Orlando City travels to the west coast to take on San Jose on Saturday. Making the trip? We’ve got some tips for you to help take advantage of those extra three hours.
The Venue
San Jose plays all their home matches in Avaya Stadium, a soccer specific stadium in Santa Clara opened in 2015.
The stadium can seat up to 18,000 features a canopy roof and the steep-raked seating to provide a better view. Additionally, the area behind the northeast goal houses a massive outdoor bar.
Fun fact, the construction of Avaya Stadium was delayed almost half a season due to the discovery of a tank factory that manufactured the Bradley Fighting Vehicle under the build site. Entire vaults of tank parts and munitions were discovered -- some the size of Olympic swimming pools. It’s a crazy story and you can read about it in more detail here.
General Direction to Avaya Stadium: Coming from Highway 101 and taking the De La Cruz Blvd. exit is the advised route to avoid congestion. This will allow you to turn right, directly into the parking lots, instead of a more time-consuming left turn coming from I-880 and taking Coleman Ave.
Things to Do
Computer History Museum
Ok, wait. Hear me out on this one. You’re just miles away from Silicon Valley, so...well...that’s all I’ve got. But seriously, check out the exhibit on autonomous vehicles, the IBM demo lab, where computers used to be the size of entire rooms, and learn Photoshop from the pros.
Levi’s Stadium
If you happen to get into town early this week you’re in luck as the San Francisco 49ers take on the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night in the final preseason game of the year. Levi Stadium, where Orlando City faced the Quakes in 2015, opened in 2014 and is one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in North America.
Winchester Mystery House
Part haunted house, part tourist attraction, the Winchester Mystery House and it’s curious architectural curiosities were built in 1884 by Sarah Winchester, the widow of firearm mogul William Winchester. Take a one hour tour of the mansion and even throw axes in the stables (So authentic!). Just let us know if you see any ghosts.
Bars and Restaurants
Taqueria La Veracruzana
They call themselves an ‘unpretentious’ Mexican eatery. It looks like a hole-in-the-wall place, but if I know anything in life, that’s usually where you find the best tacos.
The Halford
70 craft beers available and what looks to be above average pub fare. If you’re looking to catch some college football ahead of the match this might be the place to go.
Rok Steakhouse & Grill
Ok, this place might be worth the trip by itself. If you’ve never been to a place that serves steak on a hotplate, or Volcanic rock as this place does, you’re missing out. You get to cook and season your own steak right at the table. It sounds weird, but I’m serious, it’s incredible. Please try it and report back.
