Soccer Silicon Valley Blog

We've already compiled some of the comments made on BigSoccer, so you might want
to scan through these quickly to see what has already been suggested:

Suggested Themes

• Some Spartan Stadium flavor

• Retro, like MLB's Camden Yards

• European EPL/SPL styles (especially Reebok?)

• Crumbling Roman ruins (akin to Earthquakes)

Location

• Proximity to mass transit (CalTrain, Light Rail, etc)

• Underground parking covered by playing fields

• Kick-around fields for tailgating

• Tree covered, dedicated tailgate areas

Field Dimensions

• Minimum FIFA standards, NO larger (75 yards by 116 yards)

o Speed/quality of play

o Intimate

• Limited space beyond the touchlines (4 yards)

• Possible retractable seats for first few rows to accommodate larger pitch (i.e. rugby)

Seating Areas

• Individual seats with backs and cup holders

• Boards (wood or metal) that will generate noise when the crowd stamps their feet. (If the new stadium has a concrete floor we lose that).

• Steeply terraced seating with unobstructed sightlines

o Threatening and lively

o Keeps crowd close to the field (HDC is too spread-out)

• Preferably in team colors (blue, black, grey)

• “San Jose" on one side"“Earthquakes" on the other

• Possible terraces or benches behind the goals

• Standing section to accommodate The Casbah

• Close to field

• Low to field

o (4-5 feet to encourage Lambeau Leaps, etc.)

o Pitch level (like Europe)

• Luxury suites that can be rented out by groups for a given match

• Rectangular (not oval) configuration to limit intrusion on sightlines

• Possibly open at the corners to allow view of urban surroundings

Amenities

• Replay screens at both ends

• Premium sound system (compared to Spartan Stadium)

• Roof

o Translucent to admit sunlight

o Focus/reflect sound back onto field

o Prevent light seepage to surrounding neighborhood

o Some shelter for midday events

o Possible photovoltaic collector for green design principles

• Year-round pub (skybox?), sponsored by a local soccer supporter (i.e. Britannia Arms)

o Requires membership for gameday use

o Open to everyone the rest of the time

• Quakes Museum and banners, celebrating MLS and NASL legacy

• Year-round stadium shop (also sponsored by local supporter (i.e. Cal Custom)

• Quakes front office on-site

Concessions

• Televisions at the concession stands

• International beer selection (i.e. NO exclusive pouring rights for Budweiser)

• Restaurant with a field view

• Beer-garden with a field view

• Adequate restroom facilities, etc.

Location at Moffet Field: roomy & with proximity to lightrail and 3 freeways.

Have the Locker Rooms Underground and the entrance to the field is in the middle of the "west side"(under pressbox)stadium.

Make an official area (north endzone like spartan) for die hard fans like the casbah to sit with different colored seats for them.

Bring Back "Q."

All seats with backs.

The list of suggestions pretty much sums up my thoughts. I would also like the stadium to have some features that really define it. Some oddity or unique aspect like the green monster at Fenway (not that I want a giant wall at the epicenter). Right away you would know what stadium it is. Many of SSS currently being built look a lot alike.

No open corners. That will allow the noise to leak out and disturb neighboring areas. Also, it will let the noise out and we want to be intimidating.

The visiting fans section should be number 666.

Terraces in the Casbah. Just put in the floor, either aluminum or wood, and don't put any seats or bleachers in and you're set.

The TV cameras should be located on the East side, so that they face the West side stands which will have more patrons and no doubt be the core of season ticket seats.

If the stadium needs to be asymetrical, like Spartan, the corporate suites should be on the East (smaller) side. That allows the Quakes to tell their corporate friends that they will have a smaller crowd to deal with. (A separate entrance for the smaller side from the parking structure would facilitate this also.)

Quakes Forever!!
GO SSV!!

- Mark

How about a youth soccer field near to the stadium. The Quakes have always done well by the youth leagues, and should encourage families to attend the games.

