San Jose officials announced that the city’s largest World Cup viewing party has been moved from the lively San Pedro Square Market to the expansive Discovery Meadow and the SAP Center for the Mexico versus England match.
Fans arrived early, with Maria Reyes and Martha Nino, both from Santa Cruz, pausing to take a selfie outside the SAP Center, while Aaron Burns of San Jose joined the chorus of cheers as the teams took the field.
A Shift in Venue
The new location brought its own energy: the San Jose Sharks mascot S.J. Sharkie waved a noise maker, police officers stood guard along the concourse, and supporters erupted in celebration each time Mexico found the net.
Although the main event has shifted, the city confirmed that the watch parties at San Pedro Square Market will resume on July 6, ensuring that the soccer festivities continue throughout the tournament.