Opening Of 'Quakes New Stadium Delayed

SAN JOSE (KCBS) – Due to some unforeseen conditions at the construction site, the San Jose Earthquakes have been forced to delay the opening of the team's new stadium until the second half of the 2014 season.

The change in plans means the team will play eight games at Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, one game at Stanford Stadium and nine games at the new stadium next season.

"I think it's going to be too bad for the economy of the city," said Dan Matthews of Campbell, who said he looks forward to seeing soccer matches in the stadium once its finally built. "I don't follow soccer now, but I sure did when my kids were little. With a pro team in town, I think I would again."

Earlier this year, construction crews discovered underground vaults at the former tank assembly site, which Earthquakes president Dave Kaval said will take longer to demolish than anticipated.

"We started in February and we thought it was going to take 30 days. And we're just finishing up," Kaval said. "That was really the reason and cause for the delay."

Due to the high water table at the site, the excavated vaults also had to be drained of water, causing more delays during the grading process.

The new 18,000-seat stadium will be located on Coleman Avenue next to Mineta San Jose International Airport.

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