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

Levi's Stadium is hosting Super Bowl 60

Our neighbors at Santa Clara will once again be hosting the Super Bowl in 2026. Only two other Super Bowls have been hosted in the Bay Area. Super bowl 19 where the 49ers beat the Miami Dolphins at Stanford Stadium and Super Bowl 50, Levi's Stadium first Super Bowl. 

2026 is going to be a huge year for Levi's Stadium as they will also be hosting FIFA World Cup matches. The 49ers are planning to borrow $125 million from the NFL for stadium upgrades to prepare for these big events.

The biggest winner of Super Bowl LX (60) is likely going to be San Jose. There will be a huge economic boost including events, hotel bookings, and visitors flying into SJC. These will come without any sort of subsidy, liability, or major risks which will mostly be shouldered by Santa Clara (there is a lot of economic upside for them as well). 

Given the current issues San Francisco is facing with crime, homelessness, and the general logistics of it being an hour or two away with traffic--I think San Jose will end up with more of the planned events surrounding the Super Bowl than the last time around. 

Source: SVBJ

100 Things To Do In San Jose Before You Die - 2nd Edition

Welcome to the blog post that has stayed in "draft" the longest. I started writing this right as COVID had just started to spread and decided to table it until the pandemic was over. Then last year, life got crazy... so this has been in draft for over three years!

Five Eight years ago I read the first edition of Susannah Greenwood's "100 Things To Do in San Jose Before You Die." As a hardcore San Jose aficionado, I was shocked (and delighted) that I had only done 54 out of the 100 things to do in the book. There is so much to do and see in San Jose.

25% of the entries on the second edition are new, and the rest have been updates with extended tips. I have used the book as sort of a checklist to see how many I can do. The answer is 52. In the 2nd Edition I have been able to do 52/100.

Some of the new entries include:

• Hiking Mount Umunhum
• Having a picnic at the Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
• Bike, Blade, and Board at Viva CalleSJ
• Letting your taste buds travel with a Little Ethiopian in Little Ethiopia
• Indulge at Adega (I think this will be updated for the 3rd Edition)
• Pair farm-fresh food with gorgeous valley views at the Mount Hamilton GrandView Restaurant
• Celebrating the geekiest week of the year with Star Wars Day and Free Comic Book Day

...and many, many more. It's a great book and still very relevant, especially if you want to get the most out of the beautiful place where you live and uncover as many hidden gems and fun attractions as possible in your own home. San Jose is one of the most underrated cities in the United States, and this book will help explain why.

If I haven't been super clear, I highly recommend the 2nd edition (even if you have the first). You can get the book in paperback or Kindle form over here.

"In sitting down to revise the book, I thought a lot about San Jose, how it has and continues to change, as well as what a successful travel experience for me personally constitutes. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to 6 continents and I examined what my favorite places were and why they ranked so. Certainly natural beauty, history, cultural offerings and great weather all play a part in connecting one to a destination and creating a positive travel memory, but what it really comes down to for me, are the people. That is the x factor. The people you meet, at least in my experience, can leave as much of a lasting impression in many cases as the food or the views or the activities you engage in. The people you meet have the power to transform a moment into a story and create a shared experience that extends its impact well after you’ve returned home. In short; conversations create connection and that connection is ripe for the picking in San Jose.

They say it’s not about the destination - it’s the journey, but I think San Jose truly proves they’re both very much intertwined. The featured places and events in the book were especially selected to not only represent our culture and highlight our tremendous natural landscape, but to underscore our strong sense of community. Each of the entries certainly qualifies as a stand-alone adventure, but each of them also strives to put the participant directly in the path of our cities most magical asset; San Joseans. These are the places you’re most likely to strike up that all important conversation with the most passionate and knowledgeable secret tour guides, each genuinely eager to enhance and elevate your experience with additional history, tidbits, and previously undocumented advice. It’s less of a guide to physical places perhaps as it is a curation of potential conversations by which one can better understand and enjoy our awesome City.

Whether you're a first time visitor to this biggest little city in the heart of Silicon Valley, a regular traveler to the area, or a local this 2nd edition is a great catalyst to exploring what makes San Jose tick and getting to know the authentic San Jose." -Susannah Greenwood

San Jose is getting a new pro-sports team!