I think that all these ideas are great except having it at Moffet field. It's important to me that it be within San Jose city limits. The only problem I see is that we're dreaming for the ideal stadium. Within a more practical and realistic context my requirements would be that the field be much larger than that of Spartan and within FIFA standards. I definately like the idea of having steeply terraced seating with unobstructed sightlines. The stadium shouldn't be too large with a maximum capacity of no more than 15,000-20,000. Maximizing such a capacity crowd would result in greater possibilities in the future and not give a half empty feel in the meantime. The stadium MUST be versatile enough to hold a variety of events or the viability of us ever having any stadium goes down the drain. If the A's owners want to build a stadium for their baseball team at Great America I would be more than satisfied with the compromise of having the Quakes play there too. One way or another, the most important thing is that we get a team no matter where they play.

First of all, my family and I really, really look forward to having the Quakes back in town, and assuming that the stadium will be somewhere on the Peninsula, we will definitely get season tickets again.

Since I now must use a wheelchair to go a distance more than a city block, handicapped parking is important to me. If that's close enough to the seats and if there are good handrails in the stadium, I can get to the seats using my cane and the handrails.

Spartan stadium offered good seating at reasonable prices, please keep that intact.

The foods offered at concessions could use an upgrade. The chicken strips were good. More things like that please. And oh yeah, continuting the offering of a quality beer is a welcome touch.

In any case, I'm just sooo very, very happy that the quakes are coming back. (and keep Landon in L.A.)

Speaking of that link to bigsoccer, there's a great list at http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8976771&postcount=246

I agree with most things posted here, but NOT with: placing the camera and suites on the east side, leaving the stadium capacity at only 15k-20k (it needs to be in the 20k-30k range), playing in anyplace other than San Jose, and especially with the Quakes sharing a baseball stadium (which Wolff thankfully said is a separate stadium search). The Quakes must be the first tenants and have control.

Tania --

The A's are looking at a youth field component to the project. It may or may not be on the same site as the stadium but they are definitely thinking in that direction.

Wireless access stadium-wide

And I disagree with the seatless Casbah section idea and a visitor's section numbered 666, although I know that the visitor's section idea was simply meant as a joke.

Please consider siting the stadium in south Alameda county. There will be an Irvington BART station in a few years, and there must be enough land nearby.

International food for an international game.

A very good set of retail outlets. I hate the insipid offerings of apparel at HDC, which has practically nothing for sale except Cobi Jones and Donovan (blech) shirts. How about a real soccer shop with jerseys from major world-class clubs as well? Note that most bay area towns dont have anything like this, so sales should be brisk.

Finally, have a standing or cheap-seats section to encourage students, seniors, and other lower-income fans to visit more often. These areas could easily enable more ticket giveaways to youth clubs and the like.

well..what i would like to see inna new stadium...we could have larger feilds as seen on the english premire league.bigger stadium..and roofs covering the FANS for the rainy day games...a huge t.v screen in the stadium wouldent hurt...a little corner for the away fans...BETTER FOOD.....MORE fans..and teh outside??...who cares as long as its blue..or has the quakes name on it....THANK YOU...p.s sorry that my comment was soooo long

Have a separate viewing room that can hold over 500 seats with a giant projector for viewing US games, Quakes away games, and other sporting events.

I believe that these ideas that have surfaced are very good, aside from the visitors section '666' (no offense, I just do not believe that would be a very positive thing to do and it could create some controversy).

Although this suggestion may seem odd and perhaps offbeat, I believe that there should be cleaner restroom facilities, and one or two more women's restrooms than men's (I assume you have noticed that the ladies' line goes out the door while there is rarely a line for the men's room).

I also agree with limited area beyond the touchlines, for a different reason- I have seen other MLS teams with cheerleaders, and I do not want to reduce to the point where we need women dancing in tight clothing to attract crowds (even if they didn't attract more people, it would be sick that soccer has turned in that direction). So, with roughly four yards behind the touchline, no hotshot could place cheerleaders there.

The stadium should be built nearby a BART station or some other means of transportation as well, and as for the theme or style I believe that it should be much like Spartan Stadium.

Although these ideas may seem particularly odd, I'll admit, I figure that they are the small things that would not be suggested otherwise.

