Attending a San Jose Giants game against the Stockton Ports is more than just watching baseball; it’s an experience that combines the excitement of America’s pastime with the charm of a community-oriented event. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or a first-time visitor, here’s what you need to know to make the most of your time at the ballpark.
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Who Are the San Jose Giants?
When I said San Jose Giants, did your thoughts go to the other Giants baseball team up in San Francisco? This is a different team and a different experience.
The San Jose Giants are a Minor League Baseball team based in San Jose, California. They are a single-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants and play in the California League, a league within the lower levels of the minor league system.
The team has a rich history, and many future Major League Baseball stars, including players for the San Francisco Giants, have spent time developing their skills in San Jose. For instance, a banner above the tiny box office remembers when Brandon Crawford was a San Jose Giant from 2009 to 2010.
The San Jose Giants are well-known for providing a fan-friendly, family-oriented game experience and affordable entertainment. The team is also recognized for its player development, helping many young athletes progress to higher levels of professional baseball.
As a minor league team, they focus on grooming talent for the Major Leagues while offering local fans a fun and engaging environment.
Location and Parking
Excite Ballpark, home of the San Jose Giants, is conveniently located just south of downtown San Jose. The ballpark is easily accessible by car, with several parking lots nearby offering reasonable rates of $15. There is a parking lot behind the outfield wall and another across the street at the San Jose Spartans Golf Complex.
Be sure to arrive early to secure a spot close to the entrance, or consider using public transportation if you’re coming from within the city. If you get there very early, you might be able to get free on-street parking.
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Ballpark Rules and Policies
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, Excite Ballpark has a few important rules to remember. The stadium operates under a clear bag policy, so plan accordingly when packing your belongings. Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted, except for medical necessities and baby food. Smoking is allowed only in designated areas, and pets are prohibited unless it’s a special event like “Bark in the Park.”
Ticketing
Tickets for San Jose Giants games can be purchased online, at the box office, or through various local vendors. Local retailers occasionally offer free or discounted San Jose Giants Tickets.
It’s also worth noting that children and seniors often receive discounted rates.
Stadium Layout
There are only seven sections in the grandstand for seats at Excite Ballpark. The park has no bad seats as all are close to the action. The first half of most of the sections and all of the center section (D) are typical ballpark seats. The back half of sections A-C and E-G are bleacher seats with a back. At a hot summer day game, like when I visited, the most popular seats are the last row and furthest from the field, the only seats with any shade, especially sections A-D.
As you enter, you’ll find the customer service desk near the main gate, where you can pick up a stadium map. It’s not like you will get lost without one. Key areas include the outfield picnic zone, kids’ play area, and the team store stocked with San Jose Giants gear. Restrooms are conveniently located in the main building behind homeplate.
The scoreboard/video board is located in right field. It is not as large as the one you would find in San Francisco, but you will still get your replays and stats.
Groups
Both the 1st and 3rd baselines are predominantly seating for groups of fans. There is a large group area on the 3rd base side and smaller ones on the 1st base side. This can be a fun activity for a company outing as these can be some of the best seats in the house.
Concessions
No trip to the ballpark is complete without indulging in classic baseball fare. Excite Ballpark offers a variety of food and beverage options, including hot dogs, garlic fries, and local craft beers. For those with dietary restrictions, vegetarian and vegan options and allergy-friendly snacks are available. Most concession stands are cashless, so bring a credit or debit card.
For the best food, go to “World Famous” Turkey Mike’s BBQ on the third base side of the field. Here, you can get a burger, dog, sausage, trip-tip sandwich, pulled pork sandwich, or rib dinner.
I ordered the pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, and a Diet Pepsi. Yes… it is a Pepsi facility… but it is, after all, the minor leagues.
Accessibility
Excite Ballpark is committed to providing a welcoming experience for all fans. Accessible seating is available throughout the stadium, and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. The ballpark also offers services for hearing and visually impaired guests, including assistive listening devices and Braille signage. If you need any assistance, the staff at the customer service desk are always ready to help.
Wheelchair and companion seating is located down the Third Base Line and is available by purchasing an Accessible Seating Ticket.
Game Day Schedule
The excitement of a San Jose Giants game extends beyond the nine innings. Gates typically open an hour before the first pitch, giving you plenty of time to explore the ballpark, grab food, and find your seat. Pre-game ceremonies often include player introductions, the national anthem, and sometimes a ceremonial first pitch by a local celebrity or community leader.
