History of Levi's Stadium in Timeline

Levi's Stadium, located in Santa Clara, California, is the home of the San Francisco 49ers since 2014. Situated about 40 miles south of San Francisco, the stadium's name comes from Levi Strauss & Co., which acquired the naming rights in 2013. It is a prominent sports venue in the Bay Area.

1960: 49ers and Raiders Shared Kezar Stadium

In 1960, the 49ers and Raiders shared Kezar Stadium for part of the year, marking a prior instance of the two teams sharing a stadium.

1978: Dianne Feinstein began her role as mayor of San Francisco

Dianne Feinstein was the mayor of San Francisco between 1978 and 1988.

1984: Giants and Jets shared Giants Stadium

In 1984, the New York Giants and New York Jets shared Giants Stadium, an arrangement that lasted until 2009 and continued with its successor, MetLife Stadium.

1987: 49ers offices and training facility moved to Santa Clara

Since 1987, Santa Clara has been home to the team offices and training facility. It is located approximately 40 miles (64 km) south of San Francisco.

1988: Dianne Feinstein ended her role as mayor of San Francisco

Dianne Feinstein was the mayor of San Francisco between 1978 and 1988.

1995: Raiders Move Back to Oakland

In 1995, Al Davis moved the Raiders back to Oakland after an idea was proposed to him to share a new stadium with another NFL team in Los Angeles.

1997: San Francisco Voters Approve Funds for New Stadium at Candlestick Point

In 1997, San Francisco voters approved $100 million in city spending for a new stadium and shopping mall at Candlestick Point, but the stadium was never built due to legal issues involving the team owner.

1997: Plan for stadium and mall at Candlestick Point approved

In 1997, a plan for a stadium and a mall at Candlestick Point passed a public vote. However, the plans failed to move forward.

2004: San Tomas Aquino Trail Installed

In 2004, the City of Santa Clara installed the San Tomas Aquino Trail, a paved multi-use path, immediately east of where Levi's Stadium would be constructed.

July 18, 2006: 49ers present alternative stadium plan

On July 18, 2006, the San Francisco 49ers presented an alternative plan to construct a new 68,500-seat, open air stadium as part of a mixed use development at Candlestick Point.

November 9, 2006: 49ers Shift Stadium Efforts to Santa Clara

On November 9, 2006, team owners announced that the 49ers were shifting their efforts to create a new stadium to the city of Santa Clara.

November 2006: Mayor Newsom sought the 2016 Summer Olympics

In November 2006, Mayor Gavin Newsom aimed to bring the 2016 Summer Olympics to San Francisco, believing a new stadium would strengthen the city's proposal.

November 2006: Plans for new stadium at Candlestick Point deemed not feasible

In November 2006, the team announced that plans for a new stadium at Candlestick Point were not feasible, citing extensive costs.

2006: 49ers Propose New Stadium at Candlestick Point

In 2006, the 49ers proposed constructing a new stadium at Candlestick Point in San Francisco, including plans for retail space and housing improvements. However, negotiations with the city later fell through.

January 3, 2007: SB49 Bill Introduced to Block 49ers Stadium Move

On January 3, 2007, California State Senator Carole Migden introduced SB49, a bill aimed at preventing the 49ers from building a new stadium within 100 miles of San Francisco if they left the city. The bill ultimately failed.

2007: Santa Clara stadium project had been in the works since 2007

The Santa Clara stadium project had been in the works since 2007, with negotiations beginning in 2008.

2008: Santa Clara stadium project negotiations began in 2008

The Santa Clara stadium project had been in the works since 2007, with negotiations beginning in 2008.

June 2, 2009: Santa Clara City Council Agrees to Preliminary Stadium Terms

On June 2, 2009, the Santa Clara city council agreed to preliminary terms for the new stadium, ensuring the team would remain the San Francisco 49ers.

December 15, 2009: Santa Clara City Council Withdraws City-Sponsored Ballot Measure

On December 15, 2009, the Santa Clara City Council withdrew their city-sponsored ballot measure on the stadium issue in favor of a ballot initiative, Measure J.

