A Guide to SAP Center at San Jose
Known affectionately as the "Shark Tank," SAP Center at San Jose serves as Silicon Valley and is the proud home of both the NHL’s San Jose Sharks and the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries. The arena is currently undergoing its landmark Teal Reimagination, a multi-year transformation that has introduced immersive new fan lounges and a vibrant, tech-forward atmosphere.
Getting to the Arena
- Driving & ParkingFrom the South (I-280): Take the Bird Avenue exit, turn left, and continue as it becomes Autumn Street straight to the arena From the North (CA-87): Exit directly onto either Santa Clara Street or Julian Street. From the West (I-280): Exit onto CA-87 North, then take the Santa Clara Street or Julian Street exit. The official on-site parking lot has over 1,500 spaces with entrances on Santa Clara Street or Julian Street. This is the most convenient option but fills up quickly and there is a charge.
- Public TransitCaltrain, VTA Light Rail, Amtrak, and ACE trainsThe VTA Light Rail drops you within a block of the arena — take the Mountain View–Winchester or Alum Rock–Santa Teresa lines to the Diridon stop
- Caltrain, VTA Light Rail, Amtrak, and ACE trainsDiridon remains the primary hub. The Green Line is the primary line for the arena. The Blue Line stops at Children's Discovery Museum, which is a slightly longer walk.
- VTA Bus LinesLines 22, 64A, 64B, 68, Rapid 500, Rapid 522, and Rapid 568 all provide direct service to the arena or Diridon Station.
- RideshareDrop-off is located on Montgomery Street, Barack Obama Blvd, and Cahill Street. Pick-up specifically moved to Stockton Ave, Cahill Street, and Almaden Blvd to handle the crowd.
Pregame Festivities
Bars & Restaurants
- The go-to pregame destination. A bustling indoor & outdoor market with multiple food vendors, bars, and live music, all within a 10 minute walk of SAP Center.
- Serves up English pub fare and pints on a spacious patio, drawing a lively hockey crowd before and after games.
- A classic downtown watering hole with strong pours, Irish hospitality, and a reliable pregame buzz on game nights.
- A neighborhood cocktail bar with craft drinks and a relaxed vibe, a solid choice for something beyond the usual sports bar scene.
- Has been a San Jose institution since 1960, known for its charcoal-grilled steaks, burgers, and old-school roadhouse charm.
- Dishes out Cajun and Creole cooking. Gumbo, jambalaya, po'boys with live blues and jazz to set the mood.
- Is a family-owned neighborhood gem serving hearty American breakfasts and lunches, ideal for an early pregame meal.
- A local legend famous for its orange sauce; grab a burrito on the way to the game and you'll understand the cult following.
Neighborhood Attractions
- One of San Jose's most famous attractions. The sprawling Victorian mansion with staircases to nowhere and doors that open to walls is a must-visit for out-of-town fans with time before the game.
- A hands-on science and technology museum in downtown San Jose that reflects the innovation culture of Silicon Valley.
- Features modern and contemporary works in a beautiful building on the Plaza de César Chávez, a short walk from the arena.
- An upscale outdoor shopping and dining district on the west side of San Jose with boutiques, restaurants, and a European village feel.
- Houses the largest collection of Egyptian artifacts in western North America. A unique and unexpected gem in the heart of San Jose.
Monuments & Unique Features
- Five Skaters SculptureLocated directly outside the arena in the adjacent Arena Green park, this landmark consists of five mosaic pillars. It honors five Olympic champion figure skaters with ties to the Bay Area. Peggy Fleming, Brian Boitano, Kristi Yamaguchi, Debi Thomas, and Rudy Galindo. The installation includes time capsules and plaques detailing their achievements.
- Bleed TealWhile just a short walk away, this massive piece of public art is a staple for fans walking to the arena from the Diridon Station area.
