Sharks Finish Second in the NHL’s Offseason TikTok Race

Hard Rock Bet Canada scored every official NHL TikTok account from June 16 to September 14 and put the San Jose Sharks second in the league. Boston won the composite index at 78.0 after stacking 14 million views. San Jose landed at 65.6. The surprise was not the ranking so much as how the Teal got there.

The Sharks collected 4.3 million total views, fourth in the NHL behind Boston, Toronto, and Florida. What separated them was what happened after the play button. Their engagement rate hit 20.4 percent, the highest of any club in the study. Median views per video sat at 53,300. Chicago, Minnesota, and Carolina also posted strong interaction numbers. Montreal led the league in median views per post at 58,000. San Jose’s mix of reach and reply rate is what pushed a mid-pack view total into a top-two index score.

The index weighted five pieces: overall reach, content performance, fan engagement, shareability, and consistency, so a single lucky clip would not carry a team. Boston’s volume still won. San Jose’s comments, likes, and shares per viewer did more work per video. That tracks with a fanbase that spent the summer watching Macklin Celebrini, Will Smith, and the rest of a young core show up in short-form clips while Mike Grier added veterans and Ryan Warsofsky signed an extension.

The team’s own feed is @sanjosesharks. Tickets and the 2026-27 schedule are at https://www.nhl.com/sharks.

Aven Lands on Sharks Home Helmets Through 2028-29

The word Aven will sit on San Jose Sharks home helmets starting today against the Florida Panthers, the first night of a deal that runs through the 2028-29 season. The San Francisco fintech, which sells a credit card backed by home equity, also picked up branding at SAP Center, Sharks Ice at San Jose, team broadcasts and digital channels, and Sharks Foundation programs.

Sharks Sports & Entertainment president Jonathan Becher framed the pact to the Silicon Valley Business Journal as a working partnership rather than a logo rental. Aven spokesperson Rick Chen said the club’s audience lines up with the company’s target: Bay Area homeowners who might use a lower-rate card instead of a conventional one.

The timing is not accidental. After the second half of last season, Becher said broadcasts, social traffic, season-ticket memberships, and merch all moved up. Inbound partnership inquiries tripled versus a year earlier. Team deals now range from about $100,000 to more than $10 million a year. On the ice the club is selling a young core: Macklin Celebrini (NHL 27 cover athlete), Will Smith, Ivar Stenberg, and Michael Misa.

Source: SVBJ

SAP Center Puts the Letters Back Up as Phase One Wraps

The SAP Center letters are back on the south entrance, hung a little higher to clear a new digital display and the footprint of an expanded Sharks team store. That store is the headline of Phase One of the Teal Reimagination, a multi-year overhaul budgeted at about $425 million. Phase One itself cost just under $30 million and is scheduled to finish this fall.

Opening night is October 1 against the Florida Panthers. Fans walking in that week will find a new bar with eight points of sale at the top of the south-side escalators, a guest-experience kiosk shifted nearby, and Section 216 turned into a walk-through grab-and-go market with self-checkout. The team store above the south doors is slated for mid-November and will run about three times the size of the current shop. Jon Gustafson, the Sharks’ senior vice president, told the Silicon Valley Business Journal the retail upgrade is the biggest visible change of this first slice.

Phase Two starts in January 2027 with locker rooms and a premium lounge. After the 2026-27 season ends, the building is set to go dark for concerts through summer 2027 so the heavy structural work can happen without a mid-week show in the way. That phase is meant to be ready for the 2027-28 opener. Later chapters call for a reseated lower bowl that could add about 100 seats, more food-and-beverage points, restrooms, premium rooms, and new entries. About 90 percent of Sharks staff will move later this year to 450 W. Santa Clara Street so current arena offices can become home and visitor locker space.

Five or six phases remain on the table depending on costs. Perkins&Will designed the work. Renderings and updates live at https://www.tealreimagination.com. Tickets for October 1 are available at https://www.nhl.com/sharks.

