The arena opened in 1993 as the San Jose Arena, but to locals it is called the “Shark Tank” or just “The Tank.”
In 2002 Hewlett-Packard purchased the naming rights and changed the name to what it is known as today.Year Opened: 1995
Capacity: 17,482
Architect: Sink, Combs, Dethlefs
Web Site: hppsj.com
Phone: 408/287-9200
Anchor Tenants: San Jose Sharks (NHL) / San Jose Sabercats (AFL) / San Jose Stealth (NLL)
Parking: Plenty of available parking surrounds the HP Pavilion Arena.
Directions: 525 W. Santa Clara St., San Jose, CA 95113. Southbound 280 Exit at Bird Avenue. Turn left onto Bird Avenue and continue as it becomes Autumn Street. Northbound 280 Exit onto Route 87 (Guadalupe Pkwy) northbound. Exit either at Santa Clara Street or Julian Street. Southbound Route 87 Exit at Julian Street. Follow the signs directing you to available parking. Northbound Route 87 Exit either at Santa Clara Street or Julian Street. Southbound 101 Exit onto Route 87 (Guadalupe Pkwy) then exit at Julian Street. Northbound 101 Exit onto Interstate 280 northbound. Then exit onto Route 87 (Guadalupe Pkwy) northbound. Exit either at Santa Clara Street or Julian Street. Southbound 680 Southbound 680 becomes Interstate 280 northbound. Then exit onto Route 87 (Guadalupe Pkwy) northbound. Exit either Santa Clara Street or Julian Street. Southbound 880 Exit at Coleman Avenue. Turn left onto Coleman Avenue (crossing over the freeway). Proceed on Coleman Avenue to Julian Street or Market Street. Northbound 17 Exit onto Interstate 280 southbound and exit at Bird Avenue. Turn left onto Bird Avenue and continue as it becomes Autumn Street.
History
The arena opened in 1993 as the San Jose Arena, but to locals it is called the “Shark Tank” or just “The Tank.”
In 2002 Hewlett-Packard purchased the naming rights and changed the name to what it is known as today. The original idea for the arena was for it to be a multi-purpose sports and entertainment center. With the HP Pavilion hosting an average of 184 events a year, the idea was a success. Actually, in 2004 the HP Pavilion sold the most tickets to non-sporting events of any venue in the United States and third in the world.
Covering 17 acres, the HP Pavilion welcomes fans with their 10-story glass pyramid entry. In addition to the Sharks, the arena is also home to the National Lacrosse League’s San Jose Stealth as well as the Arena Football League’s San Jose Saber Cats.