December 2009: Cedar Fair Lawsuit to Stop Stadium Project Dismissed

In December 2009, a lawsuit filed by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, the then-owner of California's Great America theme park, to halt the stadium project was dismissed in court.

2009: Giants and Jets Shared Giants Stadium until 2009

In 2009, the New York Giants and New York Jets concluded their shared tenancy of Giants Stadium, having shared the stadium since 1984 before moving to MetLife Stadium.

June 8, 2010: Measure J Passed by Santa Clara Voters

On June 8, 2010, Measure J, a ballot initiative regarding the stadium project, was approved by 58% of Santa Clara voters.

June 2010: Term Sheet Released for Santa Clara Stadium Project

In June 2010, a term sheet was released for the Santa Clara stadium project, outlining agreements between the city and the 49ers regarding financing, construction, operation, and eventual demolition.

June 2010: Santa Clara Voters Approve Stadium Authority

In June 2010, voters in Santa Clara approved the creation of the Santa Clara Stadium Authority, a tax-exempt entity responsible for building and owning the new football stadium.

October 2011: 49ers Sold Luxury Suites

In October 2011, the 49ers had reportedly sold over a quarter of the luxury suites in the stadium, which would force the Raiders to be secondary tenants.

December 2011: Construction Loan Secured

In December 2011, a construction loan from private investors was secured, enabling the start of construction for Levi's Stadium.

December 2011: Santa Clara City Council Approves Stadium Funding

In December 2011, the Santa Clara City Council voted for an agreement for the city's Stadium Authority to borrow $850 million from Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and U.S. Bank to cover most construction costs for the stadium.

2011: Winzler & Kelly Acquired by GHD Group

In 2011, Winzler & Kelly, which performed civil engineering work on Levi's Stadium, was acquired by GHD Group.

February 2, 2012: NFL Approved Loan for Stadium Construction

On February 2, 2012, NFL owners approved a $200 million loan to the 49ers from the G-4 stadium loan fund for constructing the new stadium.

April 2012: Construction Begins on Levi's Stadium

In April 2012, construction commenced on Levi's Stadium following the securing of a construction loan.

April 19, 2012: Official Groundbreaking

On April 19, 2012, the official groundbreaking for Levi's Stadium took place, marking the commencement of construction.

July 30, 2012: First Steel Beams Laid Down

On July 30, 2012, the first steel beams for Levi's Stadium were laid down, signifying a major step in the construction process.

October 2012: Raiders Had No Plans to Share Santa Clara Stadium

In October 2012, Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis told reporters he had no plans to share the Santa Clara stadium with the 49ers, preferring to keep the team in Oakland.

March 2013: San Tomas Aquino Trail Detour Announced

In March 2013, the city announced a temporary detour of the San Tomas Aquino Trail due to stadium construction, expected to last approximately one year.

May 8, 2013: Levi Strauss & Co. Purchases Naming Rights for New Stadium

On May 8, 2013, the 49ers announced that Levi Strauss & Co. purchased the naming rights to the new stadium for $220.3 million over 20 years, with an option to extend.

June 11, 2013: Construction Halted After Fatal Accident

On June 11, 2013, construction was halted at Levi's Stadium after a mechanic died in an elevator shaft accident.

October 1, 2013: First Seats Installed

On October 1, 2013, the first seats in Levi's Stadium were installed, marking progress towards completion of the stadium.

October 2013: Accident Remained Under Investigation

As of October 2013, the fatal accident at Levi's Stadium remained under investigation by the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

November 2013: NFL Asked to Not Schedule Weeknight Games

In November 2013, stadium and 49ers' officials initially requested the NFL to not schedule any Monday or Thursday night home games during Levi's Stadium's inaugural season due to parking issues.

2013: Levi Strauss & Co. Purchases Naming Rights

In 2013, Levi Strauss & Co. secured the naming rights for the stadium.

January 2014: Santa Clara Secured Parking Spots

In January 2014, the Santa Clara city government secured more than 21,000 necessary parking spots by approving the use of the fairways at the city-owned Santa Clara Golf and Tennis Club.

July 17, 2014: Levi's Stadium Opens

On July 17, 2014, Levi's Stadium officially opened its doors.

