San Jose's PayPal Park and Levi's Stadium will host yet another major soccer event

All the buzz might be around the World Cup coming here in 2026, but other major soccer events continue to be booked for Silicon Valley as well. 

Both PayPal Park and Levi's Stadium will host matches for the 2025 Gold Cup, which will be held between June 14th and July 6th. The exact dates of the games will be released at a later time.

The Gold Cup is played every two years and will include 16 teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. If you are lucky enough to have a season pass for the San Jose Earthquakes, you will have access to a presale for the matches that take place at PayPal Park.

Source: SVBJ

Sharks first annual Neighborhood Game

The San Jose Sharks are hosting a special pre-season game on Sep 24th with unique programming and activation to encourage new attendees and fans. The game (against the Anaheim Ducks) will only cost $25. Community organizations, non-profits, and schools might even be able to score free tickets.

The game starts at 7pm, but the pregame activities go between 5:15 and 6:15pm. These include participation from current Sharks players as well as alumni. There will also be unique in-game content highlighting the greater Bay Areas communities.

For more info head over here.

Levi's Stadium is getting $200M in upgrades before hosting both the Super Bowl and World Cup

Two of the largest sporting events in the world are coming to Levi's Stadium in 2026: the Super Bowl and multiple World Cup games. In fact it will be the only stadium to ever host both of those events in the same year. The 49ers and Levi's Stadium have recently announced major upgrades to the stadium--which originally cost $1.3 billion to build over 10 years ago.

It will get the largest 4K display in the entire league coming in at 13,000 SQFT. The stadium will also get a new LED field lighting system that will brighten playing surfaces for primetime games. Stadium and club areas will have a refreshed look and feel, and some of those upgrades will be in place this season.

Also part of the upgrade list is faster WiFi with 1,300 new access points as well as improved cellular services with new 5G systems by Verizon. The main concourse will get cashierless food and beverage stands to speed up service. There will be two new open-air patio bars and 120 remodeled luxury suites.

The total cost clocks in around $200 million. 90% of that will be financed by the 49ers and 10% will be from the Santa Clara Stadium Authority.

Source: San Jose Inside

Sharks Sidewalk Sale Aug 31st

The Sharks are doing a sidewalk sale this Saturday from 11am to 4pm. It's happening at 1500 S. 10th Street just south of Downtown San Jose and right outside Sharks Ice. There will also be Barracuda gear and a raffle for prizes.

Levi's Stadium to host Six (!) World Cup matches in 2026

Levi's Stadium is going to have an amazing year in 2026. Not only are they hosting Super Bowl 60, but they will be hosting six World Cup games. Five will be group-stage matches and one will be a round of 32 match.

The first group stage match at Levi's is scheduled for June 13 and the round of 32 match will be held on July 1st.

Unfortunately, the US National Team will not start their journey at Levi's. They have two group-stage matches in SoFi Stadium in LA and another at Lumen Field in Seattle. Mexico and Canada will also play their initial group-stage games in their home countries. So that means all of the first five games will involve teams outside of North America. The benefit is the sheer amount of International tourism that will come to the San Jose metro for the game. 

2026 is shaping up to be a great year for sports fans in Silicon Valley!

Source: SVBJ

Super Bowl viewing parties in San Jose

If you are still looking for a place to watch the big game tonight, there are plenty of options in Downtown San Jose. Here is a list with links:

Littlest Little Italy   |   Parking

Tiki Pete’s   |   Parking
Five Points   |   Parking

SP2 Communal Bar & Restaurant    |   Parking

FUZE Nightclub   |  Parking

Cash Only |   Parking

Sushi Confidential   |   Parking

SPLASH   |   Parking

GlassHouse   |  Parking

In North San Jose you have Blast and Brew, which is one of my favorite spots. You can enjoy excellent American Indian fusion foods and over two dozen beers on tap that you pour yourself (pay per oz.) while watching the game. This event is free to get in.

Rosie McCanns Irish Pub in Santana Row will also have a free Super Bowl watch party going on.

Source: The Downtowner

The South Bay is looking for more action from Super Bowl 60 than it received from 50

San Jose had a lot to gain from Super Bowl 50. There were major events throughout Downtown San Jose, including the SAP Center, San Pedro Square, and Plaza de Cesar Chavez. Hotels saw a huge boost. Plus most of the costs and risks were covered by Santa Clara.

Now for Super Bowl 60 in 2026, the South Bay is looking to better capitalize on the event. Of the $240 million of estimated economic impact to the Bay Area during the last Bay Area Super Bowl, San Francisco got a whopping 57% of that amount, San Jose scored 12%, and Santa Clara only got a sliver at 7%.

