49ers vs. Lions at Levi's Stadium: Parking, Bag Policy, Watch Parties and More

Santa Clara-born Saweetie says it herself, “Do it for the Bay.” The San Francisco 49ers will play the Detroit Lions this Sunday in the National Football Conference Championship — with the winner heading to the Super Bowl.

If you’re lucky enough to have tickets to the game in Levi’s Stadium, remember, it’s sure to be a packed house. Getting in and out of the stadium — and finding parking — won’t be simple.

Keep reading for our quick logistical guide to attending a big game at Levi’s Stadium. Be sure to follow the Levi’s Stadium event page and Twitter page for last-minute updates, too.

And if you are coming from Michigan — the home state of this reporter — check out some excellent places to grab a meal around the Bay Area or make the most of your visit with our guide to exploring San Francisco when you’ve only got a few hours to spare.

Jump straight to:

• Where can I find parking for Levi’s Stadium?
• What’s the Levi’s Stadium bag policy?
• How can I get public transit to watch the 49ers vs. Lions game?
• Where are the 49ers vs. Lions watch parties?

What time is the 49ers vs. Lions game at Levi’s Stadium?

The gates to Levi’s Stadium will open at 1:30 p.m., and kick-off is at 3:30 p.m.

If you arrive there earlier — to make sure you secure parking — the team store and 49ers Museum open at 12:30 p.m.

You’ll need to show your ticket barcode on your phone to enter the stadium — so make sure your phone is fully charged.

Can I still get tickets for the 49ers vs. Lions game?

Tickets for the Levi’s Stadium game on Sunday are still available on Ticketmaster. The Visa Box Office also opens at 12 p.m. if you want to try for a walk-up ticket.

Be wary of scams. For example, the Better Businesses Bureau (BBB) warned about resale scams during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour at Levi’s Stadium, with many people discovering after sending the money through apps like Venmo or Zelle that these “tickets” never existed. Check out the person’s profile and their past posting history to see if it seems real. And if you do choose to buy a resale, use your credit card, says the BBB. This at least provides some protection for you if the deal was fake.

If you are getting a resale from a friend, make sure to call your friend directly — to make sure someone isn’t impersonating them online. It might seem like overkill, but this kind of scam is not uncommon.

Can I tailgate at Levi’s Stadium for the 49ers vs. Lions game?

Yes, but there are several restrictions. Tailgating for this game at Levi’s:

• Is limited to the area directly in front or behind a vehicle
• Is only for guests with tickets
• Will cease after kickoff

According to Levi Stadium’s guidelines, you cannot:

• Impede traffic when tailgating
• Reserve empty spaces just for tailgating
• Use a tent that exceeds 8 feet by 8 feet

If you bring hot coals for barbecues, you’ll need an appropriate way to get rid of them without causing a fire hazard.

If you need day-of parking and you are driving in a large vehicle like an RV, you can park in the Levi’s Stadium Blue RV Lot for $170. But this parking is first-come, first-serve, meaning you’d have to be there early.

What’s the Bay Area weather forecast for the weekend? How should I dress for the 49ers vs. Lions game at Levi’s Stadium?

It’s going to be a sunny day during the NFC championship game, with a high of 73 degrees F in the day and a low of 50 degrees F at night.

Wear sunscreen and drink lots of water. You can bring sealed plastic and reusable transparent water bottles into the stadium. Levi’s is an open stadium, meaning it will likely cool down as the evening approaches, so it’s worth bringing a jacket.

KQED has a thorough guide on how to stay safe during hot weather.

What’s the bag policy at Levi’s Stadium for the 49ers vs. Lions game?

Levi’s Stadium does not allow non-transparent bags — meaning any bag you bring must be:

• Clear (i.e., transparent, so the contents within can be clearly seen)
• No bigger than 12 inches by 6 inches

The only exception to that “clear bag” rule is for clutches — meaning you can bring a clutch with a shoulder or a wrist strap that’s not transparent but has to be smaller than 4 1/2 inches by 6 1/2 inches. There is no bag check service. (KQED also advises you not to leave anything in your car.)

Here are some more things you cannot bring to Levi’s Stadium:

• Cans, glass bottles, thermoses, non-transparent water bottles that are not plastic and not sealed
• Signs over 2 feet by 3 feet
• “Professional” cameras, video and audio recording equipment (lights and tripods are also not allowed)
• Glow sticks and light-up costumes
• Selfie sticks
• Laptops and laptop bags
• Projectiles, like footballs
• Confetti and flares
• Helmets not purchased from the team store

What can you bring to Levi’s Stadium? These items include:

• Sealed plastic water bottles and reusable transparent water bottles
• Blankets
• Seat cushions
• Diaper bags (if you’re accompanying a child)
• Binoculars (but the case is not allowed)
• Hand sanitizers up to 12 ounces

Levi’s Stadium says free phone charging stations are available at all Guest Service Stations.

How do I know if I’ve got a good seat at Levi’s Stadium?

If you are anxious about anything blocking your view of the field or want to know the fastest way to your seat, you can check out the view from your seat using Levi’s Stadium’s Virtual Venue map. SeatGeek and A View From My Seat are also good resources for this.

