MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes defender Ty Harden (2) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against the Chicago Fire during the first half at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Had a chance to cover the #MarchHome San Jose Earthquakes official regular season home opener for the inaugural season at Avaya Stadium.

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; One of the entrances to the stadium before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Flags enter the field before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports Having a bit of a soft opening, today was the big day, sign boards up, fans in place, scarves ready to go, and a win to top it all off!

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski (8) kicked the ball from behind Chicago Fire midfielder Jeff Larentowicz (20) during the second half at Avaya Stadium. The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Matias Perez Garcia (10) kicks the ball against the Chicago Fire during the second half at Avaya Stadium. The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski (8) hugs forward Adam Jahn (14) after the win against the Chicago Fire during the second half at Avaya Stadium. The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the Chicago Fire 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports Being regular season and the only photographer there for USA Today Sports Images, I didn't get a chance to take as many stadium shots as I did last game, though I did get to focus on the outdoor bar!

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; The outdoor bar before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports I can't get over what a great stadium and fan experience it is (or seemingly would be if I got the chance ;)) to attend a San Jose Earthquakes game.

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Field club seats with scarves before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports After the Earthquakes moved to Houston (before I was covering them) and then coming back and playing at Buck Shaw for so many years, now to have this stadium. How fitting to play the Chicago Fire who are currently coached by former Quakes coach Frank Yallop. I wonder if he feels how Jeff Tedford would feel at Memorial Stadium. Seems like all good spirits and good vibes.

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Former head coach of the San Jose Earthquakes and current Chicago Fire head coach Frank Yallop gives a thumbs up towards the stands before the game against the San Jose Earthquakes at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear on the field before the game against the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Chicago Fire head coach Frank Yallop and San Jose Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

MLS commissioner Don Garber and president Mark Abbott were there to recognize the significance 

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; MLS Commissioner Don Garber is introduced before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; MLS President Mark Abbott before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

as well as rarely spotted owners John Fisher and Lew Wolff, who also owns the Oakland A's.

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes owner Lewis "Lew" Wolff before the game against the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes owner John Fisher before the game against the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports Oh and of course Krazy George!

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; Krazy George tears out of a drum before the game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports Though I'd be remiss to not acknowledge that the San Jose Earthquakes were the first "professional" sports team I covered and I spent many a days at the Buck - times they are a changing! And this change is GOOD!

MLS: Chicago Fire at San Jose EarthquakesMar 22, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes fans hold up scarves before the game against the Chicago Fire at Avaya Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports A very fun feet tweet to match with my buddy Q

And thanks Rico Ramirez for this fun photo of me behind the signboards =)

2015.03.22March 22, 2015 At the San Jose Earthquakes Season Opener at Avaya Stadium. Photo Credit: Rico Ramirez