Soccer continues to get more and more popular in the US. In fact, the US has won the past two women's World Cups and are off to a great start this year.

Bay FC will call San Jose home during the inaugural season of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in 2024. They'll be sharing PayPal Park with the San Jose Earthquakes.

Bay FC will invest more than $3M in a 3,600 SQFT facility adjacent to the stadium for the team's locker room, offices, and training facilities.

Stadium capacity is 18,000 and PayPal park has the largest outdoor bar in North America, a 2-acre fan zone, and a variety of suites and club seats. It's easily one of the nicest soccer-specific stadiums in the US.

For tickets to the inaugural season and to learn more, check out the Bay FC website over here. I'll also permanently add a link to the right under Pro Sports teams.

San Jose could get a cricket stadium

American Cricket Enterprises is working with Santa Clara County to design and seek approval for a state-of-the-art cricket stadium on a 14-acre part of the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Cricket is the 2nd most popular sport in the world with 2.6 billion fans.

The stadium would cost around $50 million and have capacity for 6,000-8,000 people, with the potential to expand to 15,000 with temporary seating. It could also be used for concerts and other events.

Eventually Major League Cricket plans to have at least six stadiums in the US with capacity between 6,000-12,000 attendees. The Bay Area is a natural choice for one of those as 20% of the turf wicket grounds in the US where people practice cricket are here.

Source: Hoodline

Urban Putt and Unofficial Logging coming to Paseo Project in Downtown San Jose

Paseo is getting more the super cool looking bar "Eos & Nyx" mentioned yesterday. Also planned is a 13,300 SQFT Urban Putt miniature golf course a 6,800 SQFT ax-throwing and restaurant space called Unofficial Logging.

Below is one of the first renders of Urban Putt. As far as I can remember, this will be the first miniature golf place in Downtown San Jose. As for Ax-throwing... well, that is starting to get pretty popular. We already have Axe-Men on 14 South Second and AxeVentures just outside Downtown. 

This will be Unofficial Logging's 2nd locations, with the first being in Bend, Oregon. Urban Putt has two other locations: San Francisco and Denver.

Source: Silicon Valley Joe from the San Jose Development Forum

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

p1440 Announces San Jose Music Lineup

- Foster the People, Grouplove, Daya, Marian Hill and Magic Giant to perform at three-time Olympic gold medalist, Kerri Walsh Jennings’ inaugural p1440 event in San Jose, Sept. 28 – 30, 2018 -

SAN DIEGO (August 16, 2018) – Professional beach volleyball player and three-time Olympic gold medalist, Kerri Walsh Jennings’ event series, p1440, announces its p1440 San Jose weekend music lineup for Sept. 28 – 30, featuring Foster the People, Grouplove, Daya, Marian Hill and Magic Giant. The five music acts will perform at the inaugural p1440 San Jose event at the Avaya Stadium grounds. In addition to the live music performances, the three-day event will also feature a professional beach volleyball tournament with the best athletes from around the world, a health & wellness village and development experiences.

“We are so excited to announce such an extremely talented and fun music lineup for our p1440 San Jose event,” said Walsh Jennings, co-founder of p1440. “The p1440 event series was founded upon four pillars—competition, development, health & wellness and entertainment, and each of these pillars will come to life in a powerful way at each event stop. These music acts are an amazing reflection of our entertainment pillar and will help ensure that our fans and guests have an amazing ending to their days spent with us! It’ll be a weekend full of experiences they will never forget and we hope everyone leaves inspired and equipped to live the p1440 lifestyle beyond the weekend and into their daily lives.” 

The music lineup for p1440 San Jose features:

Foster The People—Founded in 2009, the popular alternative rock band is most well known for its #1 hit single “Pumped Up Kicks,” from its debut album, “Torches,” which was declared “the year’s anthem” in 2011 by SPIN. Foster the People garnered three Grammy nominations for its monumental debut, including Best Alternative Album, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for “Pumped Up Kicks” and Best Short Form Music Video for “Houdini.” The band’s current single, “Sit Next To Me,” recently debuted on the Top 40 airplay chart.

