Levi's Stadium

Venue Information

Welcome to the ultimate guide for "San Francisco Bay Area Stadium" – more commonly known as Levi's® Stadium – a premier venue for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Located in Santa Clara, at the heart of Silicon Valley, this state-of-the-art stadium is set to host an exhilarating series of matches, blending world-class soccer with the innovative spirit of the Bay Area.

Venue Overview

Levi's® Stadium, known as San Francisco Bay Area Stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2026 to comply with FIFA's commercial rules, is home to the NFL's San Francisco 49ers. Opened in 2014, the stadium quickly established itself as a flagship venue for major sporting events and concerts, including Super Bowl 50. Its selection as a World Cup host underscores its modern facilities and capacity to handle international spectacles.

For the FIFA World Cup 2026, the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium will host a total of six matches: five group stage fixtures and one Round of 32 knockout match. The tournament in the Bay Area will run from June 13th to July 1st, 2026.

Match Schedule & Events

San Francisco Bay Area Stadium is slated to host the following thrilling encounters:

• Saturday, June 13, 2026 (Group Stage): Qatar vs. Switzerland (12:00 PM PT)
• Tuesday, June 16, 2026 (Group Stage): Austria vs. Jordan (9:00 PM PT)
• Friday, June 19, 2026 (Group Stage): Turkey vs. Paraguay (9:00 PM PT)
• Monday, June 22, 2026 (Group Stage): Jordan vs. Algeria (8:00 PM PT)
• Thursday, June 25, 2026 (Group Stage): Paraguay vs. Australia (7:00 PM PT)
• Wednesday, July 1, 2026 (Round of 32): Group D Winner vs. 3rd Place from Group B/E/F/I/J (Kickoff TBD)

Beyond the matches, the Bay Area will be alive with numerous fan zones, watch parties, and cultural celebrations, providing a vibrant atmosphere for all visitors.

Getting There — Transport & Access

Levi's® Stadium is located in Santa Clara, approximately 43 miles (69.2 km) south of San Francisco. The Bay Area's extensive public transit network is geared up to transport fans efficiently.

Nearest Airports

• San José Mineta International Airport (SJC): The closest option, just about four miles from the stadium, offering minimal transit time.
• San Francisco International Airport (SFO): A major international hub, about 35 miles north of Santa Clara, with BART access.
• Oakland International Airport (OAK): Primarily serves domestic and budget carriers, also connected by BART.

Public Transit Options

• VTA Light Rail: The most direct option in the South Bay. Both the Green Line (from Downtown San Jose) and Orange Line stop at Great America Station, right next to the stadium (Lick Mill Station for the Orange Line, a 10-15 minute walk).
• BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): Take BART to Milpitas station, then transfer to the VTA Light Rail Orange Line via a pedestrian bridge. Special limited-express service will run after midnight for evening matches.
• Caltrain: Ride Caltrain to Mountain View station, and then transfer to the VTA Light Rail Orange Line for a short ride to the stadium.
• Capitol Corridor: This Northern California rail service will run direct trains to Santa Clara/Great America Station from Sacramento, Oakland, and San Jose.
• ACE Trains: Provides direct services to the stadium from various Central Valley cities like Stockton, Livermore, and Fremont.
• Muni: San Francisco's public transport network connects to BART or Caltrain stations for onward travel to the stadium.

Parking

Driving to Levi's® Stadium on match days is expected to be busy. Pre-purchasing parking passes is highly recommended, as prices can start around $70 and increase for World Cup matches. Guests are directed to color-coded lots based on their pass, and tailgating is only allowed in designated areas. VTA Light Rail also offers a park-and-ride service from various parking lots around San Jose. Avoid parking in nearby residential neighborhoods to prevent tickets or towing.

Recommended Routes

Public transit is strongly encouraged to avoid heavy traffic and parking delays. If driving, aim to arrive at least 3 hours early to minimize delays.

Fan Experience & Atmosphere

While there isn't a single "walkable fan district" immediately surrounding Levi's® Stadium, the fan experience is distributed across nearby areas like San Jose, Santana Row, and Campbell, offering a variety of dining and nightlife options.

• Seating and Views: The stadium is designed with three main levels of stands, prioritizing proximity to the field. Approximately two-thirds of the seating (45,000 seats) are in the lower bowl, ensuring excellent, "on-top-of-the-action" views.
• Food & Drink: Concessions are available throughout the stadium, offering classic sports cuisine and drinks. The entire stadium operates cashless, so be prepared with credit or debit cards, or use the available Cash-to-Card kiosks. Limited outside food (in clear plastic wrappings) and sealed plastic water bottles are permitted.
• Nearby Attractions:
• 49ers Museum: An interactive sports museum located within Levi's® Stadium, tracing the team's history.
• California's Great America: A large amusement park adjacent to the stadium.
• Santana Row: An upscale outdoor shopping, dining, and entertainment district in San Jose.
• Fan Zones: The Bay Area Host Committee will organize "BAHC Live! Fan Zones" with giant screens, live entertainment, international food, and sponsor activations, even for those without match tickets. Community watch parties will also be held across San Francisco and the wider Bay Area.

Stadium Features & Specifications

San Francisco Bay Area Stadium is a modern, environmentally conscious venue.

• Capacity: 68,500, expandable to approximately 75,000 for major events like the World Cup.
• Surface Type: Natural grass (Bermuda grass).
• Roof: Open stadium design, without a retractable roof.
• Year Opened: July 17, 2014.
• Notable Architectural Features: Designed by HNTB, the stadium features an exposed steel structure, a rooftop garden with solar panels, and a solar power plant. It was the first NFL stadium to achieve LEED Gold certification, utilizing recycled water and native plants. It also boasts a "digital nervous system" with extensive Wi-Fi 6 infrastructure and a new 5G distributed antenna system for high connectivity.

Planned Renovations & Preparations for 2026

The San Francisco 49ers have invested $200 million in upgrades ahead of the World Cup and Super Bowl LX, both hosted in 2026. These renovations include:

• Two new enormous 4K video boards, 70% larger than previous ones.
• Advanced LED lighting with color capabilities and over 55,000 square feet of new LED ribbon boards.
• Upgraded technology, including a new Wi-Fi 6 infrastructure with 1,300 access points and a new 5G cellular network.
• Renovated premium spaces, club seating, and reimagined hospitality zones.
• Improvements to the main concourse with cashierless concession stands.

Tips for Visiting Fans

• Arrival Times: Arrive at least 2-3 hours before kickoff, especially if driving, to avoid significant delays.
• Tickets: Official ticket information and hospitality packages are available through FIFA World Cup channels.
• Weather Considerations: Matches will take place in June and July. Santa Clara generally experiences mild, pleasant weather during these months, but it's always wise to check the forecast closer to your match date.
• Bag Policy: The stadium enforces a clear bag policy (12" x 6" x 12" or smaller) or a small non-clear clutch (4.5" x 6.5"). Bag check options are available for a fee.
• Cashless Venue: Be prepared to use credit/debit cards as the stadium is cashless.
• Local Tips: Consider staying in downtown San Jose and utilizing the VTA Light Rail for convenient access to the stadium and a wider range of dining and entertainment options. Explore the diverse cultural experiences, dining, and nightlife across iconic Bay Area districts.