SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today the opening day festivities that will take place during the team's home opener against Cuauhtémoc Blanco and the Chicago Fire on Saturday, April 12 at McAfee Coliseum. The home opener kicks off at 1:30 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on Fox Soccer Channel and in Spanish radio on 1170 KLOK.
The day's activities will kick off with an Earthquakes video on the big screen at the stadium, followed by the return of "Q", the team mascot. Two hundred kids from American Youth Soccer Organization will also form a human tunnel onto the field through which the players and coaches will enter.
Members of Soccer Silicon Valley will then return the team's two MLS Cup trophies to Earthquakes owner Lew Wolff on the field. The trophies spent the past two years at the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Following the presentation, Red Bull sky divers will land at midfield to present the game ball to Earthquakes Representatives.
The national anthem will be performed by Latin singing sensation Manuel Romero, a Milpitas native, who has performed anthems for professional teams around the Bay Area. The Valley Christian High School (San Jose) graduate has also performed with symphonies and at mariachi festivals around the country.
Opening day activities will also include a pre-game Fan Zone that will be located in between McAfee Coliseum and Oracle Arena. The first 10,000 fans will receive free commemorative posters, presented by Comcast and at halftime the Bay Oaks Youth Soccer U-8 Clubs will play mini soccer matches.
