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A Weekend of Culture and Community at SAP Center
The San Jose Sharks closed out a memorable weekend that truly embodied our motto, Celebrate, Explore, Connect! Blending hockey, South Asian culture, and women’s contributions to sports across the Bay Area. SAP Center became a gathering place for art, music, and local voices, creating two evenings shaped by the local community.
South Asian Culture Celebration – Friday, March 6
Friday’s game honored the Bay Area’s South Asian community through art, performance, and cultural programming. Artist Muneeba Zeeshan designed a custom Sharks logo inspired by South Asian artistic traditions, displayed throughout the arena and along Barack Obama Blvd.
Fans spent the evening exploring hands-on activities, including a Friendship Bracelet Making Station, and connecting with the Association of Indo Americans. Bhangra Empire brought high‑energy dance and music to the concourse during pregame and intermission.
The Sharks Audio Network aired a Punjabi‑language broadcast with Harpreet Pandher and Taqdeer Thindal, while Harnarayan Singh joined Brodie Brazil for a special interview. Fans also saw a recap of January’s Sikh Guadara Ball Hockey Clinic and learned about the newly formed Sharks South Asian Advisory Committee. A commemorative puck featuring the event logo was available at the Pro Shop.
The celebration continued the next day at AIA Holi Fest in Discovery Meadow Park, where Sharks representatives joined the community for the Festival of Colors.
Women of Teal Night – Saturday, March 7
Saturday’s game highlighted women leaders, athletes, and creators as part of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month. Every attendee received a Women of Teal puffy hat, and the Pro Shop showcased items from the “Call the Girls” Line Change collection, along with other themed merchandise.
The evening featured interviews with Rebecca Johnston‑Lewington, a retired Team Canada Olympic gold medalist and 2019 NHL All‑Star Skills Competition participant, who spoke about the growth of girls’ hockey. Young players from the Tri Valley Blue Devils and Santa Clara Blackhawks took the ice, and Fusion Dance opened the night with a performance. The Women’s Business Enterprise Council of Northern California also joined the festivities, including a ride on the Zamboni.
Throughout the night, fans saw the ongoing work of the Sharks Women’s Network and Women of Teal Advisory Committee. After the game, Girl Scouts sold cookies on the concourse. A specialty jersey auction featuring artwork by Bay Area artist Elba Martin raised funds for the Northern California Women’s Hockey Association, supporting opportunities for women and girls in the sport. Bay FC head coach Emma Coates and assistant coach Gemma Davies made appearances, with Coates participating in an in‑game interview to introduce herself to the Bay Area.
A Weekend Shaped by Community
Both nights brought together hockey fans, local artists, cultural organizations, and young athletes. The weekend offered a space for celebration, connection, and shared experiences at SAP Center.
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