Fans attending the San Jose Earthquakes’ home opener Saturday afternoon should brace for changes when they get to PayPal Park, including tickets that are only accessible via the stadium’s app on their mobile devices.
The Quakes have instituted a number of new COVID-safety protocols this season as they welcome fans back to their stadium. The team announced attendance at PayPal Park will be limited to 20 percent capacity (3,600) at the beginning of the season to follow state and local social distancing protocols. Technically, the Quakes could allow up to 33 percent capacity since Santa Clara County is currently in the orange tier of reopening, but the team decided to remain at 20 percent capacity for now.
For those who go to the game Saturday afternoon against FC Dallas, here are five things they should know:
1. Parking: The gates will be open to the public at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, an hour before the start of San Jose’s game against FC Dallas. The good news is there will be tailgating allowed. Fans will be asked to park in the following lots: Parking Structure 1, Parking Structure 2 and the Audi lot.
2. Mask up: Fans will be required to bring their own CDC-approved face covering and to wear the mark at all times, except while actively eating or drinking in your seat. Kids under 2 years old will not be required to wear a mask.
3. Social distancing: Fans will be assigned seats in pods between one and six seats, with a six-foot distance between pods. Fans are asked to maintain a six-foot distance between themselves and those not in their pod.
4. Sanitation and safety: Hand sanitizers will be installed throughout PayPal Park and the restrooms will be frequently cleaned by a sanitation team. All water fountains will be closed to ensure fans’ safety.
5. Food trucks and concession stands: There will be plenty of food options at PayPal Park as a variety of food trucks will be on-site, and food will also be available at the concession stands. The Quakes have also revised a protocol to allow fans to eat and drink anywhere in the stadium, and not just in their assigned seats.
For more information about attending the game, head to the Earthquakes’ website.
