SAP Center

Capacity: 17,435-19,190

Home Teams: San Jose Sharks (NHL)

SAP Center Events

The SAP Center opened in 1993 to provide a home to the NHL’s first expansion teams in over a decade at the time, the San Jose Sharks, who had joined the league in 1991. The venue quickly acquired a catchy sobriquet, the Shark Tank, which fans still use to this day. Despite their awesome logo, which features a shark biting a hockey stick in half, the Sharks proved pretty toothless in their opening few seasons (the franchise absolutely dominated NHL merchandise sales in the early 1990s despite not being very good at actually playing hockey). In time, the Sharks learned how to make the playoffs and even made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2016, though they lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in six games. Along with all regular season and playoffs Sharks home games, the SAP Center hosts a packed calendar of events including concerts, professional wrestling, MMA/UFC, and comedy shows. Hungry visitors to the SAP Center will find plenty of tasty snacks to try, with everything from gyros to halal tacos to NY pizza. The venue also stocks vegan, vegetarian, keto, and gluten-free food options. Kiosks and shops around the venue hawk team and event merchandise, including tons of stuff featuring that killer Sharks logo and mascot S.J. Sharkie.

SAP Center Seating Chart

The SAP Center presents visitors with many different seating options. Premium areas include specialized concert suites and Sharks suites that provide an exclusive experience tailored to your particular event. A wide selection of general admission seating ensures that there is something to suit every budget and preference, ranging from more expensive seats near the glass to cheaper tickets in the upper tier. Views are great from everywhere; there isn’t a bad seat in the house though! Visit TicketX to view all available tickets for SAP Center games and events. Our handy seating chart helps visitors easily compare different seating options.

Getting to SAP Center (Transportation and Parking)

Visitors can access the SAP Center via public transportation or driving their own vehicle. Note that the venue is located in the city of San Jose, which is part of the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. San Jose is about an hour’s drive from San Francisco or 45-minute drive from Oakland (depending on traffic, of course). 

Getting to SAP Center via public transportation

You can get to the SAP Center via public transportation using either local city buses or the Caltrain light rail. Note that events ending later in the evening may make travel by public transportation difficult. Ample bicycle parking is available for those who can cycle to the venue. Check the SAP Center's official website for public transportation schedules and details. Catching a taxi or rideshare to or from the venue is also another option. 

Getting to SAP Center by car

Driving your own vehicle to the SAP Center is fairly straightforward, but be prepared for heavy traffic near the venue during big games and events. The Bay Area is also known for daily traffic jams during rush hour, particularly in tunnels and on bridges. Leave plenty of time to make sure you arrive well in advance of your event. Clear maps and driving directions are available on the SAP Center's official website. 

Does SAP Center have on-site parking?

There is limited on-site parking at the SAP Center, much of which has been reserved for prepaid pass holders. Those without passes are usually referred to off-site parking. It is highly recommended that you reserve a parking spot in advance. Parking reservations can be made via the SAP Center's official website, which also provides useful parking maps and directions.

How much does SAP Center parking cost?

Visitors to the SAP Center will generally be charged between $25-35, though prices vary based on the event’s popularity. Those willing to park off site can sometimes find cheaper rates. Visit the SAP Center's official website for general parking information as well as links to booking pages where you can search for the cheapest parking rates.