July 31, 2014: San Jose Earthquakes Agreed to Play Matches at Levi's Stadium

On July 31, 2014, the San Jose Earthquakes agreed to play one match per year for five years at Levi's Stadium.

August 2, 2014: First Game Played at Levi's Stadium

On August 2, 2014, the San Jose Earthquakes defeated Seattle Sounders FC 1–0 in the first game played at Levi's Stadium, a Major League Soccer match.

August 2014: San Tomas Aquino Trail Closure Continues

As of August 2014, the one-mile section of the San Tomas Aquino Trail remained closed to the public during stadium events, requiring a two-mile on-street detour.

August 17, 2014: 49ers Lost First Preseason Game

On August 17, 2014, the 49ers lost their first preseason game at Levi's Stadium, 34–0, against the Denver Broncos, and a fan collapsed due to heat and died.

September 6, 2014: International Friendly Held Between Mexico and Chile

On September 6, 2014, Levi's Stadium hosted an international friendly match between Mexico and Chile.

September 14, 2014: First 49ers Regular-Season Game

On September 14, 2014, the first 49ers' regular-season game at Levi's Stadium was held, with the Chicago Bears winning 28–20 in front of a record home attendance of 70,799.

October 2014: First College Game Played

In October 2014, the first college game was played at Levi's Stadium between the Oregon Ducks and the California Golden Bears. Oregon won the game.

November 27, 2014: 49ers to host Thanksgiving Game

On November 27, 2014, the NFL scheduled a Thanksgiving game between the 49ers and the Seattle Seahawks at Levi's Stadium, despite initial concerns about traffic flow.

2014: Levi's Stadium hosts Pac-12 Football Championship Game

From 2014, Levi's Stadium became the site of the Pac-12 Football Championship Game, a role it held through 2019.

2014: Levi's Stadium becomes the home venue for the San Francisco 49ers

In 2014, Levi's Stadium officially became the home venue for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL).

February 20, 2015: Raiders Sought Joint Stadium in Carson

On February 20, 2015, the Raiders announced their intention to seek a joint stadium in Carson with the San Diego Chargers, contingent on not receiving public funding for replacing the Oakland Coliseum.

March 29, 2015: Levi's Stadium Hosts WrestleMania 31

On March 29, 2015, Levi's Stadium hosted WWE's WrestleMania 31.

June 27, 2015: The Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Tour Extends Stadium Seating Capacity

On June 27, 2015, The Grateful Dead's Fare Thee Well Tour extended Levi's Stadium's seating capacity to 83,000, though actual attendance was 77,000 over two nights.

July 25, 2015: 2015 International Champions Cup Match

On July 25, 2015, a 2015 International Champions Cup match between Barcelona and Manchester United was held at Levi's Stadium, with Manchester United winning 3–1.

August 18, 2015: Drew Magary coins the nickname "the Jeanhole" for the stadium

On August 18, 2015, Drew Magary, in a Deadspin article, coined the nickname "the Jeanhole" for Levi's Stadium.

September 14, 2015: Chris Berman coins the name "The Big Bellbottom"

On September 14, 2015, ESPN's Chris Berman coined the name "The Big Bellbottom" in reference to Levi's Stadium.

2015: 2015 NHL Stadium Series

In 2015, Levi's Stadium hosted the 2015 NHL Stadium Series' February 21 game between the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks. The Kings won 2-1 in front of 70,205 fans.

2015: 49ers offered city money to take over Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park

In 2015, the 49ers offered the city of Santa Clara $15 million to take over the adjacent Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park and convert the soccer fields into additional parking lots, a plan which was later withdrawn due to opposition.

2015: Problems with the grass surface at Levi's Stadium

Throughout 2015, Levi's Stadium experienced recurring issues with its grass surface, raising concerns about its suitability for high-stakes games like the Super Bowl.

January 2016: Raiders Withdrew Request to Move to Los Angeles

In January 2016, after the Los Angeles Rams won the bid to relocate, the Raiders withdrew their request to move to Los Angeles, and joint tenancy at Levi's again surfaced in general discussion.

February 7, 2016: Levi's Stadium Hosts Super Bowl 50

On February 7, 2016, Levi's Stadium hosted Super Bowl 50.

