San Jose Earthquakes Get Development Permit, Plans For New Stadium Progressing

It was announced on Wednesday that the San Jose Earthquakes have taken a huge step forward in their progress in getting a brand new, state of the art soccer stadium built in San Jose with the approval of a necessary permit to start construction, according to the San Jose Mercury News' Elliott Almond.

The team's permit is expected to be finalized Friday, but will have to wait until Jan. 3 for it to be validated unless the decision is appealed. San Jose planning director Joseph Horwedel said a there are a few residents concerned about possible noise problems, and that they may be considering to file an appeal soon.

Once finalized, the Quakes will have a private firm create some blueprints and move towards breaking ground on construction as early next year if there are no road blocks. If that all happens, the Earthquakes could open their 2013 campaign at a brand new home instead of playing at the 10,500-seat Buck Shaw Stadium at Santa Clara University which has been there home the last few seasons.

Team president David Kaval said that this latest permit would also spell out what other possible events could be held at the venue, such as concerts, which is said to be built near Mineta San Jose International Airport.

"This stadium is one of the city council's priorities," Horwedel said. "The city is very hopeful that groundbreaking would be happening here next year. We'd like to get the Earthquakes in a permanent home."

Hopefully they can get it done.

For more on the Earthquakes, head over to Quake, Rattle, and Goal.