SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes will celebrate the start of the 2018 MLS Regular Season with MLS is Back Week leading up to Opening Night on Saturday, March 3 against Minnesota United FC at 7:15 p.m., presented by Avaya. The week will include many fan-interactive activities that have a strong focus on San Jose, including a real life FIFA challenge, scavenger hunt and FIFA18 tournament.
Throughout the week, notable San Jose landmarks will be lighted blue to celebrate the start of the 2018 season. The Rotunda and Tower at City Hall, and the Voxel Cloud in Downtown’s SoFA district will remain blue until March 5.
Monday, Feb. 26
Quake it Up Day
9-5 p.m.
The San Jose Earthquakes will be out in the community with fans delivering Quakes memorabilia and information about Opening night on March 3. Quakes mascot Q and in-stadium host Taylor Amarante will be surprising fans and pumping them up for the start of the season.
Tuesday, Feb. 27
Real Life FIFA Challenge
Circle of Palms at Plaza Cesar Chavez, Downtown San Jose
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
FIFA18 will come to life at the Circle of Palms in Downtown San Jose with challenges that test soccer accuracy with target shooting and ball placement. Quakes prizes will be awarded.
Wednesday, Feb. 28
Flag Raising at City Hall
6 – 6:30 p.m.
City Hall, Downtown San Jose
The City of San Jose will raise an Earthquakes flag above City Hall to commemorate the start of the 2018 season. Earthquakes goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell and defender Joel Qwiberg, accompanied by front office executives, will raise the flag with Councilmember Raul Perez of District 3.
Flag Raising Celebration
7-9 p.m.
San Pedro Square Market
Following the flag raising, fans can go San Pedro Square Market for food and drinks to celebrate the start of the season. The Quakes players will be in attendance to interact with fans and drink specials are available for attendees in Quakes gear.
Thursday, March 1
FIFA18 Tournament
AFKgg, Downtown San Jose
6 – 9 p.m.
AFKgg, the popular gaming establishment in Downtown San Jose, will be the site of a FIFA18 tournament featuring Quakes fans and Earthquakes mascot Q. Quakes fans will play against each other in the single-elimination tournament for a VIP Quakes experience for Opening Night on March 3 and a TCL 43” 4K UltraHD TV. The winner of the tournament will also face Earthquakes eMLS Competitor Alan Ortega in an honorary championship game. Second place will win an autographed Quakes jersey, and third place will receive two tickets to the Quakes friendly match against Liga MX’s Club Leon on March 24.
The tournament will accommodate 32 Quakes fans and it is free to participate. Those interested can sign up here.
Friday, March 2
Social Media Scavenger Hunt
Downtown San Jose
12 – 5 p.m.
The multi-location social media scavenger hunt will take place throughout the Downtown San Jose. Quakes Brand Ambassadors will be hidden throughout the San Jose area with prizes. Hints regarding their locations will be shared on the Quakes’ Instagram story.
Soccer in San Pedro Square Market
San Pedro Square Market
12 – 6 p.m.
Quakes Brand Ambassadors will be at San Pedro Square Market raffling Quakes prizes. Fans can practice shooting on the inflatable goal for a chance to win tickets to Opening Night on March 3 against Minnesota United FC.
#Dress4MLS Friday
Social Media
All Day
Fans can post photos in their best Quakes gear with the hashtag #Dress4MLS for a chance to win the new 2018 Navy SEAL Foundation Jersey.
Opening Night will take place on Saturday, March 3 against Minnesota United FC at 7:15 p.m. in a rematch of the dramatic Decision Day game at the end of the 2017 season that saw the Quakes secure a place in the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs. The match will also recognize Downtown San Jose as part of the Neighborhood Night series, presented by Wells Fargo. Fans can purchase tickets here.
