SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Bay Area loves big sporting events.
The NBA All-Star Game, the Super Bowl, and now the World Cup have all been held over the course of 16 months, and Northern California has been nonstop.
And never before have the Super Bowl and World Cup been held in the same stadium in the same year. This time it will be held at Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers.
Santa Clara is scheduled to host six World Cup matches, five in the group stage and one in the final tournament. First, we will feature the match between Qatar and Switzerland on June 13th.
Here are five things you need to know if you’re coming to watch soccer or join the San Francisco area scene.
Landmarks/Attractions
Northern California has an abundance of activities for all kinds of enthusiasts. Highlights include the wine country of Napa Valley and Sonoma, a tour of the old Alcatraz prison, the redwood forests of Muir Woods, or the picturesque Pacific Coast views along Highway 1.
Bay area food scene
from Tony’s Pizza Napoletana From North Beach’s famous burritos to the Mission District, Sam’s Chowder House half moon bay or mustard grill In Napa Valley, you’ll find famous dining options everywhere. Iconic for dessert Fenton’s Creamery Our ice cream parlor in Oakland offers a traditional ice cream parlor atmosphere where you can sit down to eat or grab take-out from the counter. We also recommend flavor sampling.
fan zone
Starting June 11, fans will be able to watch games for free at more than 30 locations and participating sports bars around the Bay Area. The Golden State Warriors and Valkyries’ Thrive City big screen at Chase Center is one of them, along with China Basin at Mission Rock near the San Francisco Giants’ ballpark. PIER 39 should also be a beautiful backdrop for your game.
In the East Bay, an independent team, the Oakland Ballers, will host games at their home base, Raimondi Park. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is another stop.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is about bringing communities together and celebrating the beautiful game in every corner of our region,” said Zaileen Janmohamed, president and CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. “We are leveraging the breadth, diversity and natural beauty of the entire Bay Area to ensure that no matter where you live or where you are visiting, you have access to a joyful community celebration. This regional approach reflects our commitment to inclusivity and gives every county and community the opportunity to activate and participate in this historic moment.”
Transportation options
For those who want to avoid crowds and exorbitant parking fees, stadium officials are proposing public transportation options such as Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail and bus lines, as well as the ACE/Capitol Corridor heavy rail system, which connects to Caltrain with direct access to San Francisco.
stadium tips
Traffic and parking in and around Levi’s Stadium can take hours to navigate, so plan your arrival carefully. Because any logistical difficulties just getting into the venue could very well ruin the whole experience.
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AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