Source: SVBJ

PWHL San Jose Gets a National TV Window Before Opening Night

The Professional Women’s Hockey League locked in its first full-season U.S. television deal with Scripps Sports, which means PWHL San Jose (now called the NorCal Rumble) will arrive at SAP Center already visible in more than 128 million households. ION will carry a Saturday Game of the Week. Scripps Sports Network, the free streaming channel on Roku, Prime Video, Tubi and similar platforms, will add two more national games each week. ION also keeps the Walter Cup Finals and one extra playoff series. Every game will still stream on YouTube and PWHL.com outside Canada.

That package matters here because the local team has not played a minute yet. The league announced San Jose on May 19 as the twelfth franchise and the first in California, part of a four-city expansion class with Detroit, Hamilton, and Las Vegas. Home ice is SAP Center. Practice ice is Sharks Ice. General manager and head coach Troy Ryan has begun signing the draft class; defender Laila Edwards, taken fourth overall in June, put pen to a three-year deal this month. Training camps open November 18. Regular-season puck drop is expected later this year, with the NHL calendar still dictating exact dates around the Sharks and the arena’s renovation work.

Season-ticket deposits of $50 per seat have been collecting since May, time-stamped for priority when packages go on sale. Single-game tickets have not dropped. A nickname is still pending; Hammerheads has been floated in public. What the TV deal buys in the meantime is a Saturday habit. A new club in a busy building cannot wait until the first faceoff to explain who it is. Three national windows a week give casual viewers a reason to find the logo before they find the box office.

San Jose already runs an NHL team, an AHL team, and one of the country’s larger youth hockey footprints. Adding a PWHL club makes the city the only U.S. market with all three rungs on the same civic ice. Interest forms and merch live at https://www.thepwhl.com/en/teams/san-jose.

Source: Silicon Valley Business Journal

Sharks Lock In Long-Term Headquarters Right Across from SAP Center

The San Jose Sharks just closed on a downtown building that cements their headquarters in the city’s urban core for decades ahead. An affiliate of the team paid Google $10 million in cash for the two-story, 22,100-square-foot property at 450 West Santa Clara Street. The site sits directly across from the SAP Center, where the team plays its home games.

This purchase frees up valuable space inside the arena itself. The Sharks can now accelerate upgrades such as modernized locker rooms and other improvements that enhance the experience for fans who fill the stands. A standalone corporate office nearby gives the organization room to operate while the arena transformation continues.

San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan welcomed the move as a clear signal of commitment. Google’s vice president of global real estate also voiced support, noting the company’s pride in having the Sharks as neighbors and its own ongoing investment in the city. The transaction shows how longstanding local institutions can partner to keep activity and investment centered in Downtown San Jose.

The building originally formed part of Google’s early assembly of parcels for the ambitious Downtown West neighborhood. Although that larger vision has paused, the Sharks’ prominent new headquarters will still help energize the streetscape. The location ties directly into surrounding efforts around Creekside Socials, the Guadalupe River Park, and the evolving Diridon Station district.

Source: SiliconValley.com

Arena Green Park Receives Major Makeover Next to SAP Center

Arena Green Park stepped up its role in Downtown San Jose after receiving a targeted refresh right beside SAP Center. The city directed $1.1 million into the project while the San Jose Sharks contributed $200,000 to help activate this key green space and strengthen connections across downtown neighborhoods.

Crews removed the abandoned carousel to create a versatile new event space and converted the tennis court into modern pickleball and multipurpose courts. They added upgraded lighting along the trails, improved pathways, and completed a thorough cleanup that drew more foot traffic and daily activity to the area.

Special accent lighting around the palm trees will glow teal whenever the Sharks score at the nearby Shark Tank. The detail turned the park into a natural extension of game nights and gave fans an even better experience on their way to and from events.

These upgrades formed part of a broader effort to link different sections of Downtown San Jose and encourage everyone to linger longer. Head over soon to see how the renewed park enhances the entire Downtown experience.

