Earthquake Season

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stadium was bright blue, awash with light, and we easily made our way through the security line. We had arrived early in hopes of grabbing a hot dog and checking out the signature bar before the start of the game.We saw the field and stadium risers off to the right as we caught our bearings. Directly in front of us was the bar and stretching out to the left, a wide grassy area filled with people. Spreading blankets, kicking soccer balls, and munching on snacks as they strolled happily through the crowds.Our hearts rose as we spotted the food trucks. Lined up at the perimeter of the stadium were easily a dozen food trucks with at least as many offerings. We peered at the menus, offering everything from street tacos to Korean barbecue, fried chicken to beef bulgogi bowls. We opted for a juicy cheeseburger loaded with avocado and bacon and some perfectly cooked steak fries.We made our way back through the grass to a standing table running along the goal side of the soccer field. As we ate, we watched the players warming up and the fans readying their drums and flags. We huddled closer as other hungry patrons joined the tabletop, knocking elbows in smiling apology.Now, it was time to check out the bar. A check at the website revealed that it

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is indeed the “largest exterior bar in North America” at just over 300 linear feet. The bar top wrapped all the way down and around the interior stacked with a variety of bottles. We approached the friendly bartender, who told us that this bar was the second largest outdoor bar in the world. We watched as she filled our cups with ice, followed by long shots of tequila, tart lime juice, and a splash of Grand Marnier.<figure id="3d75"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.readmedium.com/v2/resize:fit:800/1*nkJi8aaGlc9iZgx3fzjgnA.jpeg"><figcaption>The “best” margarita, and behind me, the longest outdoor bar in the country (photo courtesy of author).</figcaption></figure>Rimmed with salt, this may have been the best margarita I’ve ever had.From there, we hiked up to our seats and enjoyed the ensuing match. Although last in their league, the Earthquakes battled their way to a tie with the leading Dallas FC. We cheered and clapped, yelled, and groaned, right along with the rest of the crowd. We listened to the chants and watched the flags wave as the sun set on our night.We left the stadium tired and happy, rejuvenated yet again by a new experience.And, with a newly minted resolve to check out a soccer match in our own hometown too.</article></body>

Reasons to catch a soccer game in San Jose, California

PayPal Park, Home Stadium of the San Jose Earthquakes (photo courtesy of author)

My partner, Jon, and I recently returned from a long-awaited trip to San Jose to watch my beloved San Francisco 49ers take on their archrival Seattle Seahawks. Before the game, however, we had left the rest of the weekend open to exploring. On our first night in San Jose, we sipped lager and munched nachos as we checked out the offerings in the area.

We debated heading into San Francisco for a baseball game or checking out a restaurant in Sacramento. Jon found out that the San Jose Earthquakes were hosting a soccer match the following night. Our waiter confirmed that the stadium was nearby and added that it had one of the biggest bars in the world.

Sold! We bought our tickets and scheduled the Uber.

The next night, we got to the stadium quickly; we also got stuck in traffic quickly. Cars were jammed around the stadium in an effort to find parking, so we hopped out early to join the throngs of fans. The stadium was bright blue, awash with light, and we easily made our way through the security line. We had arrived early in hopes of grabbing a hot dog and checking out the signature bar before the start of the game.

We saw the field and stadium risers off to the right as we caught our bearings. Directly in front of us was the bar and stretching out to the left, a wide grassy area filled with people. Spreading blankets, kicking soccer balls, and munching on snacks as they strolled happily through the crowds.

Our hearts rose as we spotted the food trucks. Lined up at the perimeter of the stadium were easily a dozen food trucks with at least as many offerings. We peered at the menus, offering everything from street tacos to Korean barbecue, fried chicken to beef bulgogi bowls. We opted for a juicy cheeseburger loaded with avocado and bacon and some perfectly cooked steak fries.

We made our way back through the grass to a standing table running along the goal side of the soccer field. As we ate, we watched the players warming up and the fans readying their drums and flags. We huddled closer as other hungry patrons joined the tabletop, knocking elbows in smiling apology.

Now, it was time to check out the bar. A check at the website revealed that it is indeed the “largest exterior bar in North America” at just over 300 linear feet. The bar top wrapped all the way down and around the interior stacked with a variety of bottles. We approached the friendly bartender, who told us that this bar was the second largest outdoor bar in the world. We watched as she filled our cups with ice, followed by long shots of tequila, tart lime juice, and a splash of Grand Marnier.

The “best” margarita, and behind me, the longest outdoor bar in the country (photo courtesy of author).

Rimmed with salt, this may have been the best margarita I’ve ever had.

From there, we hiked up to our seats and enjoyed the ensuing match. Although last in their league, the Earthquakes battled their way to a tie with the leading Dallas FC. We cheered and clapped, yelled, and groaned, right along with the rest of the crowd. We listened to the chants and watched the flags wave as the sun set on our night.

We left the stadium tired and happy, rejuvenated yet again by a new experience.

And, with a newly minted resolve to check out a soccer match in our own hometown too.