Next Stop: “FIFA Countdown Clock Lands at Parade of Champions—The Official Kickoff to Santa Clara’s Historic Sports Year!
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway! For the first time since 1994, the United States will host the world’s biggest sporting event, and FIFA has kicked off the countdown in style. This year, customized countdown clocks are traveling to each host city. Levi’s Stadium welcomed the Bay Area’s first appearance on June 11, 2025, with an exclusive unveiling to invited guests. Since then, the clock has made stops at the Santa Clara Central Library and the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, drawing crowds eager for selfies and soccer excitement.
Next Stop: The 56th Annual Santa Clara Parade of Champions (SCPOC) Festival & NEW Sports FAN Entertainment Zone!
On Saturday, October 4th, the FIFA Countdown Clock will make an appearance at Santa Clara’s longest running, most diverse and inclusive community event in its history. Don’t miss your chance to see it up close at Franklin Square in historic downtown Santa Clara, alongside your favorite local and professional sports teams—all part of our official Community Kickoff to the Biggest Year in Santa Clara Sports! Whether you love our local history or you are Footbal or Futbol Fan—this is your Day.
🎉 SCPOC All-Day Festivities Include:
8–10 AM: “Meet the Grand Marshals” Breakfast of Champions fundraiser at American Legion Post 419 – proceeds support our local veterans.
10 AM: Opening Ceremony presented by Sutter Health – a long-time Bay Area provider, and sponsor of sports and wellness in our communities. Our Elected officials will be present to usher in this year. Opening remarks from SCPOC President, Mayor/City Council, County Supervisor, State Assembly to State Senator.
11 AM: The beloved Santa Clara Parade of Champions (a tradition since 1945!) featuring our professional and youth sports teams, Olympians, community and frontline heroes, dazzling floats, drill and dance teams, and top marching bands like Stanford University and Bay Area award winning Pittsburg High School.
10 AM: Explore the Community Village, shop local, or grab a prime seat at the Main Announcer and Judges Stage. Head to the Zone for more.
🎶 After the Parade—The Party Continues!
Head to the NEW Sports FAN Entertainment Zone for selfies with the FIFA Clock, meet pro teams including the Earthquakes, 49ers, Bay FC, and Sharks, plus youth champions. Enjoy interactive games, sports skill demos, live performances, and DJ Macala spinning tunes until 5 PM.
✨ Bring your parade chairs, wear your team colors (or dancing shoes), and join us for a day full of pride, community, and world-class sports excitement—right here in Santa Clara!
📲 Plan Your Day & Stay Connected:
Visit Parade Schedule and Program | Discover Parade Schedules – Join the Festivities — SC Parade of Champions | Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @SCParadeofChampions | Share your moments with #scparadeofchampions
Every dollar we raise year-round supports our legacy of honoring champions, community, and frontline heroes since 1945, and funds youth scholarships, veteran programs, and families facing medical crises. Grateful for your support. It takes a Village!