Source: SVBJ

The Teal Reimagination Elevates SAP Center in Downtown San Jose

SAP Center will be completely renovated, shaped by the Teal Reimagination project. The San Jose Sharks launched this multi-year $425 million transformation to turn the arena into a more connected and immersive destination that anchors Downtown San Jose as a true civic landmark.

There will be dramatic upgrades that improve every moment of a visit. The team store triples in size with immersive displays, smoother circulation for easier shopping, and more Sharks pride. Distinct atmospheres unfold level by level, delivering vibrant energy on the main concourse and refined intimacy in premium areas (primarily underground). There will be a new outdoor concourse and additional entrance into the SAP Center to help reduce crowding.

Premium offerings will set a new standard. Private Cove Suites provide concierge-level retreats for hosting without missing the action. The Captain’s Lounge delivers direct sightlines into the player tunnel while the First Line Lounge brings high-energy ice views with all-inclusive elevated food and beverage. Three unique clubs on the Premier Level will add layered comfort and hospitality tailored to your preferences.

One of the most impressive proposed features is the exterior of the Shark Tank will actually look like a tank. The Teal Reimagination ensures SAP Center welcomes fans and visitors with experiences that match the passion of the Teal faithful and support the city’s long-term vision.

Sharks Secure Future in San Jose with $425 Million SAP Center Revamp

San Jose has forged a landmark agreement with Sharks Sports & Entertainment to anchor the team at SAP Center through 2051, backed by a substantial $425 million investment in the venue. The city plans to contribute $325 million, while the Sharks cover the remaining $100 million plus any additional costs. This deal, set for city council review on August 26, positions the arena as a refreshed cornerstone for sports and events in the heart of Silicon Valley, drawing more visitors and strengthening community ties.

Over the next seven years, renovations will touch every aspect of the 32-year-old facility, from essential maintenance and architectural updates to enhanced food options, merchandise areas, and entertainment features. These changes aim to create smoother experiences for fans, whether attending games or concerts. The agreement also ensures ample parking, with at least 3,175 spaces within a third of a mile and double that within half a mile, making access straightforward for everyone.

Beyond the arena itself, the pact paves the way for an adjacent entertainment district on city-owned land, complete with retail shops, restaurants, hotels, and spaces for arts and culture. Due for detailed planning by September 1, 2027, this expansion builds on recent improvements like the Santa Clara Corridor upgrade and the new Sharks Way designation, turning the area into a lively hub for year-round activity.

A recent economic study reveals that Sharks-related events already generate $235 million in annual visitor spending, supporting 2,740 local jobs and injecting $113 million directly into residents' pockets. This infusion highlights the team's role in driving prosperity, with $163 million in direct impact and $72 million indirectly. As San Jose evolves, such initiatives amplify its appeal as a destination for world-class entertainment and economic vitality.

Penalties outlined in the agreement underscore mutual commitment: early departure by the Sharks could cost up to $549 million, while city shortfalls on payments might trigger up to $200 million in damages. These terms ensure stability, allowing families and fans to count on the Sharks as a fixture in the city's fabric for generations.

Source: SVBJ

Sharks Way

San Jose has long cherished its sports teams, with the San Jose Sharks holding a special place in the city's heart since their debut in 1991. This hockey team has woven itself into the fabric of the Bay Area, delivering thrilling moments and fostering a deep sense of pride among fans. Now, the city is celebrating this legacy by renaming a prominent stretch near the SAP Center as Sharks Way, a tribute that strengthens the bond between the team and Downtown San Jose.

The timing of this change aligns with San Jose’s efforts to secure the Sharks’ future here. City leaders, including Mayor Matt Mahan, are nearing a 25-year agreement to keep the team rooted in San Jose, pending City Council approval. This long-term commitment underscores the Sharks’ value as more than just a sports franchise; they’re a cornerstone of community spirit. Sharks Way symbolizes that dedication, promising a lasting impact on the city’s identity.

