The San Jose Earthquakes participated in the 150th anniversary festivities of the San Jose Fire Department on July 18. In honor of the celebration, the San Jose Fire Department hosted the 33rd annual California Firefighter Olympics in conjunction with the San Jose Firefighters Local 230 and the City of San Jose. The Firefighter Olympics took place between July 18 and July 23.
Earthquakes mascot "Q" made an appearance before the start of the Games at the San Jose Airport Hyatt, the host hotel for the California Firefighter Olympics. "Q" presented regulation-size soccer balls to Tom Westrup, the Olympics director, and Dennis McGibbon, the soccer event coordinator, for use in the tournament. The firefighters' children enjoyed interacting with "Q" and receiving autographs at the event.
