What Levi's Stadium is and where to find it

Levi's Stadium is the home field of the San Francisco 49ers, the NFL team that plays in the National Football League's NFC West division. The stadium opened in 2014 and sits in Santa Clara, California, about 40 miles south of San Francisco proper. The address is 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054.

The 49ers moved to Levi's Stadium from Candlestick Park, where they had played since 1971. The new stadium was built specifically for the team and is also used for other events including college football, soccer, concerts, and conventions. The stadium holds approximately 68,500 people for football games.

Santa Clara is in Silicon Valley and is accessible by car, public transit, and ride-share services. If you are flying in, the nearest major airport is San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), about 10 miles away. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is about 50 miles north.

Key Takeaways

  • Levi's Stadium is located in Santa Clara, California, not in San Francisco itself, and opened in 2014 as the 49ers' new home.
  • The stadium holds roughly 68,500 people and is used for 49ers games, college football, soccer matches, concerts, and other events.
  • Parking at the stadium fills quickly on game days, and public transit or ride-share may be faster than driving.
  • The 49ers play eight regular-season home games per year, typically from September through December, with playoff games possible in January.
  • Ticket prices vary widely depending on the opponent, day of the week, and how close the game is to kickoff.

Getting to Levi's Stadium on game day

Driving to the stadium is possible but often congested on game days. The stadium has parking lots on site, though they fill up hours before kickoff. Parking fees vary but typically run $20 to $40 depending on the lot and event. Arriving at least three hours before game time gives you a better chance of finding a spot in the main lots rather than overflow parking.

Public transit is an alternative. The VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) runs bus routes to the stadium from downtown San Jose and other parts of the Bay Area. Caltrain also serves San Jose, and you can transfer to a VTA bus from there. On game days, transit is usually crowded but moves steadily. Check the VTA website or use Google Maps to plan your route, as schedules change by season.

Ride-share services like Uber and Lyft operate at the stadium, though surge pricing is common on game days. Many people use ride-share to avoid parking altogether. Carpooling with friends can also reduce the hassle and cost.

The 49ers regular season and playoff schedule

The 49ers play eight regular-season home games each year. The NFL schedule is released in May for the following season, and games are typically played on Sundays, though some are on Monday nights or Thursday nights. The regular season runs from September through early January. You can find the full schedule on the official 49ers website or on NFL.com.

Playoff games are not may provide and depend on whether the 49ers make the postseason. If they do, playoff games are played in January and potentially February. Wild Card games are the first round, followed by the Divisional round and Conference Championship. The Super Bowl, if the 49ers reach it, is played in early February at a neutral site.

The 49ers' home games are divided among opponents in their division (Seattle Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, Arizona Cardinals) and rotating opponents from other divisions. Divisional games are often the most competitive and draw larger crowds.

Ticket prices and where to buy them

Ticket prices for 49ers games vary significantly based on several factors: the opponent, whether it is a divisional rival, the day of the week, and how close the game is to kickoff. A game against a popular opponent like the Dallas Cowboys or Green Bay Packers will cost more than a game against a less popular team. Sunday games typically cost more than Monday or Thursday games. Preseason games are cheaper than regular-season games.

You can buy tickets directly from the 49ers official website (49ers.com), which is often the most straightforward route. Secondary markets like StubHub, SeatGeek, and Ticketmaster also sell tickets, sometimes at different prices depending on demand. Prices on secondary markets often drop in the days before a game if demand is low, but they can spike if demand is high.

Some games sell out weeks in advance, particularly divisional matchups and games against historic rivals. If you want to attend a specific game, checking early is wise. Standing-room-only tickets are sometimes available even when regular seats are sold out, though they cost less and offer no assigned seating.

What to bring and what is not allowed

The 49ers and Levi's Stadium have clear rules about what you can bring into the stadium. You are allowed to bring a small bag (typically no larger than 14 inches by 14 inches by 6 inches), a clear plastic bag, or a small clutch. One clear plastic bag per person is permitted. Binoculars, blankets, and seat cushions are allowed. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside the stadium.

Items that are not allowed include weapons of any kind, outside food and beverages (including alcohol), illegal drugs, recording devices (for commercial purposes), and items that obstruct other fans' views. Glass containers, cans, and bottles are prohibited. Drones are not permitted. The full list of prohibited items is on the 49ers website.

Security screening happens at the gates, similar to airport security. Arrive early to allow time for this process. Bags are checked, and you will walk through a metal detector. Wearing comfortable shoes and loose clothing can speed up the process.

Stadium amenities and food options

Levi's Stadium has concession stands throughout the building offering hot dogs, nachos, pizza, sandwiches, salads, and other standard stadium fare. Prices are higher than outside the stadium — a hot dog typically costs $12 to $15, and a beer costs $12 to $14. The stadium also has several branded restaurants and bars, including a Bud Light Lounge and various other vendor partnerships.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most concession stands. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, ask the vendor about ingredients. The stadium also has family-friendly areas and quiet zones if you need a break from the crowd.

Restrooms are plentiful and are cleaned regularly throughout the game. Cell phone service is generally available, though it can be slow during peak times when thousands of people are using their phones simultaneously. The stadium has free Wi-Fi in some areas.

Weather and what to wear

Santa Clara is in the San Francisco Bay Area, where weather is mild year-round compared to much of the country. September and October games can be warm during the day (70s to 80s Fahrenheit) but cool down in the evening. November and December games are cooler, typically in the 50s to 60s Fahrenheit. Rain is possible but not may provide.

Wear layers so you can adjust as the temperature changes. A light jacket or sweatshirt is a good idea for evening games. Sunscreen is worth bringing for daytime games, as the stadium has limited shade. Comfortable shoes are essential — you will be walking and standing for several hours.

Check the weather forecast a few days before the game and adjust your clothing plan accordingly. The stadium is open-air, so you are exposed to the elements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my own food and drinks into the stadium?

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside Levi's Stadium. You can bring an empty water bottle and fill it at fountains inside. Concession stands sell food and drinks at stadium prices, which are significantly higher than outside vendors.

What time should I arrive before a game?

Arriving two to three hours before kickoff is standard practice. This gives you time to park, get through security screening, find your seat, and grab food if you want it. For popular games, arriving even earlier is wise because parking lots fill up quickly.

Are there accessible parking and seating for people with disabilities?

Yes. Levi's Stadium has accessible parking spaces near the entrances and accessible seating throughout the stadium. You will need a valid disability placard or license plate to use accessible parking. Contact the 49ers ticket office in advance if you need accessible seating so they can reserve it for you.

Can I resell my ticket if I can't go to the game?

Yes. You can resell tickets through the 49ers official resale platform, StubHub, SeatGeek, or other secondary markets. The price you receive depends on demand at the time of resale. Some tickets increase in value as game day approaches, while others drop.

Is there a dress code for attending a game?

There is no official dress code, but wearing 49ers colors (red and gold) or your favorite team's gear is common. Avoid clothing with offensive language or imagery. Dress for the weather, as the stadium is outdoors and you will be exposed to sun, wind, or rain depending on the day.