San Francisco Bay Area Stadium

# Levi's Stadium – FIFA World Cup 2026 Stadium Guide

Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California represents the San Francisco Bay Area as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host venue. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, it combines modern technology with California's iconic outdoor atmosphere.

Levi's Stadium opened in July 2014 at a cost of approximately $1.3 billion. It replaced Candlestick Park as the home of the San Francisco 49ers (NFL), though it is located about 40 miles south of San Francisco in Santa Clara.

The stadium hosted Super Bowl 50 in February 2016, the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2019, and numerous international soccer matches including Copa America 2016 and 2024 games. It has also hosted major concerts, WrestleMania, and Gold Cup matches.

Levi's Stadium was designed with sustainability in mind — it was the first LEED Gold-certified NFL stadium, featuring a green roof on the suite tower, solar panels, and recycled water systems.

The FIFA World Cup configuration seats approximately 67,155 spectators. The regular NFL capacity is about 68,500.

The minor reduction accommodates FIFA pitch dimensions, media/broadcast infrastructure, and FIFA hospitality areas.

Levi's Stadium has an asymmetrical design with the main structure (suites, clubs, press box) on the west side:

• Lower Bowl (100 Level): Pitch-side seats. Sections 101–142.
• Club Level (200 Level): Premium midlevel on the west side with climate-controlled lounges. Sections 201–215.
• Upper Level (300 Level): Upper deck around the bowl. Sections 301–420.

Shade: This is an open-air stadium. The west side (suite tower) has a tall structure that casts afternoon shade on the lower bowl sections on that side. The east side is fully exposed to afternoon and evening sun — these seats can be extremely hot during summer daytime events. For afternoon kickoffs, west-side seats are significantly more comfortable.

Premium areas include the United Club, BNY Mellon Club, Levi's 501 Club, and numerous suites. FIFA hospitality areas will be installed.

FIFA's clear-bag policy: one clear bag no larger than 12" x 6" x 12" or a small clutch (4.5" x 6.5" max).

Prohibited items include:

• Backpacks, purses, non-clear bags
• Professional cameras with detachable lenses
• Laptops, large tablets
• Umbrellas
• Outside food and beverages
• Flags on poles, oversized banners
• Drones, laser pointers, noisemakers
• Weapons, fireworks, flares
• Unauthorized signage

Security: Airport-style screening. Gates open 2–3 hours before kickoff.

Levi's Stadium features diverse Bay Area cuisine. Regular concessions include gourmet burgers, carnitas tacos, Asian fusion, artisan pizza, and farm-to-table options reflecting the region's food culture.

For the 2026 World Cup, expanded international food vendors will serve global cuisines — expect sushi, banh mi, pupusas, shawarma, and dishes representing participating nations.

Alcohol policy: FIFA's two-drink limit per purchase. Beer (including local craft), wine, and cocktails available. Sales end around the 60th minute. Valid ID required.

Fully cashless — cards and mobile payments only.

Levi's Stadium is open-air with no roof.

During the World Cup period (June 11 – July 19, 2026):

• Average high temperatures: 78–85°F (26–29°C)
• Average low temperatures: 57–62°F (14–17°C)
• Humidity: Low (30–50%)
• Rain: Virtually zero. The Bay Area's dry season means rain is extremely unlikely in June/July (less than 5% chance).
• Sun exposure: High UV index (7–9). The dry, clear skies mean strong sun exposure.

Santa Clara / Silicon Valley is typically warmer and sunnier than San Francisco itself. While not as extreme as Texas or Florida, the east side of the stadium can feel very hot during afternoon matches due to direct sun exposure without shade. West-side seats are preferable for comfort. Evening matches are ideal, with temperatures dropping into the comfortable 60s.

Levi's Stadium is ADA-compliant and was built with modern accessibility standards:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating on all levels with companion seats
• Elevators throughout the suite tower and at key entry points
• Accessible ramps and wide concourses
• Accessible restrooms throughout
• Assistive listening devices available
• Service animals permitted

FIFA Family Zones with nursing rooms, quiet spaces, and family amenities.

The stadium is connected to the VTA Light Rail Great America station (accessible). Accessible parking available.

Levi's Stadium is in Santa Clara, in the heart of Silicon Valley, about 40 miles south of San Francisco.

• California's Great America — theme park directly adjacent
• Santa Clara Convention Center — nearby
• Great Mall of the Bay Area — large outlet mall (short drive)
• Various chain restaurants and hotels along Tasman Drive and Great America Parkway

• Downtown San Jose — vibrant downtown with restaurants, bars, and the SAP Center
• Santana Row — upscale outdoor shopping and dining (high-end restaurants, boutiques)
• Winchester Mystery House — quirky historic mansion

• Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz
• Chinatown, Mission District (burritos, murals)
• Union Square, Ferry Building Marketplace
• Hundreds of world-class restaurants

Transit: VTA Light Rail connects the stadium to San Jose and the wider Bay Area. Caltrain connects to San Francisco.