Grouplove—The Los Angeles-based band was founded in 2009 and has quickly become one of music’s most exhilarating young acts. Grouplove’s album, “NEVER TRUST A HAPPY SONG” arrived in 2011, making a stellar chart debut among the Top 5 on Billboard’s “Heatseekers” album chart for new and developing acts. “Tongue Tied,” the second single from “NEVER TRUST A HAPPY SONG,” proved an even greater success, earning RIAA platinum certification for sales in excess of one million while spending three consecutive weeks at #1 on the Alternative airplay chart.

Daya—Since making her debut with 2016’s double-platinum “Hide Away,” the 19-year-old singer/songwriter won her first ever Grammy for her smash collaboration with The Chainsmokers “Don’t Let Me Down,” released a gold-certified album, and headlined a national tour. In 2017, Daya emerged as the youngest honoree on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 music list. Daya is set to deliver a sophomore album that finally shows the full depth of her talent and scope of her artistry.

Marian Hill—This multi-talented duo, Jeremy Lloyd and Samantha Gongol, have been collaborating since they were in high school. In 2013, after recording their first EP, “Play,” in a bedroom, Marian Hill amassed millions of plays on various platforms, sold out shows across the country and were featured in high profile commercials. They signed to Republic Records in early 2015 and settled in to write and record their debut album over the course of the following year with a plan to push their unique sound to its fullest potential.

Magic Giant—This Los Angeles-based band released their debut album, “In The Wind,” in 2017 and have since been named one of the “Artists You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone. The trio’s initial single “Set on Fire” broke the Top 25 on Billboard’s U.S. Alternative chart and their second single, “Window” debuted on the Hot AC Top 50. At their live shows, Magic Giant’s upbeat, energetic sound inspires the crowd to get up and dance along to the music.

Daily line-up schedule is below:

Friday, Sept. 28| Grouplove and Daya

Saturday, Sept. 29| Foster the People and Marian Hill

Sunday, Sept. 30| Magic Giant

p1440 San Jose tickets are now on-sale at p1440sanjose.eventbrite.com. 

Weekend passes start at $80 for adults and $40 for youth under 12 years old. Single day tickets start at $40 for adults and $20 for youth under 12 years old. Kids three years and under are complimentary. Ticket prices will increase as the event approaches. 

To purchase tickets and stay up-to-date with p1440 San Jose, visit here.

Following the p1440 San Jose event, the inaugural p1440 season will travel to Las Vegas, San Diego and Huntington Beach in 2018 with four additional events in 2019 to round out its inaugural year.

To become a part of the #1440Movement, visit, www.p1440.com, or follow p1440 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @platform1440.

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About p1440

p1440 was created from the vision of three-time Olympic gold medalist and one-time Olympic bronze medalist, Kerri Walsh Jennings, and husband Casey Jennings’ way of life: to live every minute of the day with purpose—all 1,440 of them. p1440 is an event series encompassing a professional beach volleyball tournament, personal development experiences, live music performances and a health & wellness village, mirrored by a powerful digital community that will provide inspiration and resources to live life fully. It is a movement that goes beyond the lines in the sand, encouraging all to live the p1440 lifestyle regardless of age, gender, profession or geographic location. p1440 was founded upon four pillars: Competition, Development, Health & Wellness and Entertainment. Through the event series and the digital community, p1440 will elevate the sport of beach volleyball, provide a credible platform for aspiring and professional athletes, grow the volleyball audience and become the leading resource for individuals to live a life full of intention. To become a part of the #1440Movement, visit www.p1440.com or follow p1440 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @platform1440.

Attachments area

Topgolf breaking ground in Alviso

Later this year, Topgolf will begin construction on their first Bay Area location. Topgolf is the Dave&Busters of driving ranges and has 41 locations nationwide (only one in California). The San Jose venue will have a three-story driving range with 120 hitting bays, each of which can accommodate six people. Each golf ball has a microchip that can score each golfer--turning it into more of a video game than a traditional range. 

Most Topgolfs are open until midnight during the week and 2am on the weekend. This would provide another much-needed late-night entertainment option for North San Jose and Aliviso. Of course there will be a high-end lounge, one or more restaurants, and several bars onsite. To put the size of the project in perspective, it will employ about 500 people and entertain 450,000+ guests each year.

