Bay Padel Courts Set to Open in Downtown San Jose's Creekside Socials This Month

South Bay athletes and newcomers to padel alike will gain access to six professional-grade outdoor courts when Bay Padel soft opens its 28,000-square-foot venue on July 11. Located at 87 Barack Obama Blvd. in the Creekside Socials district, the facility sits steps from SAP Center and close to Diridon Station, placing it at the heart of an emerging sports and entertainment corridor.

The soft opening kicks off with a full day dedicated to the sport. Activities run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and include a tournament, live music, and introductory sessions designed for anyone curious about padel, one of the world's fastest-growing racket sports. Full court operations begin in September.

Players will enjoy more than matches. An outdoor warm-up area stands ready alongside a recovery lounge equipped for contrast therapy and compression boots. Luxury locker rooms feature cold plunges and saunas. On-site parking and a juice bar round out the offerings for a comfortable, complete visit.

This project forms part of the ongoing activation at Creekside Socials within the broader Downtown West area, now managed by Jamestown. Spark Social has secured a large space for its food truck operations, while Volo Sports brings pickleball, sand volleyball, and futsal to the SoFA District. These moves align with San Jose's Stitching Districts efforts to better connect downtown neighborhoods through vibrant public spaces and activities.

Bay Padel already operates clubs in San Francisco and Sunnyvale. The San Jose location extends that footprint and supports the city's push to become a premier destination for sports and recreation, especially in the Downtown West area by the SAP Center.

Source: SVBJ

Volo Sports Launches First Permanent Bay Area Location in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose has gained a new hub for social sports with the opening of Volo Sports at 300 S. 1st Street. The Baltimore-based company took over the Serpentine Pavilion and part of an adjacent parking lot, turning the former roller rink and food truck site into a 41,000-square-foot space for leagues and pickup games.

Club Volo offers pickleball, sand volleyball, futsal, and additional community programming. The five-year lease marks Volo’s first owned facility in the Bay Area after running leagues in rented spaces previously. The site opened with a launch event featuring Mayor Matt Mahan, free sports, live music, food, and giveaways.

The new location created about 55 jobs, mostly part-time roles that form the core of operations. Strong interest from the existing player base helped drive the decision to build out a dedicated space for play.

Volo targets adults between 18 and 40, with particular appeal to San Jose State University students, recent graduates, and downtown workers. Company teams have already formed for co-worker play, and the fenced facility with staffed hours provides a convenient after-work and weekend option.

Bookings for leagues and sessions can be made through Volo Sports directly or via on-site QR codes. Hours currently run weekdays from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., with potential expansion based on demand.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Secures a Professional Women’s Hockey League Franchise

San Jose has secured its place in the Professional Women’s Hockey League as the league’s 12th franchise. The announcement marks another step in the rapid growth of women’s professional hockey and positions the city as a key West Coast hub for the sport.

The new team will play its home games at SAP Center, the same venue undergoing a major renovation. This addition brings the PWHL to four West Coast teams, easing travel demands that have challenged existing clubs in Vancouver and Seattle.

All PWHL teams operate under TWG Global rather than local NHL ownership. The structure supports the league’s independent expansion while San Jose prepares to welcome players, staff, and fans in the coming seasons.

City leaders have linked the arrival of the team to broader plans for a sports and entertainment district in Downtown San Jose. Such developments aim to increase activity and economic vitality around the arena through mixed-use projects and improved fan experiences.

The combination of a new professional team, arena improvements, and district planning signals continued momentum for San Jose as a destination for sports and entertainment. Residents and visitors alike stand to benefit from the added energy these investments bring to the urban core.

Source: SVBJ

Ace Pickleball Club Opens Large Indoor Facility in San Jose

San Jose pickleball enthusiasts have a lot to be excited about with Ace Pickleball Club preparing to open a new expansive indoor facility. The 31,000-square-foot venue at 5502 Monterey Road will feature 11 courts and create 30 jobs when it launches between July and September.

Franchisee Bobby Singh selected the former Walmart space for its ideal spot next to City Sports and Altitude Trampoline Park. This grouping strengthened the area's reputation as a hub for experiential fitness that kept residents active and engaged.

The club operates on an open-play membership model. Players pay one monthly fee for unlimited access and benefited from video cameras that record highlight reels automatically. Sessions are organized by skill level so members simply showed up and join the action.

