World Cup 2026 stadiums and places: Levi’s stadium, California

Default image

April 16, 2026

World Cup 2026 stadiums and places: Levi’s stadium, California

Country: United States City: Santa Clara, California Address: 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way Capacity: 68,500 Opened: 2014 Surface: Bermuda grass Construction cost: $1.3 billion Record attendance: 80,058, Ed Sheeran, Sept 16, 2023 Interesting fact: Over 400 miles of data cable connects the stadium, including 70 miles of cable to support WiFi Levi’s Stadium is situated in Santa Clara, California, in the United States, just to the west of San Jose within the wider San Francisco Bay Area. It has been the home ground of the San Francisco 49ers, an NFL team, since 2014 and lies roughly 40 miles (64 km) south of San Francisco. The venue takes its name from Levi Strauss & Co., which secured naming rights in 2013.

Country:
United States
City:
Santa Clara, California
Address:
4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way
Capacity:
68,500
Opened:
2014
Surface:
Bermuda grass
Construction cost:
$1.3 billion
Record attendance:
80,058, Ed Sheeran, Sept 16, 2023
Interesting fact: Over 400 miles of data cable connects the stadium, including 70 miles of cable to support WiFi

Levi’s Stadium is situated in Santa Clara, California, in the United States, just to the west of San Jose within the wider San Francisco Bay Area. It has been the home ground of the San Francisco 49ers, an NFL team, since 2014 and lies roughly 40 miles (64 km) south of San Francisco. The venue takes its name from Levi Strauss & Co., which secured naming rights in 2013.

Built as a flexible sports and entertainment complex, the arena was intended to support a wide range of uses beyond American football. It was also planned with FIFA field standards in mind, allowing it to accommodate international soccer matches and large-scale tournaments. In addition, the site includes more than 109,000 square feet (10,100 m²) of adaptable premium meeting areas located within its club sections.

Design, technology and sustainability features

The stadium was created by the architectural firm HNTB with an emphasis on modern multi-purpose functionality, fan comfort, and environmentally conscious solutions. Civil engineering responsibilities were handled by Winzler & Kelly, later absorbed by GHD Group, while Glumac provided commissioning services during development.

Known for its advanced infrastructure, the venue includes high-level cellular connectivity and Wi-Fi coverage throughout. It also became the first NFL stadium to earn dual LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, covering both construction and ongoing operations. Among its sustainable features are an organic rooftop garden and a dedicated in-venue application designed to enhance the visitor experience.

The seating layout was planned so that around two-thirds of spectators are positioned in the lower bowl, forming one of the largest configurations of its kind in the league. Accessibility improvements and upgraded seating for guests with disabilities were prioritized compared with the former Candlestick Park. The design also places most premium suites on one side, bringing upper-level fans closer to the field, similar in arrangement to Detroit’s Ford Field.

Events and major uses of the venue

Beyond regular NFL fixtures, Levi’s Stadium has been used for a wide variety of sporting and entertainment occasions. These include soccer matches such as MLS games, international friendlies, Copa América fixtures, the Gold Cup final, and appearances by the United States women’s national team prior to the 2019 World Cup.

The venue has also hosted major global events, including Super Bowl 50, WrestleMania 31, and an NHL Stadium Series matchup between the Los Angeles Kings and the San Jose Sharks in 2015. It continues to be considered for future large tournaments, including bids related to the 2031 men’s Rugby World Cup and the 2033 women’s edition.

Things to explore in Santa Clara

Santa Clara offers several attractions beyond the stadium, beginning with California’s Great America theme park. The park features high-speed roller coasters such as RailBlazer, along with water attractions at South Bay Shores, including the multi-slide Pacific Surge experience.

Another landmark is Mission Santa Clara de Asís, founded in 1777 as part of the historic California missions. It is now located on the Santa Clara University campus, where visitors can also find performance spaces, Division I athletics, and the de Saisset Museum focused on regional art and history.

Cultural and educational stops include the Triton Museum of Art, which highlights contemporary California works and offers an outdoor sculpture garden, and the Intel Museum, which explores semiconductor development. Outdoor spaces such as Central Park and the Ulistac Natural Area provide green landscapes, walking trails, and wildlife habitats along Saratoga Creek and the Guadalupe River.

The city also features a strong culinary identity, especially in its well-known Korean district, often referred to as “Koreatown Silicon Valley.” Dining options include barbecue and traditional stews at Jang Su Jang, quick-service noodle dishes at Paik’s Noodle, and chicken-based specialties at BN Chicken. Shopping and dining combinations can also be found at Westfield Valley Fair, while a curated Global Games Food Trail highlights international cuisine across the city.

Recommend