SAN JOSE, Calif. – San Jose Earthquakes President David Kaval announced sweeping changes to the in-game atmosphere at Buck Shaw Stadium for the 2011 season, including a new concessionaire, improved merchandise options, gourmet food trucks and an iPad app. The team also announced that they have revamped the fan zone area, which will now be known as the Epicenter.
The Earthquakes have partnered with concessionaire Bon Appétit to create a new menu for the stadium. While fans will still be able to enjoy stadium food staples such as hot dogs, pretzels and nachos, Bon Appétit will now offer fans a fresh range of food products. Consistent with Bon Appétit’s mission of providing local and sustainable food, the menu will include fruit and vegetable options from local farms.
Additionally, fans will be able to order team merchandise, food and beverages from the comfort of their seat using yorder on their iPhone or Android smartphone, and pay with PayPal. On the Web 2.0 side, the Earthquakes have partnered with Liveshare to allow fans to share photos on the Jumbotron, Facebook and SJEarthquakes.com using smart phones.
“It was our mission to improve the overall fan experience in 2011,” Kaval said. “Silicon Valley is a hotbed for cutting edge technology and we felt it was essential to introduce innovative solutions like yorder, Liveshare, and an iPad app to Buck Shaw Stadium.”
Technology and food products aren’t the only improvements at San Jose’s home grounds next season. The Epicenter Fan Zone will be outfitted with additional games for children, along with foosball tables and various carnival games. The Epicenter will also feature a new adidas merchandise store and additional vendors. Finally, fans can enjoy a pregame show hosted by the voice of the Earthquakes, John Shrader. Shrader will be joined by former players, fans and other invited soccer guests to discuss that night’s game and other topics in the world of soccer.
Additionally, the Earthquakes have created a new VIP pregame area located in the barbecue area next to the new Locatelli Building, adjacent to the Epicenter Fan Zone.
In an homage to their past, the Earthquakes have rebranded Gate C as the George Best Gate. Best played for the Earthquakes indoor and outdoor teams in the North American Soccer League in 1980 and 1981. He scored what many soccer observers consider the greatest goal of his career in 1981 as a member of the Quakes against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.
The Earthquakes open their season at home on March 19 against Real Salt Lake at 7:30 p.m. PT. Individual tickets are on sale on SJEarthquakes.com or by calling 1-800-225-2277. Season ticket packages starting at $240 per seat are also available at SJEarthquakes.com or by calling 408-556-7700.
