Shaded Seats at PayPal Park

What You Need to Know About Shade at PayPal Park

Located in San Jose, California, PayPal Park is the home of the San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) and Bay FC (NWSL).

The stadium is oriented Northeast, so as the sun tracks from East to West, the western grandstand acts as a massive sunshield for the home side of the pitch.

Because the stadium is mostly open with limited roof coverage, the angle of the sun is the primary factor in determining shade, leaving the East sideline and North End supporters’ area sun-soaked for the majority of daytime matches.

Stick to The West Side Of the Pitch

For fans who want to avoid the intense San Jose heat, focusing on the western half of the stadium is the most effective strategy.

• Sections 101 – 114: This is the gold standard for comfort, moving into the shade by mid-afternoon and staying cool through the final whistle. Stick to the higher rows for shade earlier in the day
• Sections 114 – 121: The South goal provides shade a little earlier than the West sideline. Keep in mind sections 117 – 118 are supporter sections, so be loud and proud if you sit around there!

Late Afternoon and Evening

Fortunately, most kickoffs occur in the later afternoon and evening. As the sun continues to drop in the West, the shadow from the main grandstand steadily stretches across the pitch toward the opposite sideline.

By an evening kickoff, the entire West sideline is in deep, comfortable shade, offering a clear view of the match without any sun interference.

The fans on the East sideline will continue to battle the setting sun’s glare, which can be particularly punishing in the lower rows until the sun fully dips below the stadium’s western rim.