If there is a ballpark promotion, get to the game early enough to be one of the first fans, as promotions may be limited in quantity.
Be sure to stay for the post-game fireworks if they’re scheduled, as they’re a fan favorite. If there are no fireworks, you won’t be able to linger, as the policy is that people must leave within 30 minutes after a game ends.
Weather Considerations
San Jose enjoys pleasant weather for most baseball season, but being prepared is always good. Excite Ballpark is an open-air stadium, so check the weather forecast before you head out. It is very, very unlikely to rain during the San Jose Giants season, as Central California does not get rain in summer. If rain is in the forecast, the game may be delayed or postponed, so keep an eye on the team’s social media channels for updates.
Remember to bring sunscreen and a hat for those sunny California days and reserve a seat in the last row in section A-D for shade.
Fan Experience
One of the highlights of attending a San Jose Giants game is the fan experience. The team’s mascot, Gigante, is a hit with the kids, and there are plenty of opportunities to participate in on-field contests and giveaways. The ballpark also features a kids’ zone with activities to entertain the little ones.
The fan experience is one of the best things about a minor league game. In between innings, the team will have all sorts of entertainment, often involving a fan or two. Usually, these are just off the field near 1st base. The last game I attended included:
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- Water balloon toss
- Blackjack challenge
- Toilet paper toss
- Price is Right
- Outfield fence “horse race”
- YMCA sing-a-long
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My favorite activity, which I haven’t seen in a while, was when they would move a junker car onto the field, and a fan would try to break the headlights with their fastball. I am not sure they still do that one.
Quotes
One fun thing about Excite Park is the quotes about baseball. Explore the main building to see quotes like:
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- “A hot dog at the ballpark is better than a steak at the Ritz” – Humphrey Bogart
- “90% of the game is half mental” – Yogi Berra
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Beer Batter
Before every game, as you enter the stadium, you will see a lineup card. One of the batters, usually lower in the order, for the opposing team will be designated as the “beer batter”. Beers will be half-price for the next 15 minutes if the beer batter strikes out. As you can imagine, fans pay a lot of attention to this batter. You must position yourself strategically and move quickly to take advantage of the beer batter.
Double-Double Batter
One of the San Jose Giants players is also named the Double-Double batter. If he hits a double or better at any time during the game, the San Jose Giants Courtesy Crew gives the loudest fans in each section a Double-Double coupon from In-N-Out Burger.
Baseball
The San Jose Giants are a farm team, not the major leagues. That means that while the play may be exciting, the level of play may be closer to college baseball than major league baseball. Don’t worry about it. The San Jose Giants usually play pretty well. They were leading the California League when I last attended. But when you have a player that does really really well… they may get promoted to AA or AAA ball. That’s life when you follow a single A team. But think, you could be one of the fans who saw them on the way up.
We have friends who have, for years, taken in San Jose Giants players to live with them as part of a community outreach. Some of these players, like Tyler Rogers, now play for the San Francisco Giants. How cool is that?
Payment Options
Excite Ballpark has moved towards a cashless system, so bring your credit or debit card. ATMs are available on-site for those who need to withdraw cash, but most concessions, merchandise stands, and ticket booths accept electronic payments.
Nearby Attractions
Excite Ballpark is right next to Kelly Park which includes the Japanese Friendship Garden, History San Jose, and Happy Hollow Park & Zoo.
If you want to extend your day in San Jose, there are plenty of nearby attractions to explore before or after the game. The downtown area offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, perfect for grabbing a bite or enjoying a post-game drink. For fans staying overnight in San Jose, several hotels are within a short drive of the ballpark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the San Jose Giants a AA or AAA?
No, the San Jose Giants are a class A team, which is at a lower level than AA or AAA.
Who Owns the San Jose Giants?
In 2021, the San Jose Giants joined Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), a subsidiary of Endeavor, to enhance their fan experience, community engagement, and business operations while remaining an affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.
Who are the rivals of the San Jose Giants?
The San Jose Giants are in the California League. The other 3 teams in the league are the Modesto Nuts, Stockton Ports, and Fresno Grizzlies.
Do kids run the bases at a San Jose Giants game?
Yes, at San Jose Giants games, kids are often invited to run the bases after the game as part of a family-friendly tradition, usually offered on select days or weekends to enhance the fan experience
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