In addition to the Topgolf, the overall development site will also have a 200-room hotel and 119,000 SQFT of retail. The project is being proposed without subsidies and would bring even more tax dollars to San Jose coffers. It's not clear how long it will take to build, but an opening by the end of 2020 would be a safe bet if there are no roadblocks.

Source: SVBJ

Super Bowl Watch Party at Bourbon Steak & Pub

What better place to watch the big game than at the location of Super Bowl 50? Michael Mina's Bourbon Steak & Pub will be transformed into a special culinary extravaganza on February 4th from 11am to 9pm.

The $49/person all-inclusive menu highlights items from the restaurant's new BBQ smoker, including Allen Brothers beef brisket, baby back ribs, and BBQ chicken spicy sausage links. There are also vegetarian-friendly options like marinated portabella mushrooms, braised greens, mac 'n cheese, potato salad, backed beans, and brussel cole slaw--not to mention plenty of desserts like Michael Mina's signature cookies.

Tickets are available over here.

What Up! Silicon Valley Podcast

I just found out about a killer weekly podcast that is mostly focused on San Jose and the South Bay. Sam Kabert and Sergio Oliveri started the podcast at the beginning of this year and they just released their 32nd episode. Topics include local businesses, networking, events, and sports. Most of the episodes are 30-40 minutes long and feature interviews with the movers and shakers of Silicon Valley. I would recommend starting with "Podcast 25: Top 10 Moments!" to get a feel for the podcast (embedded below).

You can learn more about What Up! Silicon Valley at the official website over here. Subscription options include iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or Soundcloud. I also added a permalink under San Jose culture to the right.

Awesome job Sam and Sergio, thanks for putting this together for the Silicon Valley community!

San Jose 408K "Race to the Row" takes place this weekend

If you are still burning off some of those holiday calories like I am, one of San Jose's most popular 8k runs takes place this weekend. Now in its 6th year, "Race to the Row" begins in Downtown San Jose at the SAP Center and finishes at Santana Row. Along the way there are special areas highlighting various foundations and San Jose culture, including the Joe Bell Memorial Mile, the Mariachi Mile, a Low-Rider car show, and San Jose's finest. Proceeds from the race benefit the Pat Tillman Foundation.

For more details and to register, head over to the San Jose 408k webpage.

THE SAN JOSE 408K CELEBRATES SIX YEARS OF LOCAL CULTURE
PAT TILLMAN FOUNDATION, MARIACHI MILE, & JOE BELL MEMORIAL RETURN

San Jose, Calif. -- 3/1/17 – The San Jose 408k “Race to the Row” Benefitting the Pat Tillman Foundation celebrates its 6th annual running this Sunday, March 5th.  From start to finish, the 8k run/walk in the 408 area codes has quickly become one of the most authentically local running events.

“Six years ago our wildest dream was to create race a big race that highlighted the culture and lifestyle in San Jose, while also benefiting a community connected cause. Over half a decade later, not only are we doing that in San Jose, but through out the San Francisco Bay Area,” said J.T. Service, San Jose 408k and Represent Running founder.

That guiding mission came from early race staples such as the Mariachi Mile, and using low-rider cars for lead vehicles on course, to the single most memorable moment in the race’s history – WWII Army vet Joe Bell cheering on the runners as they passed by his house which turned into a national story.

Mr. Bell’s passing prior to the 2015 event prompted the event to enact the Joe Bell Memorial Mile, a section of the course dedicated to honoring United States service members and now expanded to include all first responders.

The Memorial Mile will be located during the 4th mile of the 8k run. It will begin at Garden and Emory St. near the San Jose Rose Garden and continue down Emory to Bascom Ave. Residents of the neighborhood within Memorial Mile will be provided with American flags to place along the course. Veterans and active military groups or individuals interested in participating are encouraged to contact race organizers at info@representrunning.com

Another inspiring story includes two San Jose 408k runners will also honor the memories of SGT Scott Lunger (Hayward Police Department) and Officer Jeffery Fontana (San Jose Police Department) by carrying and crossing the finish line with American flags courtesy of the Flags 4 Fallen Foundation.

