A Guide to Levi's Stadium
Levi's Stadium opened in 2014 as the home of the San Francisco 49ers, replacing Candlestick Park. Located in Santa Clara within Silicon Valley, the venue sits roughly 45 miles south of San Francisco. The layout features a suburban footprint where the west side stands face direct afternoon sun exposure during early-season games.
Getting to the Stadium
Levi's Stadium sits in Santa Clara, surrounded by corporate campuses and suburban sprawl rather than a walkable entertainment district. The location makes driving or light rail the primary options.
Driving & Parking
- DrivingFrom San Francisco, take US-101 South to the Great America Parkway exit (about 45 minutes without traffic, but expect 90+ minutes on game days). From San Jose, take I-880 North to US-101 North to the same exit. From the East Bay take I-880 South, exit onto CA-237 West toward Mountain View, and then take the Great America Parkway exit. Traffic on US-101, CA-237. Traffic on US-101 and the surrounding surface streets can be gridlocked 2-3 hours before kickoff.
- ParkingPre-purchasing parking passes is highly recommended. While day of credit card lots exist, they are very limited and often sell out. The stadium enforces a directed parking system where attendants guide cars to the next available empty spot sequentially, typically filling sections farthest from the lot entrances first. Because spaces cannot be saved, fans who want to tailgate together must caravan and enter the parking gates at the exact same time. The Red Lots are generally the closest to the stadium with the Green Lots stretching to the south and Blue Lots further west on the other side of Great American Parkway. Tailgating is allowed only in certain lots so be sure to select a Tailgating Allowed lot when pre-purchasing your parking if you're looking to tailgate. For tailgating supplies Safeway and Whole Foods Market are both a short drive away. For beverages, Total Wine & More in Santa Clara has a large selection, and Maple Leaf Liquor is a convenient local option.
Public Transit
- The VTA Light Rail is the best transit option. Take the Green Line to the Great America station, which is directly adjacent to the stadium. On game days, VTA runs extended service with increased frequency. From San Jose Diridon Station (which connects to Caltrain and Amtrak), the light rail ride is about 30 minutes. From the Mountain View Caltrain station, transfer to the light rail at the Mountain View Transit Center. BART riders can connect to VTA via the Milpitas Transit Center station.
- VTA Light RailThe Great America / Levi's Stadium station sits on both the Orange Line (Mountain View to Alum Rock) and the Green Line (Old Ironsides to Winchester). Both lines drop passengers off right at the stadium's northern gates.
- BART ConnectionCommuters taking BART should ride to the Milpitas Transit Center and transfer to the VTA Orange Line westbound to reach the stadium.
- Caltrain ConnectionCommuters taking Caltrain from San Francisco or the Peninsula should ride to the Mountain View Transit Center and transfer directly to the VTA Orange Line eastbound.
- San Jose & Campbell AccessThe VTA Green Line provides a direct, one-train ride to the stadium for fans traveling from Campbell, Willow Glen, and parts of Downtown San Jose.
- Regional Heavy Rail
- ACE Train (Altamont Corridor Express)ACE runs specialized event trains for weekend games, offering a direct rail link for fans coming from the Central Valley and Tri-Valley areas (including Stockton, Tracy, and Livermore). Trains stop at the Santa Clara-Great America Station, located less than a 10-minute walk from the stadium gates.
- Capitol Corridor (Amtrak)This line connects the stadium directly to Sacramento, the East Bay (including Oakland Coliseum), and San Jose Diridon station. Passengers exit at the Santa Clara-Great America Station.
Rideshare
- The designated rideshare zone is at Red Lot 7 north of the stadium on Great American Parkway . Post game, the rideshare area can have 30-45 minute waits due to traffic and high demand. Consider walking to the Great America light rail station and requesting pickup from a less congested area if you want to avoid the crush.
Pregame Festivities
The immediate area around Levi's Stadium is Silicon Valley corporate parks, not exactly a vibrant bar district. But the surrounding Santa Clara neighborhoods have a solid collection of local restaurants and breweries within a few minutes' drive, and the stadium's own tailgating lots are where the real pregame energy lives.
Bars & Restaurants
- A Santa Clara institution since 1937, this dive bar and grillis one of the most popular pregame spots for 49ers fans. The burgers are excellent, the beer is cold, and the atmosphere is pure old school California sports bar.
- This craft brewery features rotating taps, a spacious taproom, and an outdoor patio. They brew creative, hop forward beers and offer a solid food menu.
- A sports bar and grill practically next door to the stadium. Its proximity makes it a natural pregame stop, though expect big crowds and long waits on game days. Standard sports bar fare with plenty of screens.
- This local chain specializes in hot wings with heat levels ranging from mild to the infamous Hellfire Challenge. It's walking distance from the stadium and draws a lively pregame crowd.
- A beloved California surf themed pizza chain with a location near the stadium. Grab a quick slice of their signature surf inspired pies before heading in. It's casual, fast, and consistent
- A family owned Italian spot that has been serving Santa Clara since 1966. Their pizza and pasta are local favorites, and the portions are generous. A solid option for a sit down meal before the game.
- The Silicon Valley location of California's most iconic fast-food chain is right off Great America Parkway. While not a traditional pregame bar, plenty of fans fuel up here before games. The Double-Double Animal Style needs no introduction.
- A seafood-focused restaurant near the stadium offering sustainably sourced fish tacos, poke bowls, and seafood plates. It's a lighter, healthier pregame option compared to typical stadium area fare.
Monuments & Unique Features
- The Giant 49ers HelmetLocated directly outside of Toyota Gate F, this larger than life team helmet is a permanent fixture designed as an interactive photo backdrop for fans arriving on the south and east sides of the perimeter.