This development arrives right as pickleball maintains its position as the fastest-growing sport in the country. As a sidenote, new pickleball courts have also been added to Guadalupe River Park in Downtown San Jose.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose Earthquakes Elevate PayPal Park with Major Upgrades and Grateful Dead Jerseys

San Jose soccer supporters gain a vastly improved experience at PayPal Park this season. The club poured more than one million dollars into a full transformation of the Habbas Law Epicenter that unveiled on February 14. Rank + Rally expanded the team shop by an extra 1,500 square feet and quadrupled its overall size, giving fans far more room to browse merchandise and interact with products in comfort.

New matchday activities invite everyone to arrive early and linger longer. Speed shot, accuracy and passing challenges sit alongside three holes of Mini Foot Golf while the Scoreboard Bar keeps its title as the largest outdoor bar in North America. Fresh food stations now offer birria and chicken tinga nachos, deluxe sandwiches, rotating pizza options and more to fuel the pregame energy.

A special collaboration with the Grateful Dead brings authentic Bay Area spirit straight onto the pitch. The team designed custom Dead Kit jerseys that capture the band’s psychedelic style and honor its first-ever concert right here in San Jose. Players will wear these kits during at least four home games and several road matches, tying the club to local music history.

These enhancements position PayPal Park among the top destinations in Major League Soccer for families and longtime supporters.

Source: SVBJ

PayPal Park Expands Its Role with Regular Concert Nights in San Jose

You'll soon discover more opportunities to catch major live performances at PayPal Park. The San Jose City Council gave unanimous approval for the stadium to host up to 15 concerts each year. This decision locks in the venue’s future as an essential part of the city’s entertainment lineup.

Careful planning went into the approval. City officials established volume limits and reporting requirements that respond to neighborhood feedback. You can expect concerts to run between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. while maintaining respect for those living nearby.

The stadium delivered impressive results for the local economy. In 2024 events there produced $111 million in total economic impact and backed nearly 1,000 jobs. Concerts will amplify these benefits and bring more crowds to support Downtown San Jose businesses.

You also have big matches to look forward to at the park soon. The U.S. Women’s National Team will face Japan in a friendly. Fans will also see Cruz Azul take on Atlético Nacional. PayPal Park will additionally serve as a venue for early-round action in the 2028 Olympic soccer tournaments.

Source: SVBJ

USWNT Set to Face Japan at PayPal Park in April

San Jose welcomes the U.S. Women's National Team back to PayPal Park for an international friendly against Japan on April 11, 2026. The match kicks off at 2:30 p.m., marking the seventh time the USWNT has played at this venue where they hold a strong 5-1-0 record. This event continues a longstanding rivalry that began in 1986, with memorable clashes in world finals during the 2010s and a recent quarterfinal in the 2024 Olympics where the U.S. secured a 1-0 victory en route to gold.

The game holds special significance for the Bay Area, as many USWNT players past and present have deep connections to the region. San Jose hosted the team's first match in California back in 1997 at Spartan Stadium, resulting in a decisive win over England. Now, PayPal Park serves as a hub for high-profile soccer, having recently featured CONCACAF Men's Gold Cup matches last summer with teams like the United States, El Salvador, Honduras, and Curaçao.

Mayor Matt Mahan emphasizes how such occasions establish San Jose as a destination where people come together for distinctive experiences. The USWNT coach expresses admiration for Japan's skilled play and team identity, adding to the anticipation. Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere that showcases the city's vibrant sports scene.

To purchase tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/us-womens-national-team-v-japan-san-jose-california-04-11-2026/event/1C00643496628F1A

Source: SVBJ

Super Bowl 60 Brings Major Events to San Jose and the Bay Area

Super Bowl 60 arrives at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026, drawing attention to the region's blend of innovation and culture. The Bay Area Host Committee unveiled a series of activations designed to highlight the area's strengths as a host for global gatherings. With the game just months away, preparations ramp up to create memorable experiences for fans and locals alike.

San Jose takes center stage with Super Bowl Opening Night at the McEnery Convention Center on February 2, offering fans direct access to players from both teams. The city also organizes concerts, drone shows, and culinary highlights within walking distance of Downtown San Jose. Proximity to Levi's Stadium, just ten minutes from San Jose Mineta International Airport, makes the area a convenient hub for visitors.

