SJC is one of the closest airports to any MLS venue — just 4 miles from PayPal Park. A rideshare from the terminal runs $12–20. VTA light rail connects SJC to downtown San Jose and the broader transit network, though the stadium area is most easily reached by rideshare or car from the airport.
PayPal Park has extensive on-site parking in the surrounding lots. This is primarily a drive-in venue and parking is plentiful and affordable. Pre-purchase online for the best rates on sold-out match days.
San Jose Earthquakes' supporter groups (Ultras San Jose, Casbah Brigade) gather in the stadium lots before matches. The pre-match atmosphere has grown with the purpose-built venue. Check supporter social channels for organized pre-match events.
VTA light rail provides service to the general downtown San Jose area, with a 15-minute walk to PayPal Park from the nearest stops. Transit is available but most fans drive — check vta.org for current routes and any match-day service additions.
PayPal Park is in a commercial/industrial area of North San Jose with no surrounding walkable neighborhood. Driving or rideshare are the practical arrival modes.
Bike parking is available at the stadium. The Guadalupe River Trail provides a cycling connection from downtown San Jose and surrounding neighborhoods to the stadium area.
Accessible parking is available in ADA-designated spaces throughout the on-site lots. The accessible drop-off zone is near the main entrance. For accessibility accommodations, contact the San Jose Earthquakes at sjearthquakes.com.
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.
1 sealed plastic water bottle no larger than 32 oz is allowed into the stadium.
Only SMALL individual snacks in clear plastic bags are allowed in the stadium, in addition to medically needed food items.
Special exceptions for small children or individuals with specific allergies, dietary restrictions, or medical requirements will be made. Please text Guest Experience at 408-909-GOAL for more information.
NO large outside food items (hoagies, fast food, bags of chips, etc)
Allowed bags include:
Prohibited bags include but are not limited to large purses, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, luggage of any kind, computer bags or any bag larger than the permissible size.
Bag check will be available on the east side.
Exceptions will be made for diaper bags and medically necessary items that do not fit into a clear bag.
PayPal Park is a soccer-specific venue that opened in 2008 in San Jose. The lower bowl midfield sections are close to the touchline with clean views of the full pitch. The Earthquakes have a dedicated supporter culture, particularly the Ultras San Jose, and the compact stadium creates a reasonable atmosphere on well-attended matchdays.
PayPal Park’s upper bowl midfield sections deliver a solid overhead view of the entire pitch at a lower price. The compact stadium scale keeps the upper sections from feeling too far from the action. A good value choice for most games, and the Silicon Valley setting adds an interesting backdrop beyond the stadium.
The Ultras San Jose bring consistent atmosphere to the south end but the viewing conditions from the end goal are limited for watching the full game. Corner sections offer similarly restricted sightlines. Midfield in the lower or upper bowl is the right choice for traditional game-watching at PayPal Park.
PayPal Park runs roughly north-south. The east side stands face west and get more direct afternoon sun for evening kickoffs. The west side benefits from shade earlier. Importantly, San Jose is notably warmer and sunnier than San Francisco — the inland Bay Area location means afternoon games can be warm in summer, unlike the cool and foggy conditions at Oracle Park. Sunscreen is recommended for afternoon games on the east side.
PayPal Park is open-air in San Jose. Unlike the notoriously cold and foggy conditions at Oracle Park across the bay, San Jose’s inland location means warmer and sunnier weather. Summer afternoons can be warm, though rarely oppressive. Evenings cool down comfortably. Spring and fall games are typically mild and pleasant. Rain during the season is infrequent. A pleasant climate for outdoor soccer overall.
Main Concourse - San Jose's beloved Bay Area coffee chain brews their pour-over-style individual cups at PayPal Park. The Mint Mojito iced coffee has a devoted following among regulars.
Section 112 - Napa Valley-born burger and milkshake institution with a Bay Area cult following. The cheeseburger with garlic fries is the move and significantly better than typical stadium food.
Throughout the Stadium - San Jose's own craft brewery pours their rotating tap list at Earthquakes matches. Local, approachable, and a natural fit for the San Jose supporter culture.
PayPal Park opened in 2008 and remains one of the more intimate soccer-specific venues in MLS at around 18,000 capacity. The tight bowl and relatively small footprint create a concentrated atmosphere on sold-out nights, and the club's deep MLS history — two championships in the early 2000s — gives it a genuine foundation of supporter culture.
San Jose Earthquakes' supporter groups use sections 117–118 and the Supporters Terrace at PayPal Park. One of MLS's founding clubs, the Quakes have a deep supporter history. Standing and chanting throughout the match is the expectation in the supporter sections. Non-Earthquakes apparel is not permitted in the supporter sections.
In the Stands offers apparel for fans who enjoy visiting ballparks and stadiums. While we all have our favorite teams, there are times when they aren't the ones playing. Our goal is to create a sense of community and camaraderie whenever you see someone wearing In the Stands apparel.
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