You can find Sharks Way at the corner of West St. John Street and North Almaden Boulevard.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

New Sushi Confidential sign gives a nod to the San Jose Sharks

Sushi Confidential is a popular Japanese restaurant in San Pedro Square. They have a new sign with an arrow saying "Sushi" pointing to the restaurant and another arrow saying "Sharks" pointing at the SAP Center a few blocks away.

Many people park in the San Pedro Square parking garage before walking to games and hang out in the area both before and after games. It's a subtle but thoughtful addition to the street honoring San Jose's most famous sports team.

Source: SharksJosh95

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.

San Jose Downtown Association TownHall at the SAP Center

The SJDA hosted a TownHall meeting focused on professional sports and arts in Downtown San Jose last month. It's worth watching the whole 60min session below, but there were three tidbits that were news to me:

• There is interest in doing another "fiberglass shark" artist collaboration. This was a very successful program years ago where 100 shark statues were decorated by local artists and then auctioned for charity. Many you can still find throughout San Jose today.
• There was a push to have a restaurant week coincide with the Super Bowl. Thousands of people will be staying in the South Bay, not SF during that week. We need to make sure they patronize local restaurants and this would be great timing for a foodie event.
• Postgame concerts after the World Cup. There will be six World Cup games at Levi's and plans are forming to have a major concert/party after each one in Downtown San Jose.

You can watch the full recording below.

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.

Second installation of Sharks mural in East San Jose

A new mural has been commissioned by the San Jose Sharks called "Recuerdos de Este" or "Memories of the East." The 35-foot mural is inspired by other East San Jose public art displays and is one of a seven-mural project sponsored by the Sharks Community Connections Project and Local Color.

You can find the colorful mural at the Latino Business Foundation at 1652 Alum Rock.

Source: SVBJ

The San Jose Barracuda and Tech CU Arena

The San Jose Sharks are our most famous pro sports team by far, but did you know that we have an AHL pro team as well called the San Jose Barracuda? They have their own 4,200-seat home called Tech CU Arena and it's attached to the largest ice facility in the United States (370,000 SQFT). It's one of only seven facilities in the US that operate at least six regulation NHL-sized ice rinks. It also happens to be the San Jose Shark's practice facility and is open to the public. You can sign up for non-pro ice hocky, broomball, curling, speed skating or just go for open ice skating. 

The San Jose Barracuda's Arena was part of a 200,000 SQFT expansion of Sharks Ice last year that also added two additional recreational sheets. 

For a look inside head over to the source link. For the San Jose Barracuda's schedule and tickets (an amazing value for a pro game), head over here. 

Source: SVBJ

New Shark mural by famous artist

The Modera apartment complex on the Alameda near Whole Foods now has one heck of a mural. The graffiti artist Nychos has brought his unique style to San Jose with a 100-foot long mural that shows the anatomy of a shark with the city in the background. It's an interesting and eye-catching design.

The project is called "Bleeding Teal" and was a collaboration between Empire Seven Studios in Japantown, Mighty, SAP, and Modera.

Source: SVBJ

Solar4America ice rink expansion

This is an old story, but is still worth sharing. The Solar4America ice rink where the San Jose Sharks practice, will be doubling in size over the next few years and will soon become the largest ice rink on the West Coast.

At 180,000 SQFT, the building is one of just eight facilities in the US to have at least four NHL regulation-sized ice rinks. The $150 million expansion would add a staggering 200,000 SQFT.

The new space would have an additional community rink, a competition rink for the San Jose Barracuda, and a new practice facility for the Sharks.

If everything goes well, then construction will begin at the start of 2020 and be complete by the end of 2021.

Source: Enterprise-Record

Searchlight San Jose: A bet, a beating, and a basket

Losing is never easy, especially when the prize is the Stanley Cup you and have to send the mayor of the winning city a basket of gifts. Long story short, Mayor Sam Liccardo had a friendly bet with Pittsburg Mayor, Bill Peduto. The mayor of the losing team would have to send over a basket of treats representing his city.

