The SAP Center at San Jose, formerly known as the HP Pavilion, is a multi-purpose arena at 525 West Santa Clara Street in downtown San Jose, California. It is the home of the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League, and its seating capacity is approximately 17,500 for most events.
What to expect on a visit
The arena is built for large crowds, so a visit here is usually tied to a specific event. Hockey games are the venue's regular rhythm, and the building also hosts concerts and other sporting events. Whatever brings you, the atmosphere is that of a major live-entertainment night, with a full house and a lively crowd.
- Hockey: the Sharks' home games, a good choice if you want to see the sport at its fastest.
- Concerts: touring acts and performances across a wide range of genres.
- Other sports events: the arena accommodates events beyond hockey.
The area around it
The arena sits in downtown San Jose, so you can plan a wider evening around your event. The surrounding streets offer restaurants and places to gather before or after a game or show. Because the venue draws large crowds, allow extra time for arrival and departure, and check the event details for the best way to get there.
For fans across the Bay Area, the SAP Center is a central point of live entertainment, and it is worth knowing its history under the HP Pavilion name if you come across older references to it.