Cuda Creators

By joining the program, you acknowledge that you will need to sign paperwork and provide a W-9 for tax purposes. Contracts will be sent via email prior to your first game.

Cuda Creators Influencer Program

The San Jose Barracuda, AHL affiliate of the San Jose Sharks, are teaming up with Bay Area creators to share the excitement of Barracuda Hockey at Tech CU Arena!

As a Cuda Creator, you’ll receive free tickets, exclusive perks, and the chance to unlock unforgettable experiences, hanging out with our mascot Frenzy, enjoying a private suite, or taking home signed memorabilia, all while creating fun content for your followers.

Whether you’re on TikTok, Instagram, or both, we want YOU to be part of the action.

How It Works

Apply to Join – Fill out the form below with your info and social media handles.
Get Approved – We’ll send over paperwork, your custom ticket link, & assets for you to use.
Promote the Game – Share your link, create content, and get your fans to join you.
Enjoy the Game – Come to Tech CU Arena, create your vlog, and enjoy your fan experience!
Get Rewarded – The more tickets you sell, the more perks you unlock!

What You Get as a Cuda Creator

Option 1: Base Package (Single Game)

🎬 1 Post-Game Content Post (IG Reel or TikTok Vlog)
📲 1 Pre-Game Post + Story
🎟️ 1 Custom Ticket Link for single game
🎟️ 2 Tickets

Sell More, Earn More!

5: Free Parking Pass
10: Glass Seat Upgrade
25: 2 Tickets to any future home game (subject to availability)
50: An in-game visit from Frenzy
75: Signed Hockey Stick
100: Private Loge Box

Option 2: Base Package (Multi-Game)

🎬 3 Post-Game Content Posts (IG Reel or TikTok Vlog)
🎟️ 1 Custom Ticket Link for 3 selected games
🎟️ 2 Tickets to 3 Games of Your Choice
🅿️ 1 Parking Pass to 3 Games of Your Choice
✅ 15 Ticket Minimum Sold Required

Cumulative Rewards:

20: Barracuda Merch + Signed Puck
40: An in-game visit from Frenzy
50: Signed Hockey Stick
75: Game-Worn Jersey
100: Private Suite at a game of your choice (subject to availability)
125: In-Game Spotlight + Shoutout
150: Custom Name/Number Jersey

Suggested Hashtags

Use these when posting to join the conversation:
#SJBarracuda | #BarracudaHockey | #TechCUArena | #CudaCreators

FAQs

Should the graphics be posted separate from the vlog?
Yes, the game graphics should be posted separately from the vlog or reel. We will provide a graphic for you to put at the end of the reel that is different from the game promotion post.

Does the post need to be before the game or on the day of the game? Does story or post matter?
This is entirely up to you. You are required to hit a minimum number of tickets sold. However you get to that quota is your choice. We recommend doing both the story and post.

Is this a paid collaboration?
Unfortunately, we are not doing paid collaborations at this time. We are providing tickets, experiences, and fun for our influencers to enjoy what Barracuda Hockey has to offer. The influencers that we have worked with in the past have all had a great time and loved the experience. We know you will too!

Why do I need to provide a W-9 if I'm not being paid with cash?
Although it is not a paid collaboration, Sharks Sports & Entertainment is required to obtain this information for our legal and finance teams. This information is confidential and will not be shared with anyone externally. All parts of the influencer program are considered taxable events, which is why we need the documentation. If your influencer package is over $600 in value, you will be sent documentation to file for your tax return. If it is below, you will not receive anything from Sharks Sports & Entertainment.

What happens with my tax info?
This information is confidential and will only be used by our legal and finance teams. If the value of your influencer package exceeds $600, you’ll receive a 1099 form for your tax return. If it’s below, you won’t receive anything.

Can I opt out of the W9 requirement?
Unfortunately, no. This is a legal requirement for all influencer partnerships with our organization, even if you're not paid in cash.

What time should I arrive at the game?
We recommend planning to arrive at Tech CU Arena 60 minutes before the game starts. This will give you time to park, walk to the Arena, get through security, meet with the Barracuda social media team, and watch player warmups!

Where do I park?
A parking pass will be provided to you along with your tickets. This parking pass is valid for behind Tech CU Arena only. If you park at the SJSU Garage across the street from Sharks Ice, the parking pass is not valid for the garage, and you will be responsible for the cost of parking and any possible parking tickets.

What are glass seats and lower bowl seats?
Incase you’ve never been to a hockey game before; glass seats are the closest possible seats you can get to the ice. They are right against the arena plexiglass, which basically means the front row! Lower bowl seats would be anywhere in the lower section of Tech CU Arena from rows 2-13. The great part about the arena is that there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Anywhere you sit, it’s going to be a great view!

Do you have any assets that I can add to my vlog?
Great question! For the Barracuda brand, we can provide the graphic for the end of the video and a png Barracuda logo for you to put on your video. When using these assets, you will need to send the video over for approval for brand consistency. In terms of music, if you would like to have music in your video, it needs to be copyright free. If you would like some music, but don’t have access to any copyright free music, let us know and we can provide some songs.

Do you have any guidelines or suggestions for the reel?
We have worked with many influencers that have created great examples of what we are looking for. Below are some good examples to follow!
Example 1: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDaQRKPS-iq
Example 2: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DCSKoRFplpn
Example 3: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBrORrdyC-t

When will I receive my tickets to the game?
You should receive the tickets and parking pass via email. You should expect these to be sent to you no later than 24 hours prior to the game. When you see these emails, you will need to accept them for the tickets to show up in your Ticketmaster account.

Does my video need to be approved? Where do I send it for approval?
Yes, it will need to be sent for approval before posting. You can either DM the SJBarracuda social accounts, or you can email it to rellis@sjbarracuda.com

Can I include music in my video?
Yes, you can include music in the video. The music does need to be copyright free, otherwise we can’t collaborate on the post. If you need copyright free music, let us know.

Can we collaborate on the video on social media?
Send us a collaboration request and if it makes sense in our content calendar, we will accept it!

Is there a hashtag you want me to use for the posts?
Below are some hashtags that you can use that are Barracuda branded!
#SJBarracuda
#BarracudaHockey
#TechCUArena
#CudaCreators

Am I allowed to bring people with me?
Yes! You can bring friends with you. You are able to bring as many people as you have provided tickets. If you need more tickets, speak with your Barracuda contact. Although, additional parking passes will not be provided.

Is there a shot list that I should follow?
Here are some suggested shots that we recommend!
The Front of Tech CU Arena, Around the Concourse, Artwork on the walls, food you may purchase, the players coming out of the Zamboni tunnel, your fan experience, finding your seats, the view from your seats for the game, any game action or content, reactions, etc.

What if I can't attend the game I signed up for?
Let us know as soon as possible. We can reschedule your attendance for another game, but consistent no-shows may affect future opportunities.

What happens if I don’t sell any tickets?
You won’t be eligible for the experience tiers or returning to Barracuda games as an influencer unless ticket minimums are hit. However, we’ll still honor your base influencer perks for the game you attend in exchange for the vlog that you create.