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 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