Events spread across the Bay Area, with San Francisco hosting the Super Bowl Experience at Moscone Center North and South from February 3 to 7, the Pro Bowl Games on February 3, and the BAHC Live! San Francisco Fan Zone at Yerba Buena Gardens from February 3 to 7. Additional highlights include the NFL Culture Club at The Pearl from February 4 to 7, NFL Honors at Palace of Fine Arts on February 5, and the BAHC Super Bowl Innovation Summit at SFMOMA on February 6.

Partnerships with organizations like the East Bay Coalition, Visit Oakland, Visit Santa Cruz County, the San Francisco Peninsula, and Napa Valley Vintners ensure broad participation. The committee projects an economic impact between $370 million and $630 million, benefiting communities throughout the region.

The NFL Source program connects local businesses to opportunities such as catering, production, and vending tied to the game. This initiative focuses on creating lasting community benefits through networking and training.

San Jose's role in Super Bowl 60 fits into a packed 2026 schedule, including the NCAA Men's Basketball West Regionals and FIFA World Cup matches at Levi's Stadium. These events position the city as a prime destination for sports and entertainment.

For more information, visit https://www.sfbayareasuperbowl.com/

Giants Fanfest Tour

If you happen to be a Giants fan, they are doing a Fanfest Tour today at San Pedro Square in Downtown San Jose. You'll get to interact with players and coaches, get autographs, and take selfies with the World Series trophies. There will also be promotional items and face painting for kids. If you want to buy tickets, you'll be able to get them for 20% off at the event.

The Giants Fanfest Tour will run from 1-4pm today and you can park for free for 90 minutes in the parking garage facing San Pedro Square.

Soccer in San Jose

Visit San Jose has just released a video promoting soccer in San Jose. It's only 90 seconds long, and highlights tailgating, PayPal Park, and our awesome Earthquakes fanbase. Enjoy it embedded below.

20+ golf courses in San Jose

I had no idea this many golf courses existed in San Jose (actually the San Jose metro). SJtoday has a handy guide for any golfers out there. Surprisingly they missed my favorite San Jose minigolf spot, Urban Putt. However, for actual golf they have a very comprehensive list.

Source: SJtoday

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

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.

LOOPKICKS 20th Anniversary

I have to come clean and say I've never heard of LOOPKICKS or Tricking before this week. However, all you need to do is watch the 36 second video below to see exactly how crazy this new sport is. Tricking is a mix of combining kicks, flips, and twists. It was created in San Jose by 12-year-old Isiah Flores in 1999.

LOOPKICKS is the longest running tricking team, camp, and gathering. This year is their 20th anniversary and tomorrow, July 19, is their coveted Nightshow where they feature the best domestic and international trickers with battles, exhibitions and performances. 

The LOOPKICKS Nightshow starts at 7:30pm at 2790 El Camino Real in Santa Clara. Tickets are $10 at the door. There is also a whole weekend of classes and workshops over here.

Sky Zone is bringing indoor zip lines and climbing walls to West San Jose

A major indoor active entertainment space is coming to Westgate Center at 1600 Saratoga Avenue. Sky Zone will feature zip lines, trampolines, climbing walls, and drop zones inside a 34,800 SQFT anchor retail spot.

Kids will get to run, jump, and play in a safe environment. Some of the activities also include aerial dodgeball, basketball dunking, gladiator-style jousts, and free climbing. There is also a toddler zone for younger children.

There is still no ETA for when Sky Zone will open, but when it does it'll be a great addition for the many young families that live in Silicon Valley.

Source: The Mercury News

Culture Night Market today

The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy is hosting a Culture Night Market today right outside Little Italy in Downtown San Jose. The free event includes live music, a soccer tournament, a screening of Shrek (7:30pm-10pm), food trucks, and of course the vendors you would expect from a night market. It's going to be 77 degrees outside--perfect weather for an event like this.

The event is both kid and pet friendly and will run from 4pm-10pm at Arena Green East, 340 W. St. John St., San Jose, CA 95110.

San Jose's Tech CU Area will host a new MMA event series

Tech CU Arena is owned by the San Jose Sharks and home of the San Jose Barracuda. However, the newly expanded center is able to host a variety of events. A pair Bay Area combat sports veterans have chosen the location for a new series called FIGHT NIGHT AT THE TECH.

The first event takes place on Saturday, May 18th at 4pm. Tech CU Arena has a capacity of 4,200 and tickets start at $65. For more info head here.

Source: SVBJ

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