The comment list came up with brilliant ideas. The Quakes should come up with a song/chant then the words can be projected on the screen and the fans can chant along like a karaoke, Like a music video you can have some of the players, coaches, fans sing on the screen (prerecorded), kinda like the 7th inning stretch song in baseball. The stadium should look colorfully festive, family friendly athmosphere with mural of past quakes players like george best and eric wynalda. Make Landon feel sorry he sold us out.

Hey gang. Keep the input coming. The Earthquakes LLC are talking to stadium architects....

Colin

* Massive jagged fissure, with seats slightly offset on either side.

* Easier access for people with strollers, wheelchairs

* Stadium sited so that setting sun does not blind anyone (including players); some kind of screen might also work

* Stairs with railings! Spartan has them on the outside but not inside.

* Big picture traffic flow, so that getting into and out of the parking areas doesn't take forever.

* Corollary to above: well-situated (and well lit) parking spaces. (People who had their cars dinged in the Spartan lots were often reluctant to give soccer another try.)

I am with Anna on the bathrooms. Also, please don't make the stands too steep!

Oh, one more thing...I personally like bench seating. Makes it easier to share a blanket when it's freezing. and also makes it possible for young kids to take a nap if it's a late game. Plus--when you bring a guest to a game, you typically cannot get an extra ticket anywhere near your season tix. With bench seating, the guest can squeeze in with the regulars rather than sit by her/himself.

>>"I believe that these ideas that have surfaced are very good, aside from the visitors section '666' (no offense, I just do not believe that would be a very positive thing to do and it could create some controversy)."

Controversy in soccer?? Gee, what a concept. EVERY section should be named 666. Hail Satan!!

And instead of a "family section" where there's no alcohol allowed, i.e. CyberRays games, they should have an alcohol section where there's no families allowed.

I lived a long time in Bay area before moving to Nevada 2 yrs ago. We drove down for a lot of the home games in 2004/05. I continue to follow the Earthquakes on Direct Kick & ESPN. They may be in Texass, but those guys are still Earthquakes to me.

If a team & park can be built I will drive down for games. I would go so far as buying season tickets.

I became soccer fan & recreation player when the original Earthquakes came to San Jose in the 1970's. I think a BIG plus for a new Earthquake team would be to go back to the original logo & uniform colors from the 1970's teams.

My thoughts:
1) To the extent possible, take tv viewing experience into account - it is dissapointing when you see tv angles that focus on the empty side of the stadium during MLS games.

2) restaurant with a field view should be built in such a way as to enable renting it out for formal events to be held overlooking the field (proms, weddings, etc).

3) a creative way to minimize any sort of stage area that seems to be a neccessary part of SSS these days (temporary stands, retractable stage, etc.) During games it should simply look like a soccer stadium.

4) reasonably priced seats

5) ticket windows open all week so you can bypass insane Ticketmaster "convenience" fees.

6) world-class grounds crew - the condition of the field matters more in soccer than just about any other sport.

Private funding. It's not right to force tax payers to pay for a business - no matter how much I personally want it.

My thoughts (no particular order)
-Have the first row of seats as close to the field as possible (ie: on the field)
-Have the first row of seats as close to the side and end lines as possible (a few feet at most)
-As steep as seats as possible...(the above points all lead to the fans being as close to the field/players as possible)
-Have the tunnel for the players be in the middle of stadium
-Make the stadium distinctive when it is on TV (HDC, Bridgeview, etc, all look the same on TV, I would like to have games on TV where everyone sees it and says "oh, this game is in SJ")..maybe use the types of railing posts they have in Spartan (the short Greek looking columns)...this would also add continuity to past teams and stadiums
-A roof
-Fully enclosed stadium...no "open" sections in the corners to let the sound out
-Pub, store, museum, , Hall of Fame, sound system, video board
-Blue seats (or whatever color the team ends up)
-I have lots of idea;s for the first game...but that will be another post :)
-As far as location, I would prefer Fremont, as long as it gets built!