All participants receive a low-rider themed finishers medal, exclusive Cukui designed participant shirt, Santana Row after party and an outpouring of love from the people of San Jose.  All local companies are encouraged to participant in the Amazon Healthy Co. Challenge.

To register or to receive more information on the Memorial Mile and San Jose 408k “Race to the Row” please visit www.run408k.com.


About the San Jose 408k Race to the Row
The San Jose 408k “Race to the Row” is an 8k run from SAP Center in San Jose to Santana Row. The 6th Annual event expects over 6,000 local runners, celebrates the Pat Tillman Foundation as its Official Charity, and calls San Jose home. On the course runners enjoy a low-rider car show, Joe Bell Memorial Mile, and final Mariachi Mile with live Mariachi bands. The 408k is part of a Bay Area wide series called the Run the Bay Challenge including the Across the Bay 12k and the East Bay 5k & 510k.  More info at www.run408k.com and www.representrunning.com

About the Pat Tillman Foundation 
In 2002, Pat Tillman proudly put his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals on hold to serve his country. Family and friends established the Pat Tillman Foundation following Pat’s death in April 2004 while serving with the 75th Ranger Regiment in Afghanistan. Created to honor Pat’s legacy of leadership and service, the Pat Tillman Foundation invests in military veterans and their spouses through academic scholarships–building a diverse community of leaders committed to service to others. For more information on the Pat Tillman Foundation and the impact of the Tillman Scholars, visit www.PatTillmanFoundation.org.

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New Topgolf Shopping Center Renderings

A handful of new renders for the proposed Topgolf in Alviso have been released. Topgolf is the Dave & Busters of driving ranges. They are popular entertainment destinations with 20 locations across the US (the only other Topgolf location in California is near Sacramento). The San Jose Topgolf would be part of a 100,000 SQFT retail project that includes a new 200-room hotel. The center would be very close to @First and Levi's Stadium and might even encourage a few residents a visitors to explore Alviso, a mostly forgotten yet very interesting and unique part of San Jose.

Source: gillynova from the San Jose Development Forum

 

World Cup qualifying match coming to San Jose in March

On March 24th, the US Men's National Team will face off with Honduras in Avaya Stadium for a shot at the 2018 World Cup. The US lost its first two qualifying games, so it is pretty much do or die for the team. It should be a great game and it's a huge honor for San Jose to host it.

Source: SVBJ

Saturday Stats: Rents are higher near the Shark Tank

There is a sometimes controversial theory that sports venues increase property values around them. A recent RentCafe study adds some legs to the connection. Based on their analysis, rents are on average 27% higher within a 2-mile radius of NHL arenas. San Jose in particular has 18% higher rents within this radius than the rest of the city.

This is not always the case. For example, rents are a 31% less near the Oakland Coliseum based on a similar study for NFL teams (Levi's Stadium shows up as 9% higher rent). For more info, hit the source link.

Source: RentCafe

SJSU breaks ground on $10.2 million golf complex

Last week San Jose State University broke ground on its first on-campus training facility for golf. The world-class complex is across the street from Spartan Stadium and will be used for both men and women's golf teams. It will certainly help SJSU's student athletes get a leg up on the competition, especially since it can accommodate a large number of people. It will have hitting positions for 80 golfers, two large "tour-quality" putting greens, three bunkers, and two chipping greens.

The whole project was funded by private giving, including a $5 million gift from Rich and Cindy Thawly (alumni entrepreneurs and finance industry executives). The golf complex is expected to be complete by this December.

Source: SJSU

San Jose will host the 2016 MLS All-Star game

On July 28th, the MLS All-Stars will take on Arsenal FC at Avaya Stadium. Arsenal's draw is huge--people from around the world will be coming to see the team play. The best part is that the event will bring a whole week's worth of events that include parties at San Pedro Square to celebrate soccer and the MLS. It is expected to be a significant economic driver for San Jose.

This will be the Arsenal's first visit to play in the Bay Area. For more information hit the source link below.

Source: MLS

San Liccardo and Jim Plunkett Welcome Super Bowl Fans

Team San Jose has created a short video with our mayor and San Jose-native Jim Plunkett. Stay tuned over the next week for more info on all the great San Jose events happening during Super Bowl week.

