<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=136058708655850&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Skip to main content
Soccer Innovation Urban Reuse Community Space

San Jose Earthquakes Bring 5-a-Side Soccer to the Fan Zone

From stadium sidelines to center stage — how the Quakes transformed their Fan Zone into an interactive soccer hub.

Placeholder Image (71)

THE CHALLENGE

Making Matchdays More Engaging

The San Jose Earthquakes wanted to reimagine their Fan Zone outside PayPal Park to make matchdays more engaging and immersive.

They needed a feature that would bring fans together, connect kids and families to the sport, and activate the stadium’s footprint beyond game time.

Placeholder Image (72)

THE SOLUTION

A 5-a-Side Pitch in the
Fan Zone

Between January–March 2022, Urban Soccer Park partnered with the Earthquakes to install a modular 5-a-side field directly outside PayPal Park beside the Fan Zone and team store. The pitch maximizes branding exposure while giving fans of all ages a safe, exciting space to play.

Pitch Features:

ribbon icon

Matchday Fun – Engages thousands of fans before kickoff

Community cheering

Community Use – Open year-round for clinics, youth programs, and events

ribbon icon

Branded Experience – High-traffic location with sponsor activations

IMPACT

Transformative Results in San Jose

The first MLS club to feature a dedicated 5-a-side field in its Fan Zone.

1st

Ever Green Space

1000+

Daily recess

365

Sports, warm-ups & events

Boosted

From rentals & hosted gatherings

Placeholder Image (73)
5 Star Rating

“This fan zone pitch connects our supporters to the game in a way that’s fun, active, and uniquely Quakes. It’s more than pre-game entertainment — it’s community engagement.”

Avatar Icon

ANONYMOUS
San Jose Earthquakes
Fan Engagement Director

San Jose in action

Capturing the energy of community soccer and urban transformation

Watch the Story

St. Mary’s Sneak Peek Interview

Placeholder Image (74)

COMMUNITY

More Than Matchday —
A Year-Round Community Space

More Than Matchday — A Year-Round Community Space
While the pitch is the centerpiece of the Earthquakes’ Fan Zone on game days, its impact extends well beyond matchdays.

On non-game days, the field hosts:

Community cheering

Community programs at PayPal Park

tow kids playing icon

Youth clinics with Earthquakes coaches

ribbon icon

Sponsor activations and events that draw new visitors

By blending pro-level branding with accessible play, the Quakes created a venue that bridges the gap between professional soccer and everyday fans.

Placeholder Image (75)

From Stadiums to Schools —
A Flexible Model

The Earthquakes Fan Zone pitch proves that modular 5-a-side soccer can thrive anywhere: stadium fan zones, schools, parks, or campuses. With Urban Soccer Park’s fast-install design, venues can transform underused areas into vibrant soccer hubs in weeks, not years.

READY TO KICK OFF A FAN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER?

Whether you’re a professional club, college program, or community venue, a 5-a-side pitch can energize your events and build deeper connections. Let’s design one for you.