It was reported Thursday, May 18th, that there will be a vote held among the league next week regarding Levi’s Stadium. The vote is to determine if Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, can host the 2026 World Cup. It was reported that the formal vote is just a necessity, and the stadium should be the one to get it. There are also other factors about the stadium being ready for an eventful 2026. Here is a look into everything that has to do with Levi’s Stadium hosting the Super Bowl in 2026.
Levi’s Stadium
Denver Broncos Super Bowl 50 – Gregory Bull/AP Photo
History of the Stadium
Levi’s has been home to the San Francisco 49ers ever since 2014. The 49ers left Candlestick following the 2013 season and headed to Santa Clara. This was not loved by the fans, to say the least. To this day, many 49ers fans feel the team should have never left Candlestick Park and would love for the team to return to San Francisco.
In 2016, the stadium hosted Superbowl 50, and ten years later, they will be making the return. Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos faced Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. The final score of the game was 24-10, crowning the Broncos as Super Bowl Champions. Not only was this the 50th Super Bowl, but the big game was also the final Super Bowl win for Manning, making it even more monumental.
The Super Bowl Show was performed by Coldplay, though that is not the most memorable part of the performance. Beyonce and Bruno Mars showed up as special guests during the performance as well. A video of the halftime performance can be found here on YouTube, posted by the NFL.
Levi’s Stadium Renovations
It was reported early following the 2022 season that the plan was to add renovations to the stadium. These renovations would not come this year but before 2026. The report by KNBR is that the 49ers requested a $120 million loan from the NFL. The goal of the renovations is expected to focus on the suites. Many have stated that the stadium feels unfinished, and it makes sense to want renovations before 2026. Even if it does end up being primarily suites, the renovations will help.
Levi’s is, of course, for the 49ers, but they will need to host other events. In order to get more top singers to perform concerts, renovations would be the way to achieve that. Some of the renderings for the suite upgrades can be found posted by Sports Business Journal.
Super Bowl 50 – Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group
Levi’s Stadium in 2026
2026 will not just be the home of the Super Bowl. The FIFA World Cup is also coming to the United States for the first time since 1994. Levi’s is expected to be a host stadium. The World Cup is the top sporting event in the world, and it would be a great opportunity for the stadium in Santa Clara to host a game. The renovations will help get them to host these games. Other stadiums are getting renovations for this reason, such as Arrowhead Stadium.
The vote on whether or not the Super Bowl will come to Santa Clara will be held next week. It has not yet been officially confirmed, but 49ers owner, Jed York, has stated his confidence. According to Matt Maiocco from NBC Sports Bay Area, every Bay Area professional franchise will be represented on the Bay Area Host Committee Board. This means that the Warriors and Giants will be playing roles in their support.
The Super Bowl is already planned for the next two years. In 2024, the game will be held in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium. In 2025 it will be held in New Orleans at the Superdome. The official announcement will need to wait for next week, but as of now, the 2026 Super Bowl will be held at Levi’s Stadium.
