Santa Clara Mayoral Candidate Calls for Independent Review of Levi’s Stadium Finances

Former Santa Clara Councilmember and mayoral candidate Kathy Watanabe is urging an independent analysis of Levi’s Stadium’s economic impact, arguing residents deserve transparency about the publicly owned venue’s costs, revenues, and contributions to city coffers.

Speaking Sept. 24 outside the stadium, Watanabe emphasized the need to ensure Santa Clara receives its due share of revenue from major events, including the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup, and that local businesses benefit accordingly.

While the Bay Area Host Committee says it has paid 95% of the city’s invoices and awaits additional information to close remaining amounts, local businesses report mixed results. Barebottle Brewing saw 90% sales growth on Super Bowl Sunday and 270% during a World Cup match; Puesto restaurant saw a 50% boost during concerts. Yet vendor Howard Gibbons said FIFA events caused a “total loss” due to restrictions and lack of support.

The 49ers cite $51.6 million in lifetime general fund revenue and a $2 billion county-wide economic impact. Watanabe has not identified a specific amount she believes the city is owed. Edward Escobar, whose organization helped arrange the news conference, also did not identify an amount but said he considered the benefit insufficient.