So what was in San Jose's basket? Schurra's Fine Confections, La Vic's Orange Sause, Greenlee's Bakery Best Cinnamon Bread, Gordon Biersch beer, Fruit cocktail (invented in San Jose), J. Lohr wine, and Chiaramonte's Sausage. These are all items made locally here in San Jose with the exception of the fruit cocktail. To see a full breakdown of each item, head over to Searchlight San Jose.

What do you think? Is there anything missing from the basket that would better represent San Jose?

San Jose District 3 New & Events

Sure, the Stanley Cup Final didn't go as expected. That still does not negate the positive branding benefits that we received thanks to the Shark's stellar performance this season. Raul Peralez--San Jose City Councilmember for District 3 (Downtown)--started his last newsletter with some thoughts on how San Jose's brand is changing for the better. I have included his statement in its entirety below, but recommend reading the whole newsletter over here. 

Sports and politics putting us in the spotlight.

Never before has the Bay Area and specifically San José been in the spotlight as much as it has in recent weeks. Holding strong as the tenth largest city in the Unites States, it has been difficult to receive the same level of national recognition as other major cities. Sitting in the shadow of one of the greatest tourist destinations in the world, we San Joséans have regularly described ourselves in geographical context with San Francisco. This year I believe we can finally begin to see ourselves emerging with our own identity and that means our own internationally news worthy moments, for better or for worse.

Starting with Super Bowl 50 in February, there began to be a sense of pride amongst city officials, staff and our partners. When the San José Sports Authority helped cement a downtown hotel as the official NFC team host and the SAP Center as the official opening night venue, there was a measurable buzz going around. Fast forward to this past week, downtown has now played host to three more internationally newsworthy and historical events.

A few weeks ago both Democratic presidential candidates, Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton made campaign stops in San José. Last Thursday night, while the Centennial of COPA America was having a kick off VIP celebration at our City Hall Rotunda, some San Joséans were helping to create national news with an inexcusable and disappointing display of violent protesting outside of the Trump rally at the McEnery Convention Center.

Friday afternoon, one of the greatest soccer players of all time was practicing at Spartan Stadium while fans were laying on the ground just trying to get a peek at him. Later that evening after the US National team lost to Colombia, downtown SubZero Festival guests could see lines of Colombia's visiting fans still donning their jerseys and patronized bars in the SoFA District.

On Saturday night the SAP Center hosted its first Stanley Cup Hockey game as our San José Sharks played their very first championship home game. The Sharks won the game with a spectacular overtime goal and created what may very well have been one of the single most prideful and exciting nights for San Josèans in a long time. The city had been shining teal all week with support pouring in from all over and after Saturday's win, the streets of downtown were flush with Sharks fans celebrating into the early morning.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention our friends to the Northeast, the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. Needless to say there are plenty of San José residents who are also enjoying the spectacular and historic run that this team is having. I'll note that the SAP Center kicked off the Warriors preseason this year by hosting a game here in San José and fans even received a fantastic Stephan Curry bobble head with him wearing a Sharks Jersey. For those who caught it you may have also noticed Marreese Speights wearing his own personalized Sharks jersey prior to his team's game 2 win on Sunday.

Tomorrow marks a very important day in both national and local politics and I know I will be very keenly focused on the results. To keep your sports fix going, have no fear, San José is gearing up to become Gymnastics City USA once again when we host the Women's Gymnastic Olympic Trials early next month. Our very own San José Earthquakes are still undefeated at home and the San José Giants continue to farm their talents to their Major league ball club in that little city to our North.

Thank you to every one of our downtown residents, businesses and community partners for making San José shine brighter into the future.

Go Sharks!
Raul

Game Six!

Let the rally continue!

On the fence in a desperate Game Five in Pittsburgh, the Sharks successfully staved off elimination, bringing the series back to San Jose to play their last game in front of the faithful fans this season.  A win today will force a Game Seven in Pittsburgh, this time with the momentum on the Sharks' side.

