SAP Center Parking Tips in San Jose

The San Jose Sharks play their home games during the NHL season at the SAP Center in San Jose. To attend an event here without running into any hassles, you’ll want to know where to park in advance.

This detailed SAP Center at San Jose parking tips guide offers detailed parking information, including:

• The best official SAP Center parking lots
• Third-party parking lots near SAP Center at San Jose you can book in advance
• Areas to look for free parking in San Jose
• Handicap parking solutions
• Public transit options for San Jose Sharks events
• Other valuable SAP Center at San Jose parking tips to save time and money

Going to an event like a hockey game or concert should be fun and not bogged down by logistics, such as where to park. Use our guide to understand the options, and you can enjoy your trip to the SAP Center.

Official SAP Center at San Jose Parking Lots

There are roughly 1,500 parking spaces on-site at SAP Center in San Jose. Additionally, you will find thousands more parking spots in the surrounding area, so most visitors should be able to find a place to park within walking distance of the gates.

Main Parking Lots

The ABC Lot is the main parking lot on the property of SAP Center at San Jose. While some of these spots are taken up by season ticket holders for San Jose Sharks games, purchasing parking in advance for single games or events is possible. These spaces are sold through ParkMobile, and the price to park on-site is typically between $25 and $40.

1,500 on-site spots can fill up quickly, especially for a hockey game where many season ticket holders will attend. So, make it a point to reserve a place as soon as you can or pick out a third-party parking option (more on that below).

EV Parking at SAP Center at San Jose

While some charging stations are relatively near the SAP Center, none will be particularly convenient for your needs when attending an event. The best plan is to charge up your EV beforehand so you don’t need to locate an available plug before entering.

Accessible Parking Spaces

Accessible parking spaces are available on the property of SAP Center at San Jose for visitors with a valid ADA license plate or placard. Buy your parking in advance through ParkMobile so you can be sure that space will be available when you arrive.

Third-Party Parking Options at SAP Center in San Jose

The third-party parking options you can book through SpotHero when attending an event at this venue are limited, but a couple of good choices are available.

If you plan to use this method to secure parking, we recommend doing so as early as possible, given the limited inventory available. Use the widget below to browse parking today:

One good option is the parking garage at Almaden Financial Plaza. The walk from this area will be less than 10 minutes, and your space will frequently cost less than $20.

If that option is booked or doesn’t work, parking at 283 West San Fernando Street is similarly priced and only a few minutes farther from the gates.

Free Parking at SAP Center in San Jose

As with almost every other country venue, finding free parking anywhere near the SAP Center will take a lot of work. Any parking spot around the venue that is free to use will quickly be taken up, and those are few and far between.

It’s best to settle for paying for parking or choose another type of transportation to make the trip.

Public Transportation to SAP Center in San Jose

Valley Transit Authority Buses

Various public transportation services can help you make the trip to the SAP Center. For example, if you’d like to ride a bus, you can use the Valley Transit Authority buses and get off at the Diridon Station to access the arena quickly.

Caltrain

When coming from farther away, Caltrain is the way to go. This is particularly effective if you are coming from San Francisco, as you can avoid the heavy traffic that typically clogs up the highways between San Francisco and San Jose.

Again, you’ll use the Diridon Station to access the SAP Center, and you’ll want to check the schedule for the day to make sure the train times will work for you.

Ridesharing to SAP Center

For rideshare drop-off, you can use the Autumn Street Drop-Off Area, which is easy to access by having your driver take the Julian Street exit from CA-HW87. When you need to get picked up after an event, there are white zones on Autumn and Montgomery Streets for hopping in an Uber or Lyft and heading out.

SAP Center at San Jose Events

The San Jose Sharks are just one of the central tenants at the arena. Plenty of concerts and other events occur here regularly, so check out the table below to find some great seats.

Bars and Restaurants near SAP Center in San Jose

There are some excellent options for food and drinks within walking distance of the SAP Center. You might find fewer choices here than in the heart of a bigger city like Los Angeles, New York, or Chicago, but there are still some appealing establishments to consider.

One great option for food is Henry’s World Famous Hi-Life. You’ll find a sports lounge with comfortable seating and many drink options on the menu. Don’t be surprised to find plenty of Sharks fans here looking for a table in the hours ahead of a game.

SAP Center at San Jose Parking Tips for a Great Outing

Attending an event at an NBA arena should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience. However, traffic and transportation issues sometimes get in the way and turn the outing into a nightmare. 

Let’s review some essential parking and travel tips to ensure that doesn’t happen to you at SAP Center.

Arrive Early and Beat the Traffic

Traffic in this part of California is relatively easy to navigate. Plan your day to get to the arena early and secure parking before it gets crazy.

Check to see when the gates will open, and you can arrive early to enjoy as much time inside the facility as possible.

Know What You Can Bring

SAP Center at San Jose has specific policies regarding what can and can’t come into the building like all other stadiums. Check these rules in advance so you don’t have to leave things in the car.

Remember Where You Parked!

There are plenty of parking spaces available in the area around the SAP Center. With such a massive parking area to cover, you want to avoid searching for your vehicle at the end of the day. Consider snapping a quick picture of your car’s location on your phone so you can get back to it quickly.

Take Security Measures

Always consider safety when parking for an event at a popular arena. Be sure to lock your vehicle as a starting point and remove anything valuable from the car or truck before leaving home. You should park in a well-lit area for more security.

Have a Backup Plan

Unless you have purchased a parking pass in advance, it’s a good idea to have at least a few parking options in mind when you head out. That way, if your first option is full or otherwise unavailable, you won’t have to scramble to figure out where to go next.

Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the logistics of attending events at SAP Center, home to the San Jose Sharks, requires careful parking planning. This comprehensive guide offers insights into official and third-party parking options, accessibility, public transit alternatives, and practical tips to enhance your experience.

Following these recommendations will make your visit to the SAP Center stress-free and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions for Parking at SAP Center in San Jose (FAQs)