Opened in 2014, Levi’s Stadium is the home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. The 68,500-capacity stadium based in California is primarily used for American football, however, it has hosted football (soccer) matches in recent years, and is one of the host stadiums for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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San Francisco 49ers
The first match the San Francisco 49ers played at the stadium was against the Denver Broncos on August 17, 2014, which they lost 34-0.
A month later, the 49ers played their first regular season match at the stadium against the Chicago Bears. 70,799 people attended to see the Chicago Bears run out 28-20 winners.
Levi’s Stadium hosted Super Bowl 50 on February 7, 2016. The Denver Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in an event that saw Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars all perform.
The Super Bowl will return to Levi’s Stadium on February 8, 2026, for the 60th edition of one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
In response to the news that the stadium will host another Super Bowl, 49ers owner and CEO Jed York said: “I can't believe it's been 10 years already. It's an honour to bring an event like the Super Bowl to your town. These guys have worked so hard. I want to thank the ownership for believing in the Bay Area and this is going to be a great place for us to showcase the best of Northern California.”
Football (soccer) Matches at Levi’s Stadium
The first event held at the stadium was a football match played between the San Jose Earthquakes and Seattle Sounders in the MLS. San Jose Earthquakes won the game 1-0 in front of 48,765 people. The only goal of the game was scored in the 42nd minute by Yannick Djaló.
In 2017 and 2023, Levi’s Stadium hosted matches in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. On July 26, 2017, the stadium was the venue for the Gold Cup final, where the United States beat Jamaica 2-1 in front of a crowd of 63,032.
In 2023, only two Gold Cup matches were played here, most notably Jamaica’s 5-0 demolition of Saint Kitts and Nevis in the group stage.
In 2016, the Copa América Centenario was held in the USA, which was the first time it had been hosted outside South America. Levi’s Stadium was the venue for three group stage matches and the quarter-final between Chile and Mexico.
Levi’s Stadium has also held high-profile pre-season games over the years, which has seen the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Liverpool visit the ground.
For this year’s edition of the Copa América, the stadium will host two matches. These games are Ecuador against Venezuela and Brazil against Colombia.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Levi’s Stadium will be renamed ‘San Francisco Stadium’ to comply with FIFA’s stadium naming requirements. Five group matches and a Round of 32 match will be held at this ground.
Other Sports
On March 29, 2015, Levi’s Stadium hosted WrestleMania 31, which saw 76,976 people attend.
The Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks played an ice hockey match here on February 21, 2015, with the Kings narrowly winning 2-1 in front of 70,205.
Concerts
One Direction, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Ed Sheeran have all performed at Levi’s Stadium since it opened in 2014. Ed Sheeran’s recent performance on September 16, 2023, saw 80,000 people attend, which is the attendance record for the stadium.
In 2024, Luke Combs and The Rolling Stones will perform at the stadium in May and July, respectively.
Levi’s Stadium Fun Facts
- The stadium consistently promotes sustainability. There are dashboards around the ground displaying energy measurements and water and air monitors.
- There is also a “Green Roof” above the stadium’s suite tower, which is a garden that includes 16 species of vegetation native to the area.
- For American football matches, there is a smartphone app that helps guide people to the most convenient parking spot, order food and drink to their seat, and show them instant replays of the action during the match.
- The video board is 48 feet high and 200 feet wide, which is the largest in the NFL.
- The overall construction cost of Levi’s Stadium was approximately $1.3 billion.