SAP Center is a popular multipurpose indoor Arena in San Jose, California. It is a primary venue for hosting NHL games. It hosts various indoor Sporting events, including ice hockey, indoor soccer, tennis, basketball, lacrosse, combat sports, and arena football. SAP Center seating chart helps in finding seats in this large Arena. It can accommodate about 17,500 visitors during NHL games, and its capacity for basketball and wrestling is over 18,000. During concerts, it can easily accommodate over 19000 visitors inside the SAP Center indoor Arena.
Construction of the indoor Arena in San Jose began in 1990 and was completed in 1993. San Jose Arena is the initial name of the indoor Arena and it was changed to Compaq Center in 2001 after the naming rights. It was renamed to HP Pavilion from 2002 to 2013. SAP purchased the naming rights of San Jose Arena in 2013, and it was renamed to SAP Center. It has been the home Arena of the San Jose Sharks NHL team since 1993. It is popularly known as Sharks Stadium during NHL games. Since 2026, it has also been used by the PWHL San Jose professional women’s ice hockey team.
San Jose Arena has had many tenants, including the Golden State Warriors NBA team. It is regularly used to various indoor Sporting events and live entertainment shows. The City of San Jose owns the SAP Center, and San Jose Sports & Entertainment Enterprises operates it. SAP Center is one of the largest indoor venues in California; however, Crypto.com Arena is the largest in the state.
SAP Center San Jose Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Arena | SAP Center at San Jose |
| Address | 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113 |
| Opened | September 7, 1993 |
| Primary tenant | San Jose Sharks (NHL) |
| Hockey capacity | About 17,500 |
| Basketball capacity | About 18,500 |
| Concert capacity | Up to about 18,500 depending on configuration |
| Main hockey sections | 101-128 |
| Upper sections | 201-227+ depending on configuration |
| Main premium areas | Club Seats, BMW Lounge, The Lounge, Penthouse Lounge, Suites |
| On-site parking | About 1,500 spaces |
| Parking within 1/3 mile | 3,000+ spaces |
| Parking within 1/2 mile | 6,000+ spaces |
| Major transit hub | San Jose Diridon Station directly across the street |
| Main tenant | San Jose Sharks |
| Other uses | Concerts, family shows, basketball, hockey and special events |
SAP Center Seating Chart
The stadium seats are spread across multiple levels, sections, and rows. The SAP Center seating plan shows the location of all seats, including sections and numbers. The map also shows the location of accessible seats. ADA seats are available in various sections, including the premium areas. The color-coded map shows general seats inside the SAP Center in white. The premium category areas are in various colors for easy identification.
The premium sections are divided into terrace, plaza, suites, lounge, etc. The premium sections at the SAP Center are among the most expensive areas, with luxury services and extra comfort. The view is also among the best in the premium categories.
Wheelchair accessible seats are available only with pre-booking, and they sell out quickly due to limited availability. It is recommended to book accessible seats early before big events. The layout shows the location of the basketball court, courtside seating sections, entrances, and other areas of the SAP Center.
SAP Center Concert Seating Chart
Musical concerts and similar events are hosted at the San Jose Arena regularly. The location of the performance stage, floor sections and fix seats of the SAP Center are shown on the seating layout. The seats behind the stage are generally not usable during the end-stage layout.
The color-coded map shows the locations of wheelchair-accessible sections, premium category seats, and general seats in the arena. It accommodates the maximum number of guests in the center-stage layout, as all sections have an uninterrupted view.
The seating layout maps of the indoor Arena in San Jose help in choosing the best sections before booking.
SAP Center Best Seats
Check the seating plan to choose the best seats for a memorable experience. The color-coded map shows the best sections, and the best areas are generally among the most expensive. The purple section is the best area for NHL games. Sections 115 and 101 are the best areas at the SAP Center. It is advisable to book seats in sections 101, 102, 114-116, and 128 to get one of the best views. These are among the most expensive and in-demand areas, especially during the Sharks’ NHL games.
