Score for unity
The energy at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara (rebranded San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for the duration of the six FIFA matches that would be played in the 75,000-seat capacity venue) was electric.
A sea of yellow “Socceroos” rooting for Australia and red-and-white-striped Paraguay fans faced off in the venue that the rest of the year hosts the NFL 49ers and mega-acts such as Bruno Mars and Ed Sheeran. At its peak, 68,827 people filled the stands. Although no actual goals were scored during the 90-minute-plus match, there was plenty to cheer about from the Visit San Jose suite. Messages of unity and patriotic sing-alongs filled the Thursday evening air.
Read More: How a 0-0 FIFA World Cup Match Scored Points for Unity
Fan Zones
Both on the grounds of San Francisco Bay Area Stadium and in neighborhoods around the Bay, Fan Zones multiplied the excitement. In San Jose, San Pedro Square Market boasted a 27-foot screen, a World Cup Merch shop, family-friendly activations and plenty of F&B. While those watching on television from around the world likely saw images of the Golden Gate Bridge an hour away from the on-field action, those in the suite understood the nuances different Bay Area cities and neighborhoods offered.
Naida Vikalo, chief operating officer with WeAreDevelopers, a Berlin-based conference for developers, AI builders and tech leaders, has spent the last year scouting locations for the first U.S. iteration of the signature gathering and decided to bring more than 10,000 people to McEnery Convention Center in downtown San Jose in September because it felt like a good fit for her community.
With 520,000 sq. ft. of space, an in-house chef-led catering team and the ability to activate Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park for meals and receptions, San Jose offers a campus-like experience. Some 2,200 guest rooms are within a half-mile walk and 8,000 citywide.
I stayed at Signia by Hilton San Jose (the former Fairmont San Jose), where the Paraguay team and their sizable security detail were headquartered and the 541 guest rooms were effectively sold out.
San Jose Marriott is connected to the convention center with 513 guest rooms and 58,000 sq. ft. of event space. The Skyview Suite on the 26th floor and M Club Lounge offer VIP treatment.
Dione Williams, director of sales and destination services at Team San Jose, said, “We are part of a great destination that can draw fans from across the world, not only for global sporting events, but also for a major conference or trade show.”
This article appears in the September 2026 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
