MLS
Stadium Guide
·
San Jose, CA
Opened
2015
Capacity of
18,000
Best way there
Tickets
Mobile only, via Tixr
Paper tickets and PDFs aren't accepted.
Arrive by
Gates open 2 hrs early
Parking opens 3 hrs before kickoff.
Bag policy
Clear bags up to 14" × 14" × 6"
Drawstring bags that size and 4.5" × 6.5" clutches are OK too.
Food & water
Yes: small snacks and sealed water
Snacks in a clear bag. One sealed bottle up to 32 oz.
Parking
$10–$20
On-site PayPal Park lots.
Nearest airport
San Jose (SJC) · 4 mi
About 10 min by car.
Best value seats
Upper midfield sections
They offer a clean elevated view of the full pitch.
PayPal Park in San Jose is the Earthquakes' soccer-specific home near Mineta San Jose International Airport. It opened in 2015, holds around 18,000 fans, and was designed as a purpose-built soccer venue with decent sightlines and a supportive environment for the supporter sections behind the goals.
The location near the airport is accessible via VTA light rail, with the Metro/Airport stop a manageable walk or shuttle ride from the stadium. The surrounding area is industrial rather than a walkable neighborhood, so the focus is on the match itself rather than a broader pregame experience. The Earthquakes have one of the older supporter cultures in American soccer, and their home section creates a solid atmosphere for a mid-sized venue.
SJC is just 4 miles from PayPal Park, with rideshare at $12-20. VTA light rail connects SJC to downtown San Jose, but rideshare or car is easiest to the stadium.
ADA spaces are throughout the on-site lots. Accessible drop-off is near the main entrance. Accommodations: sjearthquakes.com.
Extensive, affordable on-site lots. This is mainly a drive-in venue. Pre-purchase online for the best rates on sold-out days.
Supporter groups (Ultras San Jose, Casbah Brigade) gather in the stadium lots before matches. Check supporter social channels for events.
VTA light rail serves downtown San Jose, with a 15-minute walk to PayPal Park from the nearest stops. Most fans drive. Routes and match-day service at vta.org.
PayPal Park is in a commercial/industrial area of North San Jose with no walkable neighborhood. Drive or take rideshare.
Bike parking is at the stadium. The Guadalupe River Trail connects from downtown San Jose and surrounding neighborhoods.
One sealed plastic water bottle, 32 oz max.
Only small individual snacks in clear plastic bags, plus medically needed food.
Exceptions for small children and specific allergies, dietary or medical needs. Text Guest Experience at 408-909-GOAL.
No large outside food (hoagies, fast food, bags of chips, etc).
Allowed:
Prohibited: large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, luggage, computer bags or anything over the size limit.
Bag check is on the east side.
Diaper bags and medically necessary items are excepted.
PayPal Park is a soccer-specific venue that opened in 2008. Lower midfield sits close to the touchline with clean views. Ultras San Jose lead a dedicated supporter culture.
Upper midfield gives a solid overhead view at a lower price. The compact design keeps it close to the action.
Ultras San Jose bring steady atmosphere to the south end, but the view from the end goal is limited. Corners are similarly restricted. Choose midfield, lower or upper.
The stadium runs roughly north-south. East side stands face west and get more sun for evening kickoffs. The west side shades earlier. San Jose is warmer and sunnier than Oracle Park's foggy conditions, so wear sunscreen on the east side.
PayPal Park is open-air. Summer afternoons can be warm but rarely oppressive, and evenings cool down. Spring and fall are mild. Rain is infrequent.
Main Concourse - Bay Area coffee chain brewing individual pour-over-style cups. The Mint Mojito iced coffee has a following.
Section 112 - Napa Valley burgers and milkshakes. Get the cheeseburger with garlic fries.
Throughout the Stadium - San Jose's own craft brewery, with a rotating tap list.
Supporter groups gather near PayPal Park in San Jose before home matches. Check Earthquakes supporter group social media for current pre-match tailgate locations and times.
The San Jose Ultras organize a March to the Match before home games, typically about 40 minutes before kickoff, following their pre-match tailgate.
San Jose Earthquakes' supporter groups — including the Ultras San Jose and Capos — use sections 117–118 and the Supporters Terrace at PayPal Park. One of MLS's founding clubs, the Quakes have a supporter tradition stretching back to the league's inaugural season in 1996. Standing and chanting throughout the match is the expectation. Non-Earthquakes apparel is not permitted in the supporter sections.
The San Jose Ultras keep a full song catalog on their website — sanjoseultras.com/songs.
The Epi-Center Fan Zone, two acres of grass behind the scoreboard, has food trucks, entertainment and space for kids to play. It is the best pre-match family spot.
Important: No strollers inside PayPal Park. Store them free at the bag check trailer outside the Main Gate on Earthquakes Way.
Nursing: Mamava Pod behind Section 126. Text 408-909-4625 for the access code.
Changing tables: Family restrooms behind Sections 103, 111, 115 and 126.
Bags: One diaper bag per family is allowed after verification at entry, despite the backpack ban.
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