Silicon Valley is known the world over as a place where innovation thrives and technological advancements are made, a place where very smart people create and share their big ideas.
But brains aren’t the only things getting a workout in this productive area, which is also a great place to flex other muscles.
“We find that an increasing number of planners want to incorporate an off-site activity that engages their attendees, whether it is attending a sporting event or participating in a physical activity suitable for all ages,” said Anne LeClair, president and CEO for the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley CVB. “Our climate and our large number of activities available make it easy to recommend many options.”
Silicon Valley, home to the very successful Super Bowl 50—aka the granddaddy of sporting events—indeed offers scores of sporty group-friendly ideas that’ll have attendees either cheering from the sidelines or getting in on the action.
Plus, some sports venues in the area make terrific backdrops for memorable off-site group gatherings.
San Jose
When in San Jose, groups interested in convening with nature when they’re done convening in the meeting room, should head to Mount Hermon Adventures, a local outfitter that offers teambuilding programs that include activities on the ground followed by fun high up in the trees.
According to Kyle Schatzel, communications manager for Team San Jose, groups can choose either the two-hour Redwood Canopy Tour, which features six zip lines and two sky bridges at heights of up to 150 feet, or the two-hour Sequoia Aerial Adventure, which is made up of two zip lines, three aerial trails and over 30 elements, including swinging logs and cables set 30 to 80 feet in the air.
Club Auto Sport, a car-themed event facility that hosts group functions, also hosts a variety of teambuilding activities, including a Mission Impossible scavenger hunt and tricycle racing.
Located at Club Auto Sport is Club Sportiva, which offers an exotic car experience for up to six people that’s well suited for small board groups or executive teams.
Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Lamborghini are among the car makes used during the four-hour experience, and drivers get a turn behind the wheel of each after a continental breakfast and vehicle orientation.
During a 50-mile tour groups will drive along some of Northern California’s picturesque back roads and take a break atop Mt. Hamilton. Afterward, participants can unwind in the clubhouse to discuss the ride and receive a certificate of completion.
For those groups more inclined to sit in the passenger seat, an outing to see the San Jose Earthquakes soccer team or the San Jose Sharks hockey team in action might be just the ticket.
The Earthquakes play at Avaya Stadium, which has indoor and outdoor suites for group events and boasts the largest outdoor bar in the U.S., and the Sharks play at the SAP Center at San Jose, which offers suites that are fully furnished with HD televisions and excellent views of the ice.
And at Sharks Ice at San Jose, the official practice facility of the San Jose Sharks, groups will find meeting space and activities including ice skating and curling.
“For a premium experience groups can also include an appearance by S.J. Sharkie, the team’s mascot, San Jose Sharks mementos, customizable event wear, and can even combine their event with group tickets to a Sharks game,” Schatzel said.
Santa Clara
Levi’s Stadium, home turf of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, and also the host of Super Bowl 50, is located in Santa Clara.
“Once your meeting or event is booked, make sure to check the Levi’s Stadium calendar of events,” said David Andre, vice president of marketing and communications for the Santa Clara CVB. “Group tickets can be purchased with advance notice.”
The San Francisco 49ers play pre-season and regular season games at Levi’s Stadium, where groups might also check out a college football game, soccer match or motocross race, among other sporting events.
“Levi’s Stadium also hosts all types of events, including corporate outings, for 10 to 10,000,” said Andre, who added the on-site food and beverage options are exceptional for everything from casual luncheons to formal evening galas.
When in Santa Clara, groups are encouraged to book a “best ball” golf tournament at the Santa Clara Golf & Tennis Club, which is located right next door to the Santa Clara Convention Center. The club features 18 championship holes as well as six lighted tennis courts.
Santa Clara also features the nine-hole Pruneridge Golf Club, where in addition to regular golf, the group can play a game of FootGolf, which is a combination of soccer and golf that mainly matches the rules of golf.
“Whether it’s ‘best ball’ golf or FootGolf, your group will bond together by these challenging but fun games,” Andre said.
Additional group-friendly sporting opportunities here include indoor go-kart racing at K1 Speed Santa Clara and bowling at AMF Moonlite Lanes.
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San Mateo County
Throughout San Mateo County there are more sports options for planners to consider if they’d like to add a bit of friendly competition and time for team-bonding to the meeting itinerary.
At the South San Francisco-based Orange Memorial Park groups can play bocce ball on six courts, and at SportsHouse and The Foundry, both located in Redwood City, groups can book space for volleyball tournaments, teambuilding events, softball games and more.
Additionally, The Foundry rents space for group events, including meetings, presentations and receptions.
For groups interested in a waterborne pursuit, Half Moon Bay Kayak offers group lessons with knowledgeable and encouraging instructors.
“The group experiences nature firsthand, seeing sea lions in the bay on the Pacific Ocean, while learning to coordinate with a partner in the two-person kayaks,” the San Mateo County/Silicon Valley CVB’s LeClair said.
San Carlos-based California Canoe & Kayak also offers group instruction and guided outings.
And it seems FootGolf is trending in Silicon Valley, as it’s newly available at Poplar Creek Golf Course in San Mateo.
“The game develops rapport among team members and no particular skills are needed, as the ball is kicked toward the flag,” LeClair said.
Perhaps the most popular on-the-sidelines activity in the area is a sporting event starring Stanford University student athletes.
All seven of Stanford's ticketed sports, including football, men's and women's basketball, baseball and women's volleyball, offer group discounts.
“Tailgating is an option before the football games and catering is available from various local restaurants,” LeClair said.
Both traditional tailgating experiences in eucalyptus-shaded parking lots, complete with burgers and hotdogs on a grill, and more organized catered group tailgating parties (http://gostanford.com/tailgate), complete with a barbecue spread on linen tablecloths, can be arranged.
