Copa America: Celebrating 100 years of soccer magic in the South Bay

For the whole month of June, Copa America swept the nation for its 100th anniversary in its Copa America Centenario. For the Bay Area that meant attention from fans from across the world who saw global soccer stars go at it on the pitch of Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

The tournament became famous in South America in 1916, where only teams from the region were allowed to play. However this time around, it was different. 

Not only did Copa America bring world renowned soccer stars together, but it also brought fans and media attention back to the Bay Area since February when it hosted Super Bowl 50.

From June 3 to June 26 CONCACAF (the football confederation for North and Central America and the Caribbean) and CONMEBOL (the South America football confederation), joined together to celebrate 100 years of this tournament allowing fans in the U.S. to take part in the celebration for the first time in its history. 

Photos by Jovanni Arroyo-Camberos

Players like Lionel Messi, Alexis Sanchez, James Rodriguez, Luis Suarez, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and the entire U.S. national team stole the show in the Bay.

“As an avid soccer fan, it’s amazing to be able to see some of the greatest players in the world come play here in the Bay Area,” said Adrian Fuentes, who went to the opening match of the tournament at Levi’s Stadium. “It’s a surreal experience, and hopefully, we will be able to witness it again if the U.S. gets to hold another big tournament like this or the World Cup.”

The U.S., Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Jamaica and Mexico national team came to the Bay Area to take part in the four games at Levi’s Stadium including the opening match between the USA and Colombia. 

Three of the seven teams also practiced at San Jose State University, creating buzz for students and community members in the area. 

SJSU opened its practice facilities for Argentina, Jamaica and Chile, who ended up taking home the cup.

Practices began at the SJSU facilities on May 30, when the Argentina national team arrived in San Jose.

Not only did fans get the opportunity to catch a glimpse of these global superstars, but members of the SJSU mens soccer team assisted with the practice.

Simon Tobin, SJSU men’s soccer coach, said the group of SJSU players got the chance to interact with the Argentina team while also getting the chance to talk to a few of the players, including Lionel Messi, who arrived a few days after the initial practices began.

“They (SJSU players) loved it,” Tobin said. “It was a great situation for them (SJSU players) just to be so close, not only you are seeing superstars but you are seeing the best in the world of the sport you play.”

For SJSU midfielder Jonathan Colunga, it was a dream come true to be on the same field amongst some of the world’s best soccer players, but he also took a lot away from this experience.

“I think I understood the level of professionalism that they show every time they step on the field,” Colunga said. 

The tournament not only impacted the lives of the SJSU players, but it also brought fans of the community together to witness something they only see on TV.

The past 99 editions of this tournament have been held in the continent of its inception, South America. For the first time ever it was held in the U.S. and it certainly caught the eyes of community members.

“The Copa America coming to the U.S. is a big deal,” Fuentes said. “First time, and probably only time the U.S. will ever host it since it’s a South American tournament, so it’s huge. Like the Super Bowl, the Copa America is putting the Bay Area even more on the map.”

As the tournament began in the Bay Area, downtown streets were buzzing with excitement from fans, both from and out of the area.

Malls were filled with people wearing their respective colors from their countries, and the venue itself attracted celebrities including, former LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes forward Landon Donovan and musical artists, J. Balvin, Magic! and Jason Derulo, who performed for the opening ceremony. It all happened here in the Bay Area.

“Working at Westfield Valley fair Mall in San Jose, I have seen so many people wearing international soccer jerseys,” Fuentes said. “Not only that, but I have noticed a lot of tourists as well wearing their respective countries jerseys. It was amazing hearing all of the different accents of the people.”

As Copa America shuts its doors, the tournament left a mark on fans they will never forget.

“Being able to see the guys you just see on TV in person was something special,” Fuentes said. “Something I will remember for the rest of my life.”