and townhomes to welcome more residents to growing districts. Tech innovations and business expansions keep the momentum strong, creating jobs and opportunities.

This combination of world-class events and steady progress on local projects will position San Jose as a premier destination. From game days to festival nights, 2026 offers countless reasons to take pride in being a San Josean.

San Jose's 2026 Spotlight: Hosting the Super Bowl and World Cup

San Jose stands ready to welcome the world in 2026 with the Super Bowl and six FIFA World Cup matches at Levi's Stadium. This marks a historic moment as the first time any region hosts both events in the same year. Local leaders see this as an opportunity to showcase the city's vibrant energy, drawing visitors to explore Downtown San Jose's new restaurants and ongoing revitalization projects that connect its diverse districts.

The combined economic impact could exceed $1 billion, with the Super Bowl expected to attract 90,000 tourists and the World Cup bringing in 260,000 more. City officials aim to leverage this influx by creating activations around the events, such as culturally inspired concerts tied to participating countries. Businesses are encouraged to adapt, perhaps turning spots into fan headquarters for specific teams to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Tomorrow's World Cup draw on December 5 sets the stage for tailored experiences, revealing which nations will compete here and inspiring local plans. Beyond the stadium, the focus includes community events that offer Super Bowl or World Cup vibes without needing tickets, making the celebrations accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Team San Jose has introduced the San Jose 26 campaign to highlight hotels, dining, and attractions, paired with the Fly, Stay, Play initiative promoting the international airport as a gateway. This effort builds on the city's history of hosting major sports, from past Super Bowls to World Cup games, positioning San Jose as an emerging tourism destination for years ahead.

For more information on events and ways to get involved, visit https://sj26.sanjose.org/

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Welcomes The Locker Room: A New Visitor Center Hub

San Jose is gearing up for the mid-December opening of The Locker Room, a new visitor center at 93 E. San Carlos St. This spot transforms a former print shop and pet adoption pop-up into a central resource for explorers and locals alike. With over 4,500 square feet, it stands ready to guide visitors through the city's offerings, especially as major events approach in 2026.

Inside, guests can find a merchandise store stocked with gear from local teams like the Sharks, Barracuda, Earthquakes, Bay FC, and San Jose State University Spartans. The space also includes a podcast studio available at no cost for creators highlighting San Jose's attractions and businesses. Multiple seating areas, a foosball table, and conference rooms add to the welcoming setup, while a program room seats up to 60 for gatherings.

Non-profit organizations focused on promoting San Jose or its events can reserve the meeting spaces without charge, simply by submitting a Google form to the staff from the San Jose Sports Authority. The center extends its reach with Decode San Jose kiosks and a touchscreen directory that cover activities across all 10 city districts, from art festivals to local celebrations, helping draw attention to diverse happenings.

San Jose State University hospitality students gain hands-on experience through internships at The Locker Room, applying classroom knowledge in real-world concierge roles, event management, and retail operations. Participants receive tuition assistance stipends for their shifts, building skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving while representing the city.

The timing aligns perfectly with upcoming spectacles at nearby Levi's Stadium, including Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup matches. San Jose hosts the NFC team at the Downtown Marriott, with practices at SJSU facilities, and NFL staff at local hotels. The Super Bowl's Opening Night at the McEnery Convention Center promises economic boosts, while World Cup bookings fill thousands of hotel rooms, channeling global excitement into the heart of San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

Levi's Stadium Gets $200M in Upgrades

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara stands ready to elevate the South Bay's sports scene with a $200 million transformation. The San Francisco 49ers have introduced enhancements that promise to redefine game days, starting with a revamped team store that offers more space and a wider selection of merchandise. Fans can now shop effortlessly thanks to a cashier-less checkout system, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable for everyone attending events.

Technology takes center stage in these updates, including a state-of-the-art control room equipped with 39 high-quality cameras and a robust IP-based network. This setup powers 55 million pixels across 2,300 televisions throughout the stadium, ensuring crystal-clear views from concourses to suites. The new 4K video boards, along with upgraded ribbon boards and lighting, will immerse spectators in the action, boosting the energy for both players and fans.

These improvements arrive just in time for major events like Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup, which are expected to bring significant economic benefits to the region. The stadium has already contributed $2 billion in economic impact and created over 12,000 jobs since opening, underscoring its role in driving growth. Additional perks, such as modernized suites and complimentary wine tastings from top-tier wineries at Appellation 49, add a touch of luxury to the hospitality offerings.

With the first post-renovation events already underway, including a Concacaf Gold Cup match, the stadium is set to host the 49ers' regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on September 21. This makeover not only strengthens the home field advantage but also positions the area as a premier destination for world-class sports and entertainment, benefiting communities across San Jose and beyond.

Source: SVBJ

Santa Clara Street Shines Brighter with New Beautification Efforts

San Jose has launched an $800,000 initiative to refresh a key section of Santa Clara Street, bringing together the city, the San Jose Downtown Association, and other partners. This project includes 17 targeted improvements, such as repainting buildings, adding murals, and reactivating storefronts. These changes aim to create a more cohesive feel in Downtown San Jose, linking its diverse neighborhoods through thoughtful updates.

The enhancements focus on boosting foot traffic and supporting local businesses that have anchored the area for decades. Establishments like Ngan Tailoring and AK Liquor Store, both operating for over 30 years, receive special attention as a way to recognize their lasting contributions. By drawing more people to the corridor, the project also promotes public safety through increased activity and visibility on the streets.

Downtown San Jose continues its strong recovery from the pandemic, with nighttime visitor levels nearing pre-2020 figures. Initiatives like this corridor upgrade provide the momentum needed to restore and exceed that earlier energy. City leaders view it as the beginning of wider efforts to weave together the various parts of Downtown, fostering a unified urban experience.

With major events on the horizon, including Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup in 2026, these beautifications position San Jose to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors. The refreshed street will showcase the city's offerings, encouraging exploration and investment in local spots. As more projects unfold, Santa Clara Street stands as a promising example of how targeted improvements can elevate the entire community.

Source: SVBJ

Sports Drive San Jose Forward: Preparing for a Spotlight in 2026

San Jose steps into the limelight as Bay Area sports teams lead urban renewal efforts, with city leaders highlighting long-term investments at a recent Business of Sports event. Tommy O’Hare, the city's sports and special events director, emphasized viewing events as ongoing opportunities rather than isolated moments, pointing to initiatives like the stitching districts project that connects San Jose's 10 districts both physically and symbolically. With Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup set for 2026, these gatherings provide a clear timeline to energize the region's largest city through targeted improvements.

Efforts already underway include beautifying the Guadalupe River and refreshing Downtown underpasses with fresh paint, all aimed at welcoming the expected influx of visitors. O’Hare noted that such preparations extend beyond the venues, collaborating with local businesses like Adobe to shape overall visitor experiences. Meanwhile, Bay FC CEO Brady Stewart shared how sports unite communities, expressing enthusiasm for the global attention on the Bay Area, while the team uses technology like fan surveys to refine interactions and achieve high satisfaction scores.

Looking ahead, San Jose envisions a thriving sports and entertainment district in Downtown, potentially featuring one or two stadiums to solidify its position as the heart of Silicon Valley. Bay FC aims high too, aspiring to become the first billion-dollar women’s sports franchise with its own dedicated stadium, moving beyond sharing PayPal Park. These developments promise to foster community ties, support youth programs, and create lasting vibrancy that benefits residents year-round.

Source: SVBJ