Goaltender Martin Jones' brilliant performance (who arguably has played a significant role in keeping the Sharks in the running), coupled with an extremely solid defensive core, kept the Sharks in the lead.  Jones made 44 saves in Game Five, some of which were deadly scoring chances that many thought would be goals.  While the Penguins lit up Jones with shots, the Sharks' strategy of ensuring quality shots has given them a lower shot count.  The Penguins have also been nothing short of amazing with their positioning as to block most of the Sharks' opportunities and to not allow any clear shots towards the net.

While the Penguins currently have the upper hand on the series lead, the Sharks have shown stronger play as a team with each progressive game this series as they learn from the Penguins' method of playing, matching speed with finesse, and blind shots with quality scoring chances.  The Sharks had plenty of scoring opportunities in Game Five (i.e. one-on-none on the goalie), but Penguins goaltender Murray found a way each time to keep his team in the running.  Converting more of these can tun these close games into more of a runaway.  (Remember Game Seven vs. the Predators in Round Two?)  Ardent observers of the game understand that while you need to be good to begin with, hockey really comes down to matching up playing styles, and the Sharks' lack of experience with playing a team like the Penguins hurt in the opening of the Stanley Cup Finals.

This undoubtedly has changed in the Sharks' favor as this series has unfolded.

There are several points of consideration I would like to mention that will keep the Sharks fans happy and force a Game Seven.  See below:

FIRST TO SCORE
The Sharks absolutely must be the first team to score.  While they demonstrated that - twice - in Game Five, it is equally important to not let up and allow the opposition to get two quick ones right back.  As the Sharks have shown this series that they have learned the Penguins' style of play to adapt to it (notice how the Penguins do not look as 'fast' as they did in Games One and Two?), they certainly will learn to "shut the gates" if they can throw one or two quick ones during the first period.

ELIMINATE THE PENS' OFFENSE
One notable point about this series is the lack of scoring by each team's best players.  Notice the lack of scoring by Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin (well, he did get one 'weak' one in Game Five), and Phil Kessel (invisible since Game One)?  Thank Marc-Edouard Vlasic and Justin Braun.  While Martin Jones' kudos is rightly earned, the Sharks' defensemen have been extremely hard at work, nullifying the team's most capable offensive producers.  (That explains why players like Vladimir Tarasenko from the Blues struggles to put points on the board.)

In addition to this, we must continue to position ourselves well to eliminate any potential scoring chance.  We have shown that we can do this, so let us continue on!

GET IN THEIR HEAD
This one is both for the fans and for the players.  We can watch the trash talk and videos of Joe Thornton messing with Sidney Crosby, but there is good reason why playing at home gives the home team a distinct advantage.  Even more so, players voted the SAP Center as the toughest place to play in the entire league (as evidenced by this video, where the two facilities determined as 'tougher' to play no longer exist).  In other words: NO EXCUSES!  Time to be loud!  Remember that hockey is a fast-paced game, and either team can certainly recover from any goal deficit, so keep the cheers coming!

STAY COOL AND COLLECTED
Sharks hockey, when they are playing well, is like watching some kind of art form.  Joe Thornton is arguably one of the best passers - ever - in the NHL, and watching him set up teammates is quite fun to watch.  Now that we know Joe Thornton can shoot as well, we are seeing far more scoring from any line he is on.  It seems now Thornton is not the only one who can pass well, with the likes of Tomas Hertl, and setting up scorers like Joonas Donskoi and Joel Ward.  While it is natural to have the Stanley Cup Final jitters, the Sharks need to relax and play like they can, because when they are indeed "cool and collected," it is quite beautiful to watch; not only what the team can do with the puck, but how the puck beautifully enters the opposing net.

BIG GUNS A-BLAZIN'
We saw Brent Burns score in Game Five (the first time this series) and add on a couple of extra exciting scoring chances.  Joe Pavelski, despite getting his only goal on an empty netter, looked quite good as well.  The Sharks' prominent offense is waking up, and it does not seem like it will slow down through the rest of the series.  If they can keep this all up, a forced Game Seven seems all too within reach.

Along with many other diehard fans, I will be in attendance tonight.  It is going to be a fun one!

GO SHARKS!