214-216, 228, 201, and 202 are the good sections on the upper level. These are among the most affordable areas; however, they are far from the rink. The map also shows the location of the behind-the-basket seats on the lower and upper levels.
| Seating Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Seats | Sharks hockey | 101, 102, 128, 114-116 especially Rows 10-16 around center ice | Premium rows can be expensive |
| Best Budget Seats | Value for money | Upper center sections around 201-203 and 215-217; elevated view of the whole rink | Farther from the ice |
| Premium & VIP Seating | Luxury & exclusive experience | The Lounge, BMW Lounge, Club Seats, Penthouse Lounge and Suites | Very expensive |
| Seats to Avoid | — | Extreme upper corners/high rows; for concerts, seats directly behind the stage | Poorer angle or restricted view |
The sections in front of the performance stage are among the best areas to enjoy the concerts. These are the most expensive areas for the concert at the San Jose SAP Center.
SAP Center Parking Map
More than 1,500 parking spaces are available across lots A, B, and C. More than 3,000 additional spaces are within a 1/3 mile radius, and 6,000 additional spaces are within a half-mile radius. ADA parking spaces are available in the ABC parking lot adjacent to the SAP Center. These are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is advisable to pre-book parking if available. 10 secure BiKeep bicycle-docking stations are also available at the SAP Center.
Check this link to pre-book parking, learn more about parking, and get directions. Pre-purchase of parking is generally available for most of the events.
It is well connected by public transport and served by San Jose Diridon Station, which is across the street. This station connects to Caltrain, VTA buses, VTA light rail, ACE, and Capitol Corridor. Public transport is the best option to reach the SAP Center as compared to a private car.
SAP Center Bag Policy
| Bag | Status |
|---|---|
| 5 × 9 × 2 in or smaller | ✅ Recommended — faster screening |
| Up to 20 × 14 × 11 in | ✅ Allowed if it fits under your seat |
| Clear bag | ✅ Allowed if within size limit |
| Backpack | ✅ Allowed if within size limit |
| Medical bag | ✅ Allowed; X-ray screening if larger |
| Infant/parenting bag | ✅ Allowed; X-ray screening if larger |
| Over 20 × 14 × 11 in | ❌ Not permitted |
Storage facilities are not available at the SAP Center for large bags and prohibited items.
SAP Center 2026 Events
| Day & Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 22, 2026 | Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights — Preseason | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Sep 23, 2026 | LE SSERAFIM – 2026 Tour ‘PUREFLOW’ | Concert |
| Thu, Sep 24, 2026 | Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks — Preseason | NHL Hockey |
| Fri, Sep 25, 2026 | No SAP Center event currently listed | — |
| Sat, Sep 26, 2026 | Marco Antonio Solís – Tour Gratitud 2026 | Concert |
| Sun, Sep 27, 2026 | Yandel – Sinfónico USA Tour 2026 | Concert |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | Sharks vs. Florida Panthers — Home Opener | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Oct 3, 2026 | Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Oct 7, 2026 | SOMBR – You Are the Reason Tour | Concert |
| Sat, Oct 10, 2026 | Sharks vs. Edmonton Oilers | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Oct 12, 2026 | TAEMIN – 2026-27 World Tour | Concert |
| Tue, Oct 13, 2026 | Sharks vs. Boston Bruins | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | RUSH | Concert |
| Sat, Oct 17, 2026 | RUSH | Concert |
| Thu-Sun, Oct 22-25, 2026 | Disney On Ice – Find Your Hero | Family Show |
| Tue, Oct 27, 2026 | Sharks vs. Buffalo Sabres | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Oct 29, 2026 | Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Oct 31, 2026 | Sharks vs. Ottawa Senators — Los Tiburones | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Nov 2, 2026 | Sharks vs. Calgary Flames | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Nov 5, 2026 | Don Omar – The Last King World Tour | Concert |