Fortunately, the numbers might swing more in the South Bay's favor the next time around. Several San Jose leaders are looking at way to attract more of the attention (and revenue) related to Super Bowl 60. Ideas include undercutting SF for major hotel events, host simultaneous music festivals, food festivals, tech showcases, charity events, and so on. 

It may also help that San Francisco's brand has been in decline with high levels of crime, homelessness, and squalor on city streets. However, it's never good to benefit from someone else's suffering. If your read the source article, the president of the Bay Area Host Committee believe by working together the pie will grow larger verses trying to compete with one another. That seems like the ideal perspective for maximum returns. We also have to do a much better job of marketing the assets we already have, and there are many.

It's a fascinating read. What do you think San Jose and Santa Clara should do to keep more Super Bowl dollars near the stadium where the game is actually held?

Source: San Jose Spotlight

San Jose Earthquakes announce their 2024 MLS schedule and celebrate their 50th anniversary

If you're a soccer fan there is a lot to look forward to next year. In addition to the Copa America games at Levi's Stadium, the San Jose Earthquakes have recently released their 2024 schedule and there are a few notable matches on there. 

One home game against LAFC will take place at Levi's Stadium with a special halftime performance from Mexican singer-songwriter El Fantasma and a Cinco de Mayo pregame festival. Their 50th Anniversary game takes place at Stanford Stadium and will feature several additional activities to celebrate the occasion. All other home games will be at PayPal Park. Check out the full release below.

EARTHQUAKES ANNOUNCE 2024 MLS SCHEDULE FOR 50^TH ANNIVERSARY  

Quakes welcome Galaxy in home opener on March 2, return to Levi’s® Stadium on May 4 vs LAFC 

  

SANTA CLARA, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes unveiled their full schedule for the upcoming Major League Soccer season as they celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2024. The year kicks off with a road match at FC Dallas on Feb. 24 before the home slate begins with a matchup against their biggest rival, the LA Galaxy, on Saturday, March 2 at PayPal Park. The match marks the 99th meeting between the two teams in official competitions and the first time San Jose has hosted the Galaxy in the home opener. 

 

The Quakes return to Levi’s® Stadium for the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in Northern California on Saturday, May 4, against LAFC before heading to Stanford Stadium on Saturday, June 29, in a rematch against the Galaxy that will be part of a commemorative 50th Anniversary Weekend. Additionally, the schedule features the second year of Leagues Cup between every club from MLS and Mexico’s Liga MX. In all, San Jose plays their two Southern California rivals three times each, starting with the Galaxy for the home opener and ending with LAFC for Decision Day on Oct. 19. 

 

“The Earthquakes are proud to celebrate our 50th anniversary with a truly landmark schedule, starting with the home opener against our biggest rival at PayPal Park,” said Earthquakes President Jared Shawlee. “Between returning to Levi’s® Stadium for a full-capacity match, and our 50th Anniversary Weekend in June, this season will be filled with great matchups for our fans.” 

 

After starting the season away at Toyota Stadium versus FC Dallas on Saturday, Feb. 24 (5:30 p.m. PT), the Quakes will return to PayPal Park to play three of the next four games, headlined by the California Clasico home opener against the Galaxy on Saturday, March 2 (7:30 p.m. PT). Following the homestand, San Jose will hit the road for four of the next five games before coming back to the Bay Area for a long-awaited rematch with LAFC at Levi’s® Stadium on May 4 (4:30 p.m. PT). 

 

Last season, the Quakes won 2-1 in front of over 45,000 fans and featured a special halftime performance from Mexican singer-songwriter El Fantasma, along with a pregame festival and numerous celebrity appearances. The game day will once again be the largest Cinco de Mayo celebration in Northern California, including a pregame fan festival, a halftime musical performance, and activations honoring Mexican heritage. In addition, the Quakes will open the stadium to its full capacity for this momentous match. More information about the event will be announced later. To learn about suite purchases, please click here or email Suites@49ers.com. 

 

“We’re excited to welcome the Earthquakes and their devoted fanbase back to Levi’s® Stadium after last year’s tremendous success,” said Al Guido, President of the San Francisco 49ers. “Levi’s® will be hosting this match, followed by Copa America in 2024, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and it's no question that the Quakes will continue to be a critical part of soccer’s growth in Northern California.” 

 

After the match at Levi’s® Stadium and a pair of road games, the Quakes play eight of 12 matches at home, with the highlight of that stretch being the annual California Clasico at Stanford Stadium on Saturday, June 29 (7:30 p.m. PT). The historic event, a staple of San Jose’s rivalry with the Galaxy, will now be elevated to another level as the club celebrates its 50th anniversary that weekend. The parade of festivities includes the return of numerous Quakes alumni from the past five decades, a countdown honoring the club’s top 50 players, and the Bay Area’s largest fireworks display. 

