After decades in a foggy, chilly wind tunnel known as Candlestick Park, the San Francisco 49ers football team moved south to one of the snazziest stadiums around in 2014. Players now huddle, punt, and play in 68,500-seat Levi’s Stadium, a sophisticated marvel northwest of downtown San Jose in Santa Clara.
What to Expect at Levi’s Stadium
Befitting a stadium in the heart of Silicon Valley, Levi’s Stadium is high-tech to the max, with fan-friendly touches like solid Wi-Fi access in every seat, so you can tweet, post, and chat about the game, not to mention order food without missing a play. It also boasts eco-friendly features like a living roof, solar panels, and field irrigation that uses recycled water. If you’re lucky enough to settle into a luxury suite, check out the woodwork: It’s made of sustainable bamboo.
Events at Levi’s Stadium
In addition to being the home field for the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers, whose regular season runs from September through early January, the stadium is one of the nation’s go-to venues for major events. It hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and will again host The Big Game in 2026, as well as six World Cup matches that same year (June 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and July 1). It’s also a premiere venue for musical acts: U2, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Coldplay, and the Rolling Stones have all graced the stage here. Other frequent events include motocross, wrestling, and college sports.
Where to Eat at Levi’s Stadium
Levi’s Stadium’s food scene goes beyond standard game-day fare. Sure, the concessions that ring each level offer classics—burgers, dogs, pizza, nachos, garlic-fries—but you’ll also find Bay Area touches like tacos, noodles, barbecue, and Dungeness crab sandwiches, not to mention plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
If you’re in the mood to splurge, premium clubs and suites layer on upgrades—carveries, sushi, curated bars—though access depends on your ticket. The venue is cashless, so bring a card or mobile pay, and download the 49ers app—which can serve as the defacto Levi’s Stadium app—for general stadium info, mobile tickets and parking, and other event information.
The 49ers Museum at Levi’s Stadium
This 20,000-square-foot, interactive space inside Levi’s Stadium features 11 galleries that celebrate team history—from the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. 49ers Hall of Fame and the Heritage Gallery (inspired by “The Catch”) to film and interactive zones, AR photo ops, and displays of the Lombardi trophies. It’s a self-guided experience and operates on select dates independent of stadium tours; hours vary (it often opens on, and around, home-game days). Tickets can be purchased online via the Visit the Museum page or onsite; on game days you’ll typically need both a game ticket and a museum ticket to enter.
Where to Stay Near Levi’s Stadium
There are several excellent hotel options in the immediate vicinity. The Hilton Santa Clara is located directly across from the stadium on Great America Parkway, and offers a pool and onsite dining. Just a short walk away is the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, connected to the convention center and ideal if you’re looking for a slightly more upscale stay. For travelers seeking a more budget-friendly option that also offers convenience, the Extended Stay America‑Suites San Jose‑Santa Clara on nearby Gold Street features kitchenettes. Booking early is wise, especially on event days when rooms fill fast and parking or traffic can become tricky.
Parking and Public Transit to Levi’s Stadium
It's advisable to purchase a parking pass in advance through the stadium’s website; day-of credit-card lots are limited and typically cost more. Parking lots commonly open three to four hours before kickoff or showtime; tailgating is prohibited in some lots. Check your event page for rules.
Public transit options to get to Levi’s Stadium are plentiful. VTA Light Rail serves the Great America Station on the venue’s north side, with extra post-event trains and buses queued immediately after major shows and games. From San Francisco or the Peninsula, ride Caltrain to Mountain View and transfer to VTA’s Orange Line for a connection to Great America. From the East Bay, take Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) to Milpitas and connect to VTA Light Rail. From the Sacramento–East Bay corridor, Amtrak Capitol Corridor stops at Santa Clara–Great America, a short walk from the venue.