SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced upgrades to the fan experience at Buck Shaw Stadium on Monday, including signage around the stadium recognizing the club’s history, six additional gourmet food trucks, a better beer selection and upgraded bleachers on the West Side.
“We are constantly trying to improve the overall fan experience at our home venue,” said Earthquakes President Dave Kaval. “Among the many changes in place for 2012, I think fans will enjoy seeing the historical timeline and additional in-stadium branding that will be clearly posted around Buck Shaw Stadium. Also, with the gourmet food trucks being such a big hit last year, we decided to more than double their presence this time around. From food and beer to comfort and safety, Buck Shaw Stadium will be a better place for Earthquakes fans this season.”
Among the changes in store for fans when the Earthquakes host the New England Revolution for the club’s home opener on March 10 will be a decorative touch that connects the franchise to its illustrious history. Along with a revamped George Best Gate, the stadium will be draped with a multitude of banners showing current Earthquakes players. Along with the present will come a trip to the past with a photographic timeline that wraps around the top of the East Side. The graphic will include images starting with the 1974 NASL Earthquakes while continuing on to the memorable 2010 MLS Cup Playoff run and the present day club.
Fans will also be able to enjoy a more diverse selection of cuisine with a total of 10 gourmet food trucks in the stadium, the best beer selection in club history and a bolstered concessions menu. Among the food trucks that will appear at Buck Shaw Stadium in 2012 are: El Tonayense, BBQ Kalbi, Twisted Chill, Grill Stars, Pizza Pimps, O Mi Ninja, Grillaz Gone Wild, Chairman Bao Bun, Sam’s ChowderMobile and IZ IT. Along with the increased diversity in food offerings comes a boosted beer menu that includes: Sierra Nevada (Pale Ale, Torpedo, seasonal), Boddingtons, Stella Artois, Bass, Corona, Gordon Biersch (Marzen, Hefenweizen), Budweiser, Bud Light and Modelo.
Buck Shaw Stadium also underwent physical changes during the offseason. The Earthquakes ripped out the old grandstand on the West Side and upgraded the bleachers with new seats and enhanced sightlines while also improving access to the seating area and upgrading the ADA section.
The North and South ends saw renovations of a different nature to improve fan safety. The South End is now adorned with a permanent netting to help prevent stray balls from striking fans walking behind the scoreboard while the North End will feature a temporary netting that will be raised only during team warm ups.
The Earthquakes open their season at home on March 10 against the New England Revolution at 7:30 p.m. PT. The match will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet California, 1590 KLIV and 1370 KZSF. Individual tickets are on sale at www.sjearthquakes.com or by calling 1-800-225-2277. For groups of 10 or more, call 408-556-7700.
