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SAP Center: San Jose's Premier Entertainment Arena

Home of the San Jose Sharks, SAP Center is a Silicon Valley hub for sports, concerts, and major entertainment events since 1993.

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The SAP Center, known as the 'Shark Tank,' is a versatile indoor arena in San Jose, California, hosting the San Jose Sharks (NHL), concerts, and various events since 1993. Its location in the heart of Silicon Valley makes it a central hub for sports and entertainment.

A brief summary to SAP Center

Local tips

  • Arrive early to find parking, as it can be limited, especially during popular events.
  • Consider public transportation such as VTA Light Rail or Caltrain to avoid traffic and parking fees.
  • Check the SAP Center's website for a list of upcoming events and plan your visit accordingly.
  • Take advantage of the accessible drop-off areas if you have mobility issues.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Diridon Station (Caltrain, ACE Train, VTA Light Rail, and buses), walk across Barack Obama Boulevard to the SAP Center. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. A VTA Light Rail station is also located on San Fernando Street at Delmas Avenue, a few blocks from the arena. Single VTA fares are around $2.50.

  • Walking

    From downtown San Jose, head west on Santa Clara Street. The SAP Center is located at 525 W Santa Clara St, approximately a 15-20 minute walk from the city center. Look for the distinctive stainless steel facade and glass pyramid entrances.

  • Ride Share

    Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get to SAP Center. Designated drop-off and pick-up zones are located near Autumn Street and Santa Clara Street. Be prepared for potential surge pricing and longer wait times after events. A short ride from downtown San Jose typically costs $15-$25.

  • Driving

    If driving, take Highway 87 to the Santa Clara Street exit and head west. Parking is available in the on-site ABC Lot and surrounding garages. Expect to pay $10-$46 for event parking. Pre-paid parking options are available through SpotHero. Accessible parking spaces are available in the ABC Lot on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Discover more about SAP Center

SAP Center at San Jose, affectionately called 'The Shark Tank,' stands as a landmark in the heart of Silicon Valley. Opened in 1993, the arena has become a premier destination for sports and entertainment, hosting a wide array of events from San Jose Sharks hockey games to concerts by world-renowned artists. The arena's history is rooted in a community effort to revitalize downtown San Jose, with local citizens forming Fund Arena Now (FAN) in the mid-1980s. Their advocacy led to a public vote that approved the allocation of local taxes for the arena's construction. Originally named San Jose Arena, it later became Compaq Center at San Jose and HP Pavilion before SAP acquired naming rights in 2013. Throughout the years, SAP Center has hosted major events such as the 1996 U.S. Figure Skating Championships, the 1997 NHL All-Star Game, the 1999 NCAA Women's Final Four, and the 2012 and 2016 USA Gymnastics Olympic Trials. It continues to be a versatile venue, holding everything from mixed martial arts events to NCAA basketball tournaments. The arena's architecture is characterized by its stainless steel facade and glass pyramid entrances, making it a recognizable structure in San Jose. Inside, excellent sightlines and acoustics ensure an engaging atmosphere for all events.

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