 

After three more home matches in early July, the Quakes take a month-long break from regular-season action for Leagues Cup, an interleague tournament between MLS and Liga MX that starts on July 26 and concludes with the final on Aug. 25. All 47 teams from the two leagues will participate, with three teams earning qualification to the 2025 Concacaf Champions League. Last year, the Quakes hosted Liga MX side Tigres UANL in a sold-out group stage match at PayPal Park. More information about the competition, including the draw for the group stage, will be announced later. 

The final stretch of the regular season entails eight games—an even four on the road and four in San Jose—culminating in the home finale at PayPal Park against Real Salt Lake on Oct. 5 (7:30 p.m. PT) and Decision Day away at LAFC’s BMO Stadium on Oct. 19 (6:00 p.m.). 

 

Single-game tickets will be available to the general public on Friday, Dec. 22, and are now available for current 2024 season ticket holders. Tickets for Levi’s® and Stanford will go on sale in January, with more information to be announced later. Fans interested in tickets for groups of 10 or more can find more information here, while those interested in purchasing 2024 season tickets can click here. 

 

The San Jose Earthquakes’ full 2024 regular season schedule is below: 

 

DATE	OPPONENT	TIME (PT)	VENUE	BROADCAST
Saturday, Feb. 24	at DAL	5:30 PM	Toyota Stadium	Apple TV
Saturday, Mar. 2	LA	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, Mar. 9	VAN	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, Mar. 16	at SKC	5:30 PM	Children’s Mercy Park	Apple TV
Saturday, Mar. 23	SEA	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, Mar. 30	at HOU	5:30 PM	Shell Energy Stadium	Apple TV
Saturday, Apr. 6	at ATX	5:30 PM	Q2 Stadium	Apple TV
Saturday, Apr. 13	COL	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Sunday, Apr. 21	at LA	4:00 PM	Dignity Health Sports Park	Apple TV/FS1
Saturday, Apr. 27	at NSH	5:30 PM	Geodis Park	Apple TV
Saturday, May 4	LAFC	4:30 PM	Levi's® Stadium	Apple TV
Saturday, May 11	at COL	6:30 PM	Dick’s Sporting Goods Park	Apple TV
Wednesday, May 15	at POR	7:30 PM	Providence Park	Apple TV
Saturday, May 18	ORL	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, May 25	ATX	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Friday, May 31	at NYCFC	4:30 PM	Yankee Stadium	Apple TV
Saturday, June 15	CIN	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Wednesday, June 19	POR	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, June 22	at LAFC	7:30 PM	BMO Stadium	Apple TV
Saturday, June 29	LA	7:30 PM	Stanford Stadium	Apple TV
Wednesday, July 3	at STL	5:30 PM	CITYPARK	Apple TV
Sunday, July 7	CHI	TBD	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, July 13	SKC	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Wednesday, July 17	HOU	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, July 20	at MIN	5:30 PM	Allianz Field	Apple TV
Saturday, Aug. 24	at RSL	6:30 PM	America First Field	Apple TV
Saturday, Aug. 31	MIN	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, Sep. 14	at VAN	TBD	BC Place	Apple TV
Wednesday, Sep. 18	at SEA	7:30 PM	Lumen Field	Apple TV
Saturday, Sep. 21	STL	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, Sep. 28	at MTL	4:30 PM	Stadium Saputo	Apple TV
Wednesday, Oct. 2	DAL	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, Oct. 5	RSL	7:30 PM	PayPal Park	Apple TV
Saturday, Oct. 19	at LAFC	6:00 PM	BMO Stadium	Apple TV

 

*Home matches in bold 

 

About Levi's® Stadium 

Named Sports Facility of the Year for 2015 by Sports Business Journal, Levi's® Stadium is home to the San Francisco 49ers and serves as one of the world’s most technologically advanced and sustainable sports and entertainment venue. The $1.2 billion venue consists of 1.85 million square feet and 68,500 seats, including 175 luxury suites and 9,000 club seats, and was designed by HNTB and built by Turner/Devcon for the Santa Clara Stadium Authority. It is a multi-purpose facility with flexibility that has allowed it to host a wide range of events – including international soccer, college football, ice hockey, motorsports, concerts and various civic events – since opening in 2014. The venue is also expandable for major events such as 2026 FIFA World Cup, WrestleMania 31, Super Bowl 50 and the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship Game. Levi's® Stadium is owned by the Santa Clara Stadium Authority, a public joint powers authority established to provide for development and operation of Levi's® Stadium to ensure the stadium serves the goals of the City of Santa Clara. For more information, go to LevisStadium.com.