- The Catch StatuesLocated directly inside Intel Gate A, this installation immortalizes the most famous play in franchise history from the 1981 NFC Championship game. The display features two life-sized statues positioned exactly 23 yards apart to mimic the precise distance of the throw: quarterback Joe Montana with his arms raised in celebration, and wide receiver Dwight Clark leaping to pull down the game-winning touchdown.
- Positioned on the north side of the venue near Intel Gate A, this facility serves as the anchor for the franchise's historical keepsakes. The museum is divided into distinct, curated spaces
- The Hall of Fame Sculpture GalleryA room housing more than 30 life-sized, highly detailed statues of 49ers alumni, coaches, and owners captured in their signature on-field poses. A pairing of Coach Bill Walsh and Joe Montana forms the centerpiece, surrounded by icons such as Jerry Rice, Roger Craig, and linebackers coach Dave Wilcox.
- Bill Walsh’s OfficeA precise physical recreation of legendary head coach Bill Walsh’s actual workspace from the old Redwood City team headquarters, preserved with his original furniture, whiteboard layouts, playbooks, and personal artifacts.
- The Heritage GalleryAn era-by-era historical walk through tracking the franchise from its founding in 1946 to the present day. It features clothing, equipment, and an interactive touchscreen database allowing visitors to pull up career statistics for every player who has ever worn a 49ers uniform.
- The Lombardi Trophy GalleryThe final stop within the museum layout, displaying the 49ers' five original Vince Lombardi Trophies alongside individual display cases containing the championship rings from each winning season.
- Suite Facade DisplaysOn the facade of the suite tower on the west of the stadium are several commemorations to team history. This is anchored by the Super Bowl Champions display on the upper facade noting the team's victories in Super Bowls XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV, and XXIX. Flanking each side of this are the numbers of 25 members of the team Hall of Fame. On the tier below are the names of 6 coaches and executives in the team's Hall plus notations of the team's 20 Division titles and 7 Conference Championships
- The Green RoofThe stadium features a 27,000-square-foot living green roof atop the suite tower on the west side. It's planted with drought-tolerant native grasses and succulents, reducing the building's energy consumption.
Seating & Special Sections
- Pepsi Fan DeckPositioned in the north end zone of the upper concourse. This is a large, communal zone overlooking the field that provides a casual, high capacity bar and gathering space for fans with upper level tickets.
- Bud Light PatioPositioned in the south end zone of the upper concourse. Operating as the counterpart to the Pepsi Fan Deck, communal deck offers a social atmosphere, dedicated beverage bars, and elevated views of the playing field.
- Field ClubsLocated at the 50-yard line at field level the Cache Creek Casino Resort (49ers side) and U.S. Bank Field Club (visitors side) are all-inclusive lounges featuring granite flooring, action cooking stations, and a focal point full service bar
- 100 Level ClubsPositioned on the lower seating tier along midfield the United Club (west 49ers side) and Foxconn Industrial Internet (east visitors side) feature a expansive climate-controlled dining hall and private full service bars.
- Mid Level ClubsOn the 200 Level, the Graton Winners Club (west 49ers side) and Levi's 501 Club (east visitors side) offer a high end lounge experience with exclusive access to premium food and beverage options. The Levi's Club has more seating and a larger, more open lounge while the Groton Winners Club is a little more intimate featuring more of a sports bar vibe.
- Suites
- West Side Tower SuitesThe West Side Tower suites are stacked vertically across multiple tiers stadium's home (west) sideline. These spaces feature a traditional luxury layout containing private interior lounge seating, multiple TVs, and a retractable glass wall that opens directly to padded outdoor stadium seats.
- The West Side Tower suites are stacked vertically across multiple tiers within the SAP Tower on the stadium's home sideline. These spaces feature a traditional luxury layout containing private interior lounge seating, multiple flat-screen media displays, and a retractable glass wall that opens directly to padded outdoor stadium seats. Because they are integrated into the main tower infrastructure on the west side of the bowl, these suites benefit from significant shade as the stadium tower blocks the afternoon sun during early-season daytime games.The Owners Club suites are located on the mid level tier of the east sideline. These suites are lower and closer to the action and feature higher end amenities compared to the west side.
Concessions
- Specialty FoodNew for the 2025-26 season, Araujo's Mexican Grill serves asada fries and burritos, while Kabob Trolley brings all-halal Afghan-fusion street food. Returning favorites include Silva Sausages (try the Al Pastor Sausage), Starbird crispy chicken tenders, and Super Duper Burgers with garlic fries. Puesto offers chicken and birria nachos.
- Crab SammiesThe go to spot for the stadium's most famous regional item, the signature Dungeness Crab Sandwich, packed with fresh crab meat and served on toasted sourdough bread.
- PuestoA Southern California favorite with a major Bay Area footprint, serving elevated, scratch made street food. Top options include their crisp Quesabirria Tacos, Chicken Al Pastor Tacos, and fresh guacamole and chips.
- Blue Line PizzaA beloved local pizza brand offering individual sized portions of both their signature thin crust and authentic Bay Area deep dish pizzas.
- Tres HermanosBuilt around vibrant, local Mexican street snacks. This stand is best known for Papas Locas (fully loaded seasoned potato wedges), loaded stadium nachos, fresh fruit cups, and refreshing Aguas Frescas.
- Silva SausageA historic Northern California sausage company providing premium, locally made char grilled links.
- Drinks
- Craft BeerThe Taproom and West Coast Brews on the 100 level are the best options for craft beer. Macro craft brands can also be found around the stadium
- CocktailsFull bars are found around the concourses with Gold Bar being a particular stand out for craft cocktails
Stadium Information
Notable Events
Suggested Places
Recommended places to visit near this stadium