- Retired Jerseys
- #12 Patrick Marleau
- #19 Joe Thornton
- Championship Banners2015 Western Conference Championship banner, alongside the 2008 Presidents Trophy banner. You will also see six banners commemorating the team’s Pacific Division titles 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
- San Jose Sports Hall of FameSpanning the main concourse, this museum experience features 120 bronze plaques honoring local athletic legends. It is a permanent fixture that fans can browse before puck drop.
- The Shark Head EntranceThe giant 17-foot-tall Shark head that the players skate through amidst fog and flashing lights before every game.
Seating & Special Sections
- The Captain’s LoungeOffers the most unique vantage point in the NHL with direct, glass walled sightlines into the player tunnel. You can watch the Sharks walk from the locker room to the ice while enjoying high-end spirits and curated small plates.
- The First Line LoungeLocated directly behind the goal where the Sharks shoot twice, this section features ice-level bar seating. It includes all-inclusive elevated food and beverage and puts fans closer to the action than almost any other seat in the league.
- Cove SuitesThese are described as concierge-level retreats. Unlike traditional suites, they are designed for a more intimate, boutique hosting experience with dedicated staff and a private, high-tech interior.
- The Penthouse LoungeLocated on the upper level, this section was introduced to provide a suite experience for smaller groups or individuals.
- The Theater BoxesThese are 4 person and 6 person semi-private boxes that include plush theater style seating and a shared communal dining area.
- NetApp Celly LoungeRows 1–3 of the lower bowl often including Glass Seats Experience: Includes a semi-private entrance and access to the exclusive Celly Lounge" under the stands. It offers all-inclusive food and drink including beer and wine until the start of the third period and dedicated in-seat wait service throughout the game.
Concessions
- Sushi ConfidentialSection 118: A downtown San Jose staple offering assorted sushi rolls, including their popular spicy tuna and avocado rolls.
- El Halal AmigosSection 123: Provides halal-inspired Mexican street food, including street tacos and their signature "NAR-chos."
- Konjoe BurgerSection 109: Located within The Burger District, they serve high-end, grass-fed beef burgers with innovative toppings and house-made sauces.
- PANASection 111: Authentic Venezuelan arepas that are naturally gluten-free and include several vegan-friendly options like the PBA Arepa.
- Nirvana SoulSection 210: A beloved local coffee roaster serving fresh-roasted coffee, specialty lattes, and pastries.
- Smoking Pig BBQSection 123: Traditional slow-smoked meats including burnt ends, pulled pork, and brisket sandwiches.
- The KernelSections 110 & 120: Features freshly popped popcorn with a rotating Popcorn of the Month and the new Chum Bucket a mix of popcorn, strawberry Pop-Tarts, and teal chocolate.
- Slush CantinaSection 306: Home of the Chomps. Teal Kettle Chips teal-dyed chips with chamoy and various spiked or non-alcoholic slushies and Micheladas.
- Sausage Sam’sSection 118: Famous for their bacon-wrapped hot dogs and the classic Sausage Bread.
- Treat StreetSection 226: Features the new Shark-Cone Taiyaki, which are shark-shaped waffles served as cones for soft-serve ice cream.
- Stairway to HeavenSections 210 & 223: Specializes in "heavenly" carved sandwiches, including a standout tri-tip sandwich and local pastries.
- Tenders, Love and ChickenSections 107 & 127: A high-volume spot for premium chicken tenders and fries with a massive self-serve sauce bar.
- Fieldwork BrewingSection 107: A dedicated taproom for one of the Bay Area's most popular craft breweries, featuring a rotating list of IPAs and sours.
- Specialty Cocktail BarsSections 103, 113, 115
- World Bar & SpiritsSection 220: Offers a wider selection of imported beers, specialty cocktails, and premium bar snacks.
Arena Information
Capacity
17,435
Avg Attendance
16,141
Opened
1993
Last Renovated
2025
Architect
Sink Combs Dethlefs; Prodis Associates
Construction Cost
$162.5 million
Notable Events
- Team Migration: The Sharks entered the NHL in 1991 as an expansion team, initially playing at the Cow Palace in Daly City before moving into SAP Center (then San Jose Arena) in 1993.
Suggested Places
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