June 10, 2026
Media Contact:
SJC Media | 408-392-1199 | sjcmedia@sjc.org
San José, Calif. – As the Bay Area prepares to host matches during the world's premier soccer event, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is ready to welcome visitors from around the globe with enhanced customer experience, innovative technology and extensive operational planning designed to deliver a seamless travel experience.
As the closest Airport to the matches at Levi's® Stadium, SJC will play a key role in connecting fans, teams, media and visitors to the region throughout the tournament.
Visitors arriving at SJC will experience a variety of activations and innovative technologies designed to improve the customer experience, including:
- Photo ops throughout the Airport, including a 20-foot inflatable soccer ball near the XO sign in Terminal B, soccer-themed displays in Baggage Claims and photo stand-ins.
- In-terminal giveaways.
- Surprise and delight giveaways throughout Baggage Claims.
- Official merchandise available for purchase at a mobile store in Terminal A and Bay Sports Co. in Terminal B.
- Waymo autonomous vehicle service, now with curbside drop-offs.
- José, an AI-powered humanoid robot capable of communicating in more than 50 languages to assist with wayfinding and destination information.
- CLEAR eGates and TSA Touchless ID for streamlined passenger processing.
- BBGo Autonomous Personal Mobility Vehicles developed by San José-based tech startup Blueberry Technology, designed to enhance mobility and independence for travelers.
These initiatives reflect SJC's role as a showcase for Silicon Valley innovation while helping create a more seamless experience for travelers arriving from around the world.
“San José has a unique opportunity to demonstrate how innovation can enhance the visitor experience,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “SJC is helping lead that effort through technology, operational readiness, and customer service enhancements that will welcome guests from around the world while showcasing the ingenuity and spirit of Silicon Valley.”
“Soccer fans from around the world are about to fly, stay and play in San José, and we’re ready to meet the moment,” said San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “From the largest watch party in the Bay Area at San Pedro Square to live concerts and drone shows, there’s no better place to be for FIFA than right here in San José.”
"Our team has spent months preparing for this historic event," said Mookie Patel, director of aviation at San José Mineta International Airport. "This is an opportunity to showcase not only San José and Silicon Valley, but also the hospitality, innovation and reliability that define SJC. We are ready to welcome the world. From the moment soccer fans arrive at SJC, we want them to feel welcomed, connected and excited to experience everything our Airport, and our community, has to offer."
About San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): Fly Simple.
Fueled by a culture of innovation, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the Bay Area's easiest and most dependable Airport due to its medium size, simple layout, temperate climate and location. SJC is located just minutes from downtown San José – the Bay Area’s largest city and the Capital of Silicon Valley. SJC is a self‐supporting enterprise owned and operated by the City of San José. According to a recent economic impact study, SJC supports more than 19,000 jobs throughout Santa Clara County and generates approximately $4.3 billion in annual economic activity.
SJC was rated California’s top-performing airport for on-time departures by Cirium in 2024 and 2025. SJC currently offers nonstop service to more than 40 domestic and international destinations. The Airport’s two fixed-base operators, as well as several corporate aviation tenants, serve the business aviation needs of Silicon Valley; corporate and general aviation traffic represents more than a quarter of aircraft operations at SJC. For more information and to connect with SJC on social media, visit flysanjose.com.
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