Heading to Levi’s Stadium for the World Cup? Here’s what to know about road closures, parking and more
Santa Clara is preparing for a major surge of visitors as Levi’s Stadium hosts six FIFA World Cup matches over the next month, including five group-stage games and a Round of 32 match. To manage heavy traffic around the stadium, the city has released a temporary traffic impact plan that will close roads in two phases on each match day. The first phase begins as much as 12 hours before kickoff and will shut down Tasman Drive and the Stars and Stripes slip ramp, affecting drivers, cyclists and pedestrians near the venue. A portion of the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail will also be closed to pedestrians and cyclists on match days.
The city’s closure plan runs from June 13 through July 1, with exact timing depending on when each match starts. For the June 13 match, closures begin overnight and continue through the day. For evening matches on June 16, June 19, June 22 and June 25, the first phase starts in the morning. The July 1 Round of 32 match will also trigger earlier daytime restrictions.
Santa Clara has outlined alternative routes for both local and regional traffic. A two-mile local detour will use Great America Way, Great America Parkway, Lafayette Street and Calle De Luna/Calle Del Sol. For drivers passing through the area but not attending the matches, regional detours will direct traffic toward U.S. 101, Interstate 237 and nearby arterial roads.
Four hours before kickoff, the city moves into phase two of the traffic plan. This phase expands the local detour route and closes public access to Calle De Luna and Calle Del Sol, while still allowing access for nearby residents and businesses. The regional detour route will remain open during phase two.
Parking near Levi’s Stadium will be limited and must be reserved in advance through FIFA’s official parking website. More than a dozen lots will be available, with prices varying by match and distance from the stadium. For the Qatar vs. Switzerland game, parking prices range from about $98.65 for a lot roughly 25 minutes away on foot to $203.45 for a lot about 14 minutes away.
Fans are being encouraged to use public transit instead of driving. The main options are BART or Caltrain, depending on where travelers are staying in the Bay Area, followed by a transfer to VTA light rail in Santa Clara. VTA light rail is the primary connection to Levi’s Stadium.
For visitors spending time in the area, Santa Clara and nearby San Jose offer restaurants, attractions and entertainment before kickoff. Bay Area fan zones, bars and watch parties will also host supporters throughout the tournament in San Francisco.