1) Real Grass (No field Turf)
2) Big, level pitch
3) A Roof
4) Stands on all four sides of the pitch. I assume there will have to be a stage. It should either be temporary so that permanent stands can be erected on all four sides, or, if it must occupy one endline, there should be a way to erect temporary stands on the stage.
5) Minimize the distractions - I know a lot of people want a lot of extraneous features (restaurants, pubs, stores, etc. etc.). When I've gone to games overseas the focus is 100% on the game. People hang out a little before the game but are in their seats by kickoff and stay there until the halftime wistle (same for 2nd half). I understand from a revenue generation standpoint some of these extra "features" are necessary but the shouldn't take attention away from the game.

I'm a bit biased being an SF resident, but would love to see the team in a waterfront, China Basin or Candlestick Point stadium. Let's face it, SF would bring instant international recognition and is centrally located. Let's call them the San Francisco Bay Earthquakes to be truly representative.

have the roof totally covered instead of leaving one end open so the sound dosent bother the neighbor hoods. and have on one side of the stdium like in some euro stdiums the team name spelled out on the seats or the sponsors. also dont have the design the same as all the rest of the mls stadiums. kepp it unique and try too put as much nature into it as possible instead of having it look like a bug block od concreat. like spartan stdium how it had trees surronding it. have that to at the new stadium. and instead of having two scrrens (to save money) lets only have one scrren and put it at the south end. and the seats have them quakes colors. blue seats with black trim.

My computer seems to be having a formatting problem when I try to post my "SSS musts" list on this blog, but my list can also be found at http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showpost.php?p=9176727&postcount=399

>> Private funding. It's not right to force tax payers to pay for a business - no matter how much I personally want it. <<

Lewis Wolff already stated that he and John Fisher will be paying for the stadium themselves. In return, they just ask for a good deal on the land and some surrounding roadside improvements.

>> and instead of having two scrrens (to save money) lets only have one scrren and put it at the south end.

There's no need to encourage two mulitbillionaires to "save money" (i.e. skimp on us), particularly since the stadium will be privately-funded rathter than publicly-funded. If two screens are in the plans, then the stadium should have no less.

Also, since the aforementioned BigSoccer SSS thread had hit +400 posts, that discussion is being carried over into a new Part II SSS thread at http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=388882

I agree with pretty much everything here. I don't want an ugly stage in this place. Close touchline, steep stairs with railings and the entrance to the lockeroom under the stands. Just like Anfield!! I've been there and it's really nice.
It would also be cool to have large silhouettes around the outside perimeter of the stadium of a soccer player doing a bicycle kick, header, sissor kick, etc. as you walk around the stadium with blue acccent lights from the ground shining on it.

I agree with TyfaneeSue -- I actually prefer the bench seats, for the reasons she listed. Plus, it makes jumping out your seat after a Quakes goal that much more fun. Gives you more room to dance around and run up and down the aisle to high-five your pals. Plus, could rentals of seatbacks be a source of revenue for the team? Maybe there could be a mix? Some sections with seatbacks, some with benches?

With the millions that must be spent, adding a few mil extra for plush seats doesn't seem to be a priority.

#1.Plenty of restrooms, enough to handle very large crowds IE: LA games, international friendlies,etc.
#2. "Beer only" vender stalls close to the seating so you don't miss much of the action on the pitch waiting for a cold brew. A large selection of beers is a MUST!
#3. LOTS of trees for shade, inside the stadium and outside around the edges.
#4.An area for tailgating before the match, preferably with real grass.
#5.Individual seating IE:Comfortable chairs w/beercup holders in certain sections.
#6.Seats close to the field,British style, working their way up at a good incline for better viewing.

PS: REAL GRASS on the pitch!!!
A larger field (but not much)so we can hold WC qualifying games.
Easy access/exit parking before and after the games.

I agree with most everything listed here. I would like actual seats with backings and cup holders, all in our team colors (I think the colors should be emphasized to remind people that above all, this is the home of the Quakes). Also, keep the seats as close to the field as possible.

NO cheerleaders! For this reason alone I would vote for limited space beyond the touchlines.

A year-round restaurant/bar/sports grill, with views of the playing field, would really be great. Better food selections would be nice, but I like having the option of bringing my own food in.