June 2016: Levi's Stadium Hosted Copa América Centenario Games

In June 2016, Levi's Stadium hosted four games at the Copa América Centenario, including the opening match between the United States and Colombia, other group stage matches, and a quarterfinal match.

July 2016: Faithful Farm Established on Levi's Stadium Green Roof

In July 2016, Levi's Stadium converted 6,500 square feet of its green roof into the Faithful Farm, an organically maintained rooftop farm.

July 30, 2016: 2016 International Champions Cup Match

On July 30, 2016, a 2016 International Champions Cup match at Levi's Stadium featured Milan and Liverpool, with Liverpool winning 2–0.

2016: Traffic would be permanently increased near Candlestick Park

By 2016, traffic would be permanently increased, further damaging the already-limited methods of transportation to Candlestick Park, because residents would occupy low-income housing.

2016: Pilot Complaints about Lights at Levi's Stadium

In 2016, reports indicated that pilots flying into San Jose International Airport frequently complained about the lights from Levi's Stadium, with at least 43 complaints since the stadium opened.

2016: Stadium would be converted after the Olympics

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom proposed a new stadium that would be converted into a 68,600-seat stadium for the 49ers after the 2016 Olympics. The Olympic Village would then be converted into low-income housing.

March 2017: Raiders Approved for Move to Las Vegas

In March 2017, the Raiders' move to Las Vegas was approved for the 2020 season, with Allegiant Stadium under construction as their future home, further diminishing the likelihood of sharing Levi's Stadium.

July 23, 2017: 2017 International Champions Cup Game

On July 23, 2017, Levi's Stadium hosted a 2017 International Champions Cup game between Manchester United and Real Madrid, which Manchester United won 2–1 in a penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.

July 26, 2017: United States Won CONCACAF Gold Cup Title

On July 26, 2017, the United States defeated Jamaica 2–1 at Levi's Stadium to win their sixth CONCACAF Gold Cup title.

March 23, 2018: Mexico Won Against Iceland in Friendly Match

On March 23, 2018, Mexico won 3–0 against Iceland in a friendly match at Levi's Stadium, as part of both teams' preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

August 4, 2018: 2018 International Champions Cup Game

On August 4, 2018, a 2018 International Champions Cup game was held at Levi's Stadium, where Milan defeated Barcelona 1–0 with a late goal by André Silva.

January 2019: 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship

In January 2019, Levi's Stadium hosted the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship, marking the first time the College Football Playoff title game was played at the stadium.

May 12, 2019: United States Women's National Soccer Team Played Send-Off Match

On May 12, 2019, the United States women's national soccer team played its first send-off series match at Levi's Stadium ahead of the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, defeating South Africa 3–0.

2019: Expansion of Faithful Farm

As of 2019, the Faithful Farm at Levi's Stadium was undergoing expansion to add another 6,500 square feet.

2019: Levi's Stadium Hosts College Football Playoff National Championship

In 2019, Levi's Stadium hosted the College Football Playoff National Championship.

2019: Raiders Sign Lease Extension for Oakland Coliseum

In 2019, the Oakland Raiders signed a one-year lease extension for the Oakland Coliseum, with an option for a second year, ending any possibility of them playing at Levi's Stadium as a temporary home.

2020: Raiders Move to Las Vegas

In 2020, the Raiders officially moved to Las Vegas, solidifying their new home at Allegiant Stadium.

February 9, 2021: Mass COVID-19 Vaccination Site Opened

On Tuesday, February 9, 2021, a mass COVID-19 vaccination site opened at Levi's Stadium, with California Governor Gavin Newsom and representatives of the San Francisco 49ers and Santa Clara County officials present.

September 16, 2023: Ed Sheeran Concert Sets Single Day Attendance Record

On September 16, 2023, an Ed Sheeran concert drew almost 80,000 attendees, setting a record for the highest single-day event attendance at Levi's Stadium.

February 8, 2026: Levi's Stadium to Host Super Bowl LX

Levi's Stadium is scheduled to host Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026.

2026: Levi's Stadium to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches

In 2026, Levi's Stadium is scheduled to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including five group stage matches and one Round of 32 match. It will be temporarily renamed "San Francisco Bay Area Stadium".