The Sharks have had two homes since joining the NHL in 1991: the Cow Palace in Daly City, just outside San Francisco, for their first two seasons, and since 1993 the arena in downtown San Jose now called SAP Center.
Here is each home in order, with the years the Sharks played there, what happened there and what stands on the site today. Each arena with a ThrillZing guide links to it.
Every Sharks Arena, 1991 to Today
- Daly City
- 1991–1993
Cow Palace
The first home, just outside San Francisco, while the San Jose Arena was built. The Sharks sold out every game but went 22–56–4 here, including a record 71-loss season. It was one of the last NHL buildings with an undersized rink.
Today: Still standing and in use for the Grand National Rodeo, concerts and other events
- San Jose
- 1993–presentCurrent home
Opened in September 1993 as San Jose Arena, then Compaq Center and HP Pavilion; SAP since 2013. Known as the Shark Tank. A 2025 deal with the city keeps the Sharks here until 2051, with $425 million in upgrades.
Visiting guide →
Sharks Arena FAQ
Where did the Sharks play before SAP Center?
At the Cow Palace in Daly City, on the edge of San Francisco, for the 1991–92 and 1992–93 seasons. The San Jose Arena was still being built, and the Sharks moved in for the 1993–94 season.
How many arenas have the Sharks had?
Two: the Cow Palace (1991–1993) and SAP Center (1993–present). SAP Center has also been called San Jose Arena, Compaq Center and HP Pavilion, but it is the same building.
How did the Sharks do at the Cow Palace?
Poorly on the ice and well at the gate. They went 22–56–4 there and set an NHL record with 71 losses in 1992–93, but sold out every game. The Sharks’ first win, first shutout and first hat trick all came at the Cow Palace, and S. J. Sharkie made his debut there.
Is the Cow Palace still standing?
Yes. The 1941 arena in Daly City is still in use for the Grand National Rodeo, concerts and other events.
Where do the Sharks play now?
At SAP Center in downtown San Jose, known to fans as the Shark Tank. It seats 17,435 for hockey, and an August 2025 agreement with the city keeps the Sharks there until 2051, along with $425 million in upgrades.