But one feature not yet mentioned that I think is important is a permanent space for the players to keep up the tradition of Autograph Alley. For me, this is what separated the Quakes from every all sports teams. I loved that after every home game - win, lose, or draw - the players would come out and interact with the fans. I fondly remember after a particularly disappointing 1-0 loss to LA in the final game of the season, every player came out to sign autographs. I got pictures with about 8 of them and they all had genuine smiles on their faces. Never mind that they had just dropped a game to our most hated rivals, you could tell that they wanted to be out there with the fans. Aside from their on-field accomplishments, this is one of the legacies that the Quakes left.

But first and foremost, get the team back! I would love to see the Houston players back in the jerseys they belong in.

Oh yeah, the Autograph Alley. That is huge with fans - first time and hard core fans as well.

I would also like a nice tailgate area for pre and post game activities.

A series of nice restaurants close by... and I mean, good restaurants. Location is key.

Field: small, compact, with the fans almost on the field, big video screens and decent food inside the stadium. No need to have a restaurant inside, just close by.

Bring back Spartacus and his gang.

BLUE. Lots of Blue tones!

Solar power... to express the CA feeling...

Decent restrooms... very important specially for ladies (no offense here). Most of my friends complained about it at Spartam.

Ok investors... people are ready to spend some $$$ on game days and following the team... we just need a good place to start spending it!!! Hurry up before we all move to England to follow the Manchester or Liverpool... I'm sure they will take our savings... gladly :-)

The new Stadium would be great with little shops near by like on Santana Row to bring in more bisness.

Everyone else summed it up well. Only one that could be of importance...

You will need floor space where various sports exhibits can be displayed. Items coming from or going to the National Soccer Hall of Fame can be shown at the concourses where people can take a look. It's been tried and it seems to be a hit.

It can be displayed for a game or two, or during the course of the season. It's also a good way to show the history of the game, or if any collectors/artists want to show off a few wares.

Moreso, it's a good way to preserve the history of the game. Anything from the 1974 Quakes, the 2001/2003 Quakes, the 1996 Clash--that sort of thing that can be shown. And keep it coming--we're in the right direction!

Having read all the suggestions thus far, I think just about everything is covered in nice detail, particularly the continued theme of allowing the seats to be close to the pitch, close enough for the visiting team to hear the fans comments during the run of play.

One item I haven't seen mentioned is the concept of having the stadium designed in a manner that will protect the fans from the prevailing winds that occur in the Bay Area in the evenings. Having sat through various games at Candlestick (or whatever they call it now), SBC Park (or whatever they call it now), and Spartan Stadium, the wind and cold it brings can be a very big reason for not attending games, especially with young children.

When it is suggested to place a stadium near Great America (or whatever they call it now) or in Fremont, I think about the nights I've spent watching ballgames and soccer matches at the Twin Creeks sports complex and get goosebumps just thinking about having to sit through that for a Earthquakes match. Wonder how those winds would affect the flight of a soccer ball heading from one end of the pitch to the other? I enjoy watching soccer and recognize that weather during matches can sometimes be a great memory builder, but hate going to matches dressed up like I was still living in Chicago in February.

Build the stadium at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. It is between two freeways (101,87) and a few blocks from a light rail station. Monterrey road is a major street that should be able to handle lots of traffic. There is minimal housing in the area to disrupt as well. It would be much easier to get in and out of than Spartan.

Also, the land there is large enough to accomodate a stadium, parking, and maybe several community soccer fields. Sorry SF and Fremont, the Quakes belong in San Jose.

It would have taken me some time to come up with a long list of what I want in a stadium, so I decided to draw what I wanted.
I agree with what alot of you have said about the stadium, field space, museum and pub. I don't expect that the architects would look at this and say "lets build that", but my rendering was more about emotion, feeling and the expression of my vision.

(Review)
http://www.mindspring.com/~eleven2/item/eqc1.gif
(also)
http://www.mindspring.com/~eleven2/item/eqc2.gif

(Highlights)
-Stone, steel ,blue and black glass materials for the facade
-Mix of traditional cozy design with a more modern touch to the roof and overall look.
-Open-air area for gatherings, vendors and overall enjoyment of the weather, ala Spartan
-Blue seats throughout, with roof for all fans
-San Jose written on the two halves.
-No concert stage, (though it would probably require one)
-The donor bricks embedded in the wall near the main entrances (not shown)