Did you know California has the most professional sports teams of any U.S. state? From University of the Pacific’s campus, you’re just a short drive away from the home stadiums for the San Francisco Giants, the A’s, the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco 49ers.
But just because those are the biggest names doesn’t mean they’re the only game in town. Here are other teams not far from Pacific’s Stockton campus that you should check out:
In Sacramento
Sacramento River Cats
Attending a Sacramento River Cats game is a great way to wrap up a day trip to the city with some baseball. Just a short walk across the Tower Bridge in downtown Sacramento takes you to its home stadium, Sutter Health Park. With some extra time before a game, consider spending some time in the nearby Old Sacramento.
Sacramento Republic FC
If you’re a fan of soccer, Sacramento Republic FC is another reason to visit the state’s capital. Its home stadium, Heart Health Park, is on the grounds of Cal Expo. That’s the home of the California State Fair in the summer and host to other events throughout the year. So, you can pair your Republic FC game with a Cal Expo event to make it a full-day excursion.
In the Bay Area
Bay FC
Co-founded by four U.S. Women’s National Team players, Bay FC is a women’s professional soccer team that makes its home in San Jose’s Paypal Park. The team competes in the National Women’s Soccer League on a March through November schedule.
San Francisco Unicorns
When you think of Northern California professional teams, cricket may not be one of the first sports that comes to mind. But the sport is growing in popularity, especially after the recent foundation of Major League Cricket.
If you’re curious about cricket—or even if you’re already a fan—you don’t have to far to enjoy the sport: You can always watch Pacific’s club right at the Stockton campus’ cricket pitch. But if you want to watch a major league game, you can head to the Oakland Coliseum to watch the Unicorns play.
Oakland Ballers
The A’s have left Oakland, but baseball hasn’t. The Oakland Ballers, sometimes known as the B’s, were formed after the A’s finalized its decision to relocate to Las Vegas. This independent team plays as part of the Pioneer League, an MLB affiliate that sits outside of the normal minor league pipeline (such as the River Cats).
Even know it’s a newer team, keep an eye on the Oakland Ballers: They were the champions of the 2025 Pioneer League Championship. Head over to West Oakland to catch a game at Raimondi Park.
San Jose Barracuda
Some people like their drinks on ice, others prefer their sports on it. The San Jose Barracuda hockey team are an affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, playing at the city’s Tech CU Arena.
You can pair a Barracuda’s game with a visit to Kelley Park, just down the street from the Tech CU Arena. This 172-acre park isn’t just a great way to enjoy a little nature: It hosts a zoo, a Japanese garden and a museum.