SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that the California Clasico against the LA Galaxy on June 26 has been moved from Stanford Stadium to PayPal Park in San Jose. It will mark the first match between the Quakes and Galaxy at PayPal Park with fans in attendance since 2017. The match will be the team’s first without any attendance restrictions since March 7, 2020.
“With the updated guidance from the State of California, we are excited to fully open our stadium on June 26 against the Galaxy at PayPal Park,” said Earthquakes Chief Operating Officer Jared Shawlee. “The California Clasico is the Bay Area’s best summer sporting event, and we’re bringing all of the pomp and circumstance our fans have enjoyed for years at Stanford Stadium back to our home in San Jose. While Stanford could not welcome fans at its full capacity this year, we’re excited about hosting at PayPal Park and look forward to returning to Stanford in 2022.”
In addition to showcasing one of the fiercest rivalries in Major League Soccer, the California Clasico will again feature a full night of festivities for fans. The tailgate lot will be open early at 2 p.m. and will host live music, DJs, and several activations, including cornhole and sponsor activities. Halftime will feature a ceremony honoring frontline workers and other community members who have gone above and beyond for their community during the Covid-19 pandemic. More information about the event’s festivities, including an exciting pregame show, will be announced soon.
The Earthquakes will provide complimentary tickets to frontline workers and their families for the match, as well as continuing their tradition of honoring the U.S. Armed Forces by providing tickets to troops and their families. Over 500 tickets will be donated to frontline workers and military members.
While reduced-capacity matches required the use of ticketing pods and seat selection, Earthquakes Season Ticket Holders will return to their originally selected seats for the remainder of the season beginning June 26. Season Ticket Holders will be able to purchase additional tickets for all remaining 2021 matches, including the California Clasico, beginning Tuesday, May 25 at 10 a.m. before Clasico tickets are made available to the general public on Friday, May 28 at 10 a.m. All remaining matches in the 2021 season will go on sale to the general public on Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m.
Following guidance issued by the State of California, the Earthquakes recommend all fans get vaccinated prior to attending matches at PayPal Park. The Quakes will follow California Department of Public Health guidance for face coverings at their matches.
San Jose and the LA Galaxy have a storied rivalry that dates back to Major League Soccer’s inaugural season in 1996. The two clubs have combined to win seven MLS Cup championships and six Supporters’ Shield trophies. The California rivals have met 74 times during the regular season, six times in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, and 10 times during the MLS Cup Playoffs, including the Earthquakes’ triumph in MLS Cup 2001. Last season, San Jose took the season series with two wins, one loss and one draw.
