Levi's Stadium is getting $200M in upgrades before hosting both the Super Bowl and World Cup

Two of the largest sporting events in the world are coming to Levi's Stadium in 2026: the Super Bowl and multiple World Cup games. In fact it will be the only stadium to ever host both of those events in the same year. The 49ers and Levi's Stadium have recently announced major upgrades to the stadium--which originally cost $1.3 billion to build over 10 years ago.

It will get the largest 4K display in the entire league coming in at 13,000 SQFT. The stadium will also get a new LED field lighting system that will brighten playing surfaces for primetime games. Stadium and club areas will have a refreshed look and feel, and some of those upgrades will be in place this season.

Also part of the upgrade list is faster WiFi with 1,300 new access points as well as improved cellular services with new 5G systems by Verizon. The main concourse will get cashierless food and beverage stands to speed up service. There will be two new open-air patio bars and 120 remodeled luxury suites.

The total cost clocks in around $200 million. 90% of that will be financed by the 49ers and 10% will be from the Santa Clara Stadium Authority.

Source: San Jose Inside

Levi's Stadium is hosting Super Bowl 60

Our neighbors at Santa Clara will once again be hosting the Super Bowl in 2026. Only two other Super Bowls have been hosted in the Bay Area. Super bowl 19 where the 49ers beat the Miami Dolphins at Stanford Stadium and Super Bowl 50, Levi's Stadium first Super Bowl. 

2026 is going to be a huge year for Levi's Stadium as they will also be hosting FIFA World Cup matches. The 49ers are planning to borrow $125 million from the NFL for stadium upgrades to prepare for these big events.

The biggest winner of Super Bowl LX (60) is likely going to be San Jose. There will be a huge economic boost including events, hotel bookings, and visitors flying into SJC. These will come without any sort of subsidy, liability, or major risks which will mostly be shouldered by Santa Clara (there is a lot of economic upside for them as well). 

Given the current issues San Francisco is facing with crime, homelessness, and the general logistics of it being an hour or two away with traffic--I think San Jose will end up with more of the planned events surrounding the Super Bowl than the last time around. 

Source: SVBJ

Super Bowl 50

Enjoy Super Bowl 50 everyone, the first Silicon Valley Super Bowl!

February 5-6: South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk + SoFA Winter Mrkt

South FIRST FRIDAYS has been expanded in honor of the Super Bowl this year. Not only is it a two-day event now, but there will be local vendors and special performances. Multiple venues and art galleries will be participating, as you can see on the handy map below. Most of the festivities will be on South First Street, but I highly recommend exploring other areas as well. If you haven't made a pit stop to Plaza de Cesar Chavez recently then this would also be a great time to swing by.

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk + SoFA Winter Mrkt takes place tonight from 7-11pm and tomorrow from noon to 6pm.

Think Bigger San Jose Launches New Site!

One of our favorite San Jose blogs has completely revamped their website. Think Bigger San Jose focuses on exploring Downtown San Jose from an urbanist's perspective. The redesign brings a slick navigation and tons of resources for residents and visitors alike.

Think Bigger San Jose has just posted an in depth guide to visiting Downtown San Jose during the Super Bowl that contains recommended restaurants, craft cocktail joints, events, and links to interactive maps. Check it out over here!

Super Bowl Festivities in Downtown San Jose

Downtown San Jose is going all out for Super Bowl 50 this week! This isn't just pandering to this big event. The Carolina Panthers are staying at the San Jose Marriott and Super Bowl Opening Night will be hosted at the SAP Center. The heart of San Jose's Super Bowl 50 activities will be in Plaza de Cesar Chavez. They have installed an advanced lighting system synced to live music, a beer garden, multiple game areas, and food trucks. Downtown Ice is still going strong and there is even a NFL store pop-up shop nearby. San Pedro Square has shut down a whole street, added turf, and provided 50 nerf footballs to throw around.

There is a lot going on, and thankfully the city has provided an interactive Super Bowl 50 map for Downtown activities. Check it out over here!

VTA Plan for the Super Bowl

There are going to be some major VTA route changes during the Super Bowl next week. The most substantial of which is a complete closure of Light Rail in front of the stadium itself. If you are one of the lucky ones with Super Bowl tickets and are planning to take Light Rail to the big game--or you just plan on using Light Rail at any time on February 7th--you should watch the video below.

Quick Look at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Decorations

As part of the Super Bowl festivities in San Jose, Plaza de Cesar Chavez has been transformed with state-of-the-art lighting. Below is a CBS segment showing what the park currently looks like. Every day until there Super Bowl there will be live music, games, and even a beer garden in the park.

Source: Hillrise at the San Jose Development Forum

San Liccardo and Jim Plunkett Welcome Super Bowl Fans

Team San Jose has created a short video with our mayor and San Jose-native Jim Plunkett. Stay tuned over the next week for more info on all the great San Jose events happening during Super Bowl week.