Summer is here, which means the days are longer, school is out and there’s tons of fun to be had in the Bay Area. If you’ve never been to a Bay FC match at PayPal Park, now is the perfect time to grab a ticket and experience a unique and exciting fan experience. Even if you’ve already been to a match, there are plenty of new ways to enjoy a match in the summer. With intense rivalries, new foes, special giveaways, and all kinds of activities in store, there’s a lot happening in San Jose for Bay FC’s upcoming slate of summer matches. Take a look at our summer bucket list for all the details on our exciting opponents and in-stadium experiences, and see what items you can check off as a Bay FC fan this summer!
- Get a drink at North America’s longest outdoor bar
- The Scoreboard Bar is a staple at PayPal Park, but did you know it’s also the largest outdoor bar in North America? With a view right behind the goal and plenty of bartenders to keep lines moving, you won’t miss out on any of the action if you swing by during the match. Grab a tajin-rimmed margarita, a cold beer on tap, or a refreshing soda and stay hydrated during the summer months at PayPal Park.
- Grab food from one our diverse food trucks
- In addition to classic stadium fare from concessions, Bay FC matchdays provide a unique opportunity to try local restaurants and a variety of foods with a curated selection of food trucks at every match. There’s always an array of enticing options for every palate, from boba tea to barbecue to falafel to fresh juices. Check out the review of matchday eats from Eater here to get inspiration for your next order.
- Cheer on Bay FC vs Washington Spirit on July 6th
- The Spirit come to town for their first visit on July Fourth weekend, and PayPal Park is the perfect spot to enjoy a long summer weekend. Washington has tons of exciting players, including USWNT star Trinity Rodman and up-and-coming talents Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt. The first matchup between the two teams was a thrilling battle, with Bay FC falling short by just one goal. This holiday weekend match is sure to light up PayPal Park with plenty of firepower. You’ll also have the opportunity to give back to the community at this match: Bay FC will host a Community Book Drive in partnership with Ross to collect new/gently used children’s books which will be dispersed amongst the San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco public library systems in support of their Summer Reading Programs.
- Attend our first ever Summer Cup match on July 26th
- In a season of firsts, you have the chance to experience another historic moment with Bay FC. The inaugural NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup is coming in July, and you won’t want to miss out. This brand-new tournament gives Bay FC the opportunity to face new and old foes. Bay FC’s first home group stage match is on July 26 against Angel City FC. The other teams in the group include San Diego Wave FC and Club América. If Bay FC comes out on top of their group, they’ll continue to the knockout stages of the tournament where it could be their first opportunity to win some hardware.
- Participate in Sutter Health’s juggling contest at Fan Fest
- Looking to score some new Bay FC gear? There’s no better (or more fun) way to do it than by testing your skills at the Sutter Health Never Stop Juggling contest. Every home matchday, you can stop by the Sutter Health tent in FanFest to show off your footwork and compete to win prizes. All ages can compete to win an inaugural season Bay FC soccer ball and merchandise gift card! You can find Fan Fest in the grassy area behind the Scoreboard Bar at PayPal Park.
- Watch Club America come to PayPal Park to take on Bay FC on August 2
- Bay FC’s first international opponent comes to town in August, and it’s none other than Liga MX Femenil powerhouse Club América Femenil. Club América is two-time Liga MX Femenil winners and will bring an exciting roster of players including stars of the Mexican National Team who play alongside Bay’s own Scarlett Camberos in international play. This exciting match is the first opportunity to see how Bay FC stacks up against a rival from another North American league.
- Join a watch party
- When the team is on the road, you don’t have to miss out on the fun and camaraderie of watching the match with Bay FC fans. Take your fandom to new locations and check out a watch party hosted by Bay FC supporters. Keep an eye on the Bridge Brigade and Big Poppies social channels to find out where the parties are happening the week of the match.
- Tailgate before one of our summer matches in the tailgate lot
- Summer is the time to kick back and relax, so head to a Bay FC match a few hours early and start the party early in the Tailgate Lot. As the only lot where tailgating is permitted before a Bay FC match, it’s a great spot to meet up with friends or make new ones. Set up your coolers, grab those foldable chairs and a pop-up tent for shade, and make your own pre-match tradition.
- Collect a free giveaway item at a match
- Inside the stadium at most home matches, stop by the Meriwest Credit Union tent and grab a free sticky wallet for your phone. You can also stop by the Spirit Station and customize your own cheer card. The cheer cards often have special designs to incorporate Bay FC’s theme nights, and you can use the provided materials to add a fun message or drawing. Hold them up during the game to cheer for the team, and then bring the cheer card home to add some Bay FC flair to your fridge, bulletin board, or wall.
- Cheer for the players walking off the field on the skybridge
- The skybridge is one of the most unique features at PayPal Park. Players walk over the bridge to head from the locker-room to the field to start the match, and cross back over at the end of the match. You can head over to the skybridge near section 106 after the final whistle to catch a closer glimpse at your favorite players and cheer on a great performance. It’s a perfect opportunity to congregate with fellow fans after the match and show Bay FC players your appreciation.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned fan, we can’t wait to see you at a Bay FC match this summer!
