Stadium Rules and Regulations

ANIMALS: The only animals allowed in the stadium are certified service animals. Owners must have appropriate certification in their possession. Service animals in training will not be permitted to enter the stadium unless authorized by the San Jose Earthquakes.

BAGS AND BACKPACKS: Guests may not bring hard containers or coolers into Buck Shaw Stadium. No bags larger then 16 in. x 16 in. x 8 in will be allowed into the stadium. All bags are subject to open visual search by event security. Security measures may be increased based on direction from Major League Soccer, the Santa Clara Police Department, or City, County, State or Federal agencies. These procedures will include but are not limited to a more thorough search of persons and property as well as pat downs. 

CAMERAS/VIDEO EQUIPMENT: Personal photography is permitted at Buck Shaw Stadium. Professional and commercial grade cameras are not allowed. Any audio and or video recording is in violation of Major League Soccer policies and is not permitted. Guests are not permitted to stand in the aisles or walkways, or obstruct others from viewing the game while taking photographs. Photographic support tools (such as tripods, professional lenses-longer than 8 in., etc.) are not permitted into the stadium.

FAN CODE OF CONDUCT: The San Jose Earthquakes and Major League Soccer are committed to creating a safe, comfortable and enjoyable soccer experience for all guests in and around our stadiums. MLS fans have a right to expect an environment where:

  • Fans are encouraged to cheer, sing, and otherwise support their team while remaining respectful and courteous to their fellow patrons, referees, opposing team fans and players.
  • Fans enjoy the soccer experience free from fighting, thrown objects, attempts to enter the playing field, political or inciting messages, and disorderly behavior, including foul, sexist, racial, obscene or abusive language or gestures.
  • Fans comply with requests from stadium staff regarding stadium operations and emergency response procedures.
  • Fans promptly and carefully return the ball to a stadium staff member or the ball kid on the sidelines in the event that a soccer ball enters the stands.
  • Alcoholic beverages are consumed in a responsible manner and only by those of legal age.
  • Fans conduct themselves in a lawful manner to avoid incidents in the stadium and in the parking lots.

OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGE: One clear, plastic, factory-sealed, water bottle per person is permitted. All other outside food and beverage is prohibited at Buck Shaw Stadium. However, special exceptions for small children  or individuals with specific food allergies may be allowed with prior approval from the San Jose Earthquakes.

FIELD ACCESS: Only authorized personnel with proper credentials will be permitted onto the field before, during or after San Jose Earthquakes matches. Any unauthorized person going onto the field will be removed and subject to arrest and loss of San Jose Earthquakes ticket privileges.

PROHIBITED/RESTRICTED ITEMS:

  • Weapons of any kind
  • Incendiary devices (i.e. fireworks, smoke bombs, flares, etc.) per Health and Safety Code 12677 and punishable by a fine up to $1000, 6 months in jail, or both).
  • Illegal substances, drugs, or chemicals of any kind
  • Backpacks and large bags that exceed 16" x 16" x 8"
  • Poles and/or staffs, of any kind to including but not limited to metal, plastic, or wood (except in designated supporters sections)
  • Drums (except in designated supporters sections)
  • Horns of any kind
  • Whistles
  • Streamers
  • Frisbees or inflated balls of any kind
  • Laser pointers
  • Food and beverage or metal, plastic or glass containers brought in from outside the stadium (except for 1 water bottle per person)
  • Bicycles
  • Aerosol cans (i.e. hairspray, silly string, etc.)
  • Smoking
  • Animals (except approved service dogs)
  • Any items deemed by management to be inappropriate, offensive, or potentially hazardous

Items may not be displayed in a manner that may obstruct the view of other guests or in any way create a safety hazard for others as determined by stadium operations staff

The use of confetti as an expression of celebration is not prohibited, but will be kept under review. 

RE-ENTRY POLICY: There are no re-entry privileges at Buck Shaw Stadium. However, in the event of an emergency, guests should contact a gate supervisor, who will permit a guest to re-enter the stadium at the same gate. Guests who leave the stadium at any time, without authorization of a gate supervisor, will not be permitted to re-enter.

SMOKING: Smoking is strictly prohibited at Buck Shaw Stadium and on the campus of Santa Clara University. Offenders will be ejected from the stadium grounds.