What should I know about accessibility at Levi’s Stadium?

Levi’s Stadium has an online guide to their accessible services, which includes information about accessible seating and companion seats, bathroom services, elevator facilities, and how to request access to closed captioning.

Levi’s says that any wheelchair services should be requested in advance when applicable by emailing mobilityservices@levisstadium.com or calling 408-579-4610 with your requests.

Keep reading for information about accessible parking and drop-off at Levi’s Stadium. First thing to know: Red Lot 1 is the ideal place to park, but it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Mobility services will be onsite at 12 p.m., with carts from mobility kiosks in Reb Lot 1 and Green Lot 1.

What should I know about parking for Levi’s Stadium?

Official Levi’s Stadium parking opens at 12 p.m.

At the time of publication, you can still buy official parking tickets at Levi’s Stadium, and prices range from $89 to $475. Accessible parking information can be found on the Levi’s Stadium site.

There is also limited day-of parking on Red Lot 1 for cars ($60). For motorcycles, it’s on Green Lot 8 for $50.

What about parking near Levi’s Stadium? You can check independent services like ParkWhiz or SpotHero for non-stadium parking spots nearby, although these will likely still be a long walk — almost a mile — to the stadium. If you’re doing this, be sure to map the route using a tool like Google Maps to ensure you know how long you have to walk and the shortest route to do so.

Some of your walk will be on a gravel path, which can be hard on the feet, so wear comfy shoes. Reddit users advised that pedicabs may be around to take you to the stadium.

What about using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft to get to or from Levi’s Stadium?

For previous Levi’s Stadium events, Reddit users have recommended against using rideshares, saying that wait times are long and costs are high. However, if you plan on getting an Uber or Lyft, you should request to be dropped off “curbside on Great America Parkway, between Tasman Drive and Old Glory Lane,” according to the Levi’s Stadium website.

If you are taking a rideshare out of the stadium after the game ends, exit Gates A, B or F to get picked up at Red Lot 7. (Due to surge pricing, be aware that getting an Uber out of the stadium will likely be expensive after the game.)

There are also private buses from San Francisco to Levi’s Stadium, like the one Westwood bar is providing, with each seat going from $89 to $109. There’s another one outside of Hotel Caza in Fisherman’s Wharf, $75 per seat. (Tickets are going fast, though.)

How to take public transit to the game

According to Levi’s Stadium, there will be more VTA light rail and buses two hours before the game and an hour after the game. Stay updated on any changes on the VTA event page.

BART will operate on a regular schedule, according to Levi’s. Plan your BART journey on the agency’s website.

Caltrain will have extended hours after the game for northbound trains departing Mountain View at 8:34 p.m., 9:34 p.m., 10:40 p.m. and 11:34 p.m. You can learn more on the Caltrain website.

The Capitol Corridor train will arrive at the Great America Station (where Levi’s Stadium is located) at 1:39 p.m. After the game, the train to Sacramento departs at 7:18 p.m. and 8:18 p.m. You can learn more on the Capitol Corridor website.

ACE trains will have a special service with a westbound train to the Great America station at 1:35 p.m. After the game, the train to Stockton will depart at 7:49 p.m. Learn more on ACE’s event page.

Prepare for a super-crowded Levi’s Stadium experience.

You can find all of the bathroom locations at Levi’s Stadium here.

There’s no doubt it will be a packed stadium — and there’s no shame in getting a little antsy in big crowds like this. Read NPR’s full guide on what to do if you find yourself caught in a crowd crush.

Mehdi Moussaïd, a research scientist in Berlin who studies crowd behavior, says you should rely on your instincts and senses if you feel like the crowd is getting too dense. If you get stuck in a crush, move with the crowd, put your arms out in front of your chest and hold them there.

“In this position, you would have some space, just a little bit, to push for half a centimeter or just 1 centimeter — enough for you to keep breathing,” Moussaïd told NPR in 2022. “It’s not going to be comfortable. You’re going to be feeling really bad, but at least you’ll survive.”

Didn’t get 49ers vs. Lions tickets? Go to a watch party (and there are tons)

The 49ers have official fan watch parties across the Bay, including two San José fan rallies in The Plex and San Pedro Social. Find all of these watch parties on the 49er’s event page and schedule.

Local bars and clubs also have their own 49ers vs. Lions watch party events, some of which are free to attend with a ticket or some form of RSVP. You can also purchase a table for you and your group.

• Sushi Confidential in San José
• SP2 Communal Bar + Restaurant in San José
• The Grand Nightclub in San Francisco
• United Irish Cultural Center in San Francisco
• Mayes Oyster House in San Francisco
• The Grand in San Francisco
• Skylark in San Francisco
• The Valencia Room in San Francisco
• Line 51 Brewing in Oakland
• The Continental Club in Oakland
• Town PopUp in Oakland ($10)
• Torch Rooftop Lounge in Oakland
• Hacker Dojo in Mountain View
• Flights Restaurant in Burlingame
• Longboard Bar and Venue in Pacifica
• Cinelounge in Tiburon

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