| Fri, Nov 6, 2026 | Mon Laferte – Femme Fatale Tour | Concert |
| Sun, Nov 8, 2026 | The Smashing Pumpkins – The Rats in a Cage Tour | Concert |
| Mon, Nov 9, 2026 | Sharks vs. New York Islanders | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Nov 11, 2026 | Sharks vs. Pittsburgh Penguins — Military Appreciation | NHL Hockey |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | Sharks vs. Nashville Predators — Hockey Fights Cancer | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Nov 17, 2026 | Sharks vs. Calgary Flames | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Nov 18, 2026 | Three Days Grace | Concert |
| Fri, Nov 20, 2026 | Who Want The Smoke 2026 | Concert |
| Sat, Nov 21, 2026 | Sharks vs. Seattle Kraken | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Nov 23, 2026 | Sharks vs. Minnesota Wild | NHL Hockey |
| Fri, Nov 27, 2026 | Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights — Youth Hockey Appreciation | NHL Hockey |
| Tue, Dec 8, 2026 | Sharks vs. Seattle Kraken | NHL Hockey |
| Fri, Dec 11, 2026 | Sharks vs. Los Angeles Kings — Healthcare Heroes | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Dec 14, 2026 | Sharks vs. Vancouver Canucks | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Dec 19, 2026 | Wang Leehom – The Best Place II World Tour | Concert |
| Sat, Dec 26, 2026 | Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights | NHL Hockey |
SAP Center Events 2027
| Day & Date | Event | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | Sharks vs. Philadelphia Flyers — New Year’s Day | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Jan 2, 2027 | Sharks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs — Next Gen | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Jan 4, 2027 | Sharks vs. New Jersey Devils | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Jan 6, 2027 | Sharks vs. Dallas Stars | NHL Hockey |
| Fri, Jan 8, 2027 | Sharks vs. Washington Capitals — Sharks x Love Island | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Jan 9, 2027 | Sharks vs. New York Rangers — First Responders Appreciation | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Jan 18, 2027 | Sharks vs. Utah Mammoth — Black Excellence Celebration | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Jan 23, 2027 | Sharks vs. Vegas Golden Knights — Sharks x Warriors | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Jan 28, 2027 | Sharks vs. Nashville Predators | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Jan 30, 2027 | Sharks vs. Chicago Blackhawks | NHL Hockey |
| Sun, Feb 7, 2027 | Yuridia – Las Cartas Sobre La Mesa Tour 2027 | Concert |
| Wed, Feb 10, 2027 | Sharks vs. Chicago Blackhawks — Lunar New Year | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Feb 13, 2027 | Sharks vs. Detroit Red Wings — Family Game Night | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Feb 15, 2027 | Sharks vs. Winnipeg Jets — Educators Appreciation | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Mar 1, 2027 | Sharks vs. Montreal Canadiens | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Mar 3, 2027 | Sharks vs. Columbus Blue Jackets | NHL Hockey |
| Fri, Mar 5, 2027 | Sharks vs. Colorado Avalanche — South Asian Culture Celebration | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Mar 6, 2027 | Sharks vs. Tampa Bay Lightning — Women of Teal | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Mar 20, 2027 | Sharks vs. Carolina Hurricanes — Hello Kitty Night | NHL Hockey |
| Wed, Mar 24, 2027 | Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks — Vietnamese Heritage Celebration | NHL Hockey |
| Mon, Mar 29, 2027 | Sharks vs. Colorado Avalanche | NHL Hockey |
| Sun, Apr 4, 2027 | Sharks vs. St. Louis Blues | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Apr 8, 2027 | Sharks vs. Minnesota Wild — Pride Celebration | NHL Hockey |
| Sat, Apr 10, 2027 | Sharks vs. Anaheim Ducks — Fan Appreciation | NHL Hockey |
| Thu, Apr 15, 2027 | Yuri & Lucero | Concert |
