- Etienne Fermie, Sports reporter in London
LEVI’S Stadium hosting World Cup matches next summer is set to cost the San Francisco 49ers $37 million, per reports.
The 49ers’ 68,500-capacity home is scheduled to host six games at next summer’s US-Canada-Mexico soccer World Cup.
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Despite the World Cup being arguably the biggest sporting event on the planet, the Bay Area is projected to make a loss out of hosting.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, organisers have failed to secure any state funding from Governor Gavin Newsom.
The Bay Area’s hosting duties are claimed to be costing around $50m.
And it is not anticipated that the event will make that money back.
It’s claimed that the 49ers previously pledged to cover up to a $37m deficit.
Local organisers are hoping to secure funds from private donors.
While both the 49ers and the host committee are still lobbying to try and secure some state funding.
Levi’s Stadium is one of 16 host venues selected for the newly-expanded 48-team tournament.
It is one of several NFL stadiums set to be used; alongside the homes of the New York Jets and Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Rams and Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins.
Levi’s Stadium is scheduled to host one match from Group B, two from Group D and two from Group J.
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It is then set to stage its final game of the tournament in the round of 32 on July 1, 2026.
Levi’s Stadium, located in Santa Clara, officially opened in 2014.
It has since been the home of the 49ers, replacing the old Candlestick Park.
Next summer’s World Cup won’t be the first non-49ers event to take place at Levi’s Stadium.
The state-of-the-art venue hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016, with the Denver Broncos beating the Carolina Panthers 24-10.
It is also set to host next year’s Super Bowl on February 8, 2026.
While it staged WrestleMania 31 in 2015.
Several concerts have also taken place at Levi’s Stadium.
Just in the last two years it has staged the likes of Beyonce, Taylor Shift, The Rolling Stones and Ed Sheeran.
And later this summer, Metallica will play twice there as part of their M72 World Tour.
