In 1988, San Jose voters laid the foundation for the new building, electing to build a downtown multi-purpose sports and entertainment center.
They envisioned a world-class facility that would create jobs, attract the regional community to a revitalized city center and provide a venue for major league sports, concerts, family attractions and community events of all kinds.
Everybody played a part. From the beginning, the City of San Jose has involved neighborhood groups, downtown merchants and civic and business leaders in the study of parking, traffic and a host of other vital issues.
In 1990, the San Jose City Council established the San Jose Arena Authority to oversee the operation and management of the building and to act as its liaison to the San Jose community.
The Arena Authority reports to a 12-member board of directors, comprised of many of the same dedicated people who contributed to the building's development. Included are representatives from the City Council, City Administration, the Redevelopment Agency (the developers of the building), the neighborhoods, the downtown merchants and members of the community at large.
No city in the world is more closely associated with high technology than San Jose, the capital of Silicon Valley. And no facility anywhere is a better showcase for architectural excellence and technological innovation than the HP Pavilion at San Jose. Outside, a shining stainless steel facade supports a magnificent glass pyramid entry, which soars ten stories above the ground. Inside, state-of-the-art acoustics and leading-edge seismic engineering contribute to the building's growing reputation as one of the finest single concourse facilities in North America.
---www.hppsj.com
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46 reviews
The arena is nice, it feels small and no seat is really too far form the floor or stage.
Their food vendors though - yuck! Last night's selection included fried chicken "tenders", hot dogs, or reheated hamburgers. At $7.50/burger, it should be better than what they were serving last night.
C'mon people! Go visit PacBell Park (or is it AT&T Park now) and see what they're doing - gelato, clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, fresh Mexican food...puts HP Pavilion food to shame.
51 reviews
Even if you don't check out a Sharks game or any of the hundreds of other events at the HP, there's always the great kids park on the Pavilion grounds with a beautiful carousel for kids. It's only a buck to ride.
Reviewer
Not a bad seat in the house but feels smaller than it should be (for an arena)