The times of the Tank

The history of the SAP Center

The front of the SAP Center in Downtown San Jose.

To locals, the SAP Center is most popularly known as “The Tank.” | Photo by SJtoday staff

The SAP Center has welcomed over 35 million visitors since opening in 1993 — including chart-topping artists, professional sports teams, world-class talents, and more.

Today, we’re diving into the Tank’s nearly 30-year history and how it became one of our city’s most iconic landmarks.

🗳️ What almost wasn’t

In the mid-1980s, there was a growing push for an indoor arena to be built in Downtown — mainly by a grassroots group named Fund Arena Now (FAN). Former Mayor Tom McEnery supported the group, and helped get a measure on the ballot that would allocate tax dollars to building the arena.

Early results projected the measure to fail — many residents were worried about traffic, parking, and overcrowding. But, on Election Day (June 7, 1988), it passed by a slim margin with 53% of votes for yes, 47% for no.

A birds-eye-view of the SAP Center being constructed in 1992.

🎟️ A new entertainment hub

Construction began in 1991, and despite a slight delay, the stadium opened in 1993 as the San Jose Arena. From then to 2013, it changed names to Compaq Center at San Jose, to HP Pavilion, to now, the SAP Center.

Its main tenant now is the San Jose Sharks — hence its locally known name, the “Shark Tank” — but it was also home to several, now-defunct, San Jose sports teams + the Golden State Warriors during the reconstruction of the Oakland Coliseum in 1996.

Aside from sporting events, the SAP has hosted Aerosmith, Prince, Celine Dion, Beyonce, Drake, and more.

🎶 Its legacy lives on

From its tough battle of being built, to becoming one of Downtown’s shining stars, the SAP Center continues to thrive — catch these hard hitters coming to the arena soon:

Harlem Globetrotters | Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023
Eagles: Hotel California 2023 Tour | Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023
Blink-182: North American Tour | Thursday, June 22, 2023

Click here to have your event featured.

Monday, Nov. 28

Karaoke Nights | Monday, Nov. 28-Monday, Dec. 26 | 9 p.m. | O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub, 25 N. San Pedro St., San Jose | Free | Sing your favorite tunes with friends at this weekly karaoke night.

Tuesday, Nov. 29

Power Networking Lunch at Kyoto Palace | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Kyoto Palace Japanese Steakhouse, The Pruneyard Shopping Center, Campbell | $30-$40 | Enjoy a meal while networking with other local business owners, entrepreneurs, and career-minded individuals.
San Jose Barracuda vs. Iowa Wild | Tuesday, Nov. 29-Wednesday, Nov. 30 | 7 p.m. | Tech CU Arena, 1500 S. Tenth St., San Jose | $13-$50 | Let’s take to the ice.
The Santa Clause Trivia Night & Santa Party! | Tuesday, Nov. 29 | 7-9 p.m. | Britannia Arms Almaden, 5027 Almaden Expy., San Jose | $10-$30 | Come dressed in your favorite Christmas costume, enjoy holiday food & drink specials, and win prizes.

Wednesday, Nov. 30

Santana Row Snow Showers | Wednesday, Nov. 30-Friday, Dec. 23 | 6-8 p.m. | Santana Row, 377 Santana Row, San Jose | Free | Enjoy outdoor snow showers & holiday tunes every 30 minutes in Park Valencia in front of Maggiano’s.
Living Succulent Grapevine Wreath | Wednesday, Nov. 30, Wednesday, Dec. 7, Wednesday, Dec. 14 | Tessora’s Barra di Vino, 234 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell | $75 | Enjoy some wine, food and create something beautiful this season.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Ian Bagg | Thursday, Dec. 1-Saturday, Dec. 3 | 8 p.m. | San Jose Improv, 62 South 2nd St., San Jose | $22-$72 | Catch this world touring comedian and host of the weekly podcast, “Ian Bagg Bought a House.”

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

NEXT MONTH'S HAPPENINGS

Weather

59º | Partly cloudy | 9% chance of rain 🌤️

Coming Soon

Word on the street is... a sandwich shop called Torino Panino Italian Sandwiches & Taphouse will arrive in Little Italy soon. While it’s unclear when the deli will open, it looks like it will be occupying the spot next to Solo Vino on W. St. John Street. 🥖

Sports

Over the weekend, the SJSU Spartans ended their 2022 season with a win against the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, securing the Dick Tomey Legacy Trophy. It’s the third straight year the Spartans have held the rivalry trophy — named after the head coach at Hawaii from 1977-1986 and SJSU from 2005-2009. 🏈 (247 Sports)

Featured

Atlas Obscura recently spotlighted the United Lowrider Council and its efforts in promoting community in culture following the repeal of the no-cruising ban. We’re also big fans of the lowriders — learn more from when we sat down with ULC president David Polanco. (Atlas Obscura)

Community

San Jose Dept. of Transportation is inviting community members to tune in to its last Vision Zero meeting of the year. At the Wednesday, Nov. 30 virtual meeting, you can chat with DOT representatives about the city’s next steps to ensuring traffic safety. Register ahead of time. 🚦

Shop

Looking to gift someone with South Bay goodies? Metro Silicon Valley recently curated a Silicon Valley gift guide that includes everything from Symphony San Jose tickets to local business’s handmade goods. And we’re always down to shop local. 🛍️ (Metro Silicon Valley)
Trying to find the perfect gift for that special someone who seems to already have it all? Check out Uncommon Goods — an online marketplace for unique and globally-sourced gifts. A few of our favorites include this personalized bamboo cheese board, pickleball paddle tote bag, and indoor s’mores fire pit. 🎁*

Sports

Get the outdoor enthusiast in your life a gift that delivers year-round. The Sportsman’s Box is a quarterly gear subscription of personalized boxes that match your loved ones’ customized profile of hunting and fishing interests. Bonus: Use code for 6AMCITY for 25% off your first shipment. *

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Saving money the cyber way

There’s still time to catch these deals. | Graphic provided by 6AM City

If you missed our Black Friday deals, you’re in luck because our online store Six & Main still has amazing savings just for you.

Shop up to 40% off gifts for the homebody, party host, pet lover, and adventurer in your life.

Take advantage of these deals:

$10 off when you spend $50
$30 off when you spend $100
$60 off when you spend $150

Oh, we’ve got more gifts…

SAVE + SHOP NOW

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Alyson.

Editor’s pick: How’s the holiday shopping going for you all? Over the weekend, I stopped by SJ Made’s holiday craft fair and found so many unique, cute, and personalized items for friends and family. I might be done shopping now... but if you still need some help, I encourage checking out SJ Made’s website for locally made goods.

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Editorial: Alyson Chuyang, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

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