San Jose Pavilion Coming to Super Bowl City

It is extremely rare that I post about an event happening in San Francisco, but this deserves a mention. "Super Bowl City" is a village for football fans that is being setup on Market Street between Main and Spear Streets in SF from January 30th through February 7th. San Jose is actually going to get its own pavilion in the village, which will showcase attractions and activities that are only found in San Jose. This might be the first time I've heard about San Jose getting promoted at a major event like this up north--expected attendance is in the hundreds of thousands.

For more details, you can read the full press release below. If you plan on staying local, there are many Super Bowl events happening in Downtown San Jose.

San José knows the way to Super Bowl City
San José Pavilion a must-do stop at San Francisco-based fan village during Game Week

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Today, the City of San José and Team San Jose announced that, during Game Week, the free-to-the-public fan village will include the San José Pavilion, a cultural space showcasing attractions and activities found only in San José.

“San José is home to a number of world-class attractions and a truly unique innovative spirit,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo. “This is a great opportunity for Super Bowl visitors, and other Bay Area residents, to explore many of the things that make San José such a great place to live, work and play.”

Super Bowl City presented by Verizon is open from Saturday, Jan. 30 through Sunday, Feb. 7, 2016. The pavilion is located on Market Street between Main and Spear Streets in San Francisco.

“San Jose’s presence in Super Bowl City is a tremendous opportunity to promote our destination to visiting fans and locals who may not know all that our city has to offer,” said Team San Jose CEO Karolyn Kirchgesler.

Activations in the San José Pavilion will include local cultural treasures, city concierges, hackathons, innovation stations, robot wars, and more. Programming for San José’s presence in Super Bowl City is produced by Team San Jose, San José’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Super Bowl 50 provides us with an opportunity to shine a light on the entire region,” said Keith Bruce, CEO of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee. “We’re excited for the City of San Jose and Team San Jose to join us in Super Bowl City and celebrate the festivities with fans from around the world.”

Super Bowl City presented by Verizon is the Host Committee’s fan village designed to celebrate the milestone Super Bowl 50 and to highlight its unique place in the Bay Area.

For the latest information on Game Week happenings in San José, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/SB50

About Team San Jose
Team San Jose (TSJ) is an innovative partnership unifying the San Jose Convention and Visitors Bureau, hotels, arts, labor and venues to deliver an exceptional visitor experience. TSJ manages the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, California Theatre, Center for the Performing Arts, City National Civic, Montgomery Theater, Parkside Hall, and South Hall. For more information, visit www.sanjose.org.

About San José Office of Economic Development
The San José Office of Economic Development is committed to a vital, competitive local economy that increases prosperity for people and companies. OED guides economic strategy, provides assistance for business success, connects employers with trained workers, and provides arts and cultural resources to our community. For more information, visit www.sjeconomy.com and follow us on Twitter: @sjeconomy, #sjplace.

About the City of San José
From its founding in 1777 as California's first city, San José has been a leader, driven by its spirit of innovation. Today, San José is the largest city in Northern California and the Capital of Silicon Valley—the world's leading center of innovation. The city, the 10th largest in the U.S., is committed to remaining a top-ranked place to do business, to work and to live. For more information, visit www.sanjoseca.gov.

Topgolf Considering San Jose for first Bay Area Location

Topgolf is like a collision between a driving range and a Dave & Busters. They have 20 locations across the US, which are huge regional entertainment draws and can command multi-hour wait times to get in. Each location typically has a high-tech three story driving range, multiple restaurants and bars, and business centers for corporate events. The balls have embedded micro-chips that let you know how close you came to hitting various targets on the field. Players are scored based on accuracy and distance. The experience is closer to a trendy bowling alley than a traditional driving range.

The location that Topgolf is eyeing is Pin High Golf Center in Alviso. The project could be part of a new retail center that would include up to 100,000 SQFT of retail and a 200-room hotel. This area is just down the street from the @First Shopping Center and around a mile away from Levi's Stadium and Santa Clara's planned shopping and entertainment center. Not only would it help capitalize on events happening in Santa Clara, but it would help service North San Jose where retail is still scarce.

The only other planned California Topgolf location so far is in Sacramento, and that will open in November 2016.

Source: SVBJ