San Pedro Square in downtown San Jose is once again expected to be packed with thousands of soccer fans during Thursday evening’s watch party for the World Cup group stage match between Mexico and South Korea.
To manage the anticipated capacity crowds at San Pedro Square, the city is implementing strict security measures and expansive overflow protocols. Metal barriers have been installed at all entrances to San Pedro Square to prevent vehicle access, and municipal officials promised an increased presence of both police officers and private security guards.
“We’ll have San Pedro Street with our video screens there,” said Tommy O’Hare, San Jose’s sports and special events director. “Then we’ll open up Sharks Way, which is between San Pedro Street and Almaden. On St. John’s, we’ll have an additional screen there. So we have some overflow screen area there as well.”
O’Hare added that if the crowds continue to swell, the city has contingency plans to erect additional viewing screens within walking distance of the main square.
San Pedro Square got a taste of just how passionate Mexican soccer fans are last Thursday during the World Cup opener between Mexico and South Africa.
“As far as official numbers, let’s just say there wasn’t a square inch that was uncovered,” San Jose Sports Authority Executive Director John Poach said. “It was well over 12,000 people here in the plaza. We’re expecting even more because this is an even bigger game.”
Kickoff for the Mexico-South Korea match from Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Both countries enter the match with three points in Group A play. Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in its opener, while South Korea topped Czechia 2-1 in its first match.