San Francisco 49ers Game in September

Question

Hello,

I am doing a roadtrip in September from San Francisco to Los Angeles via Las Vegas and some National parks, and we would drive at 21st September from San Francisco to Monterey, and as I saw this would be a great to visit a NFL game as the San Francisco 49ers play against Arizona Cardinals on this day. This would be my first NFL-Game visit.

So i have some questions for this:

1) As I saw tickets can already be purchased on ticketmaster. There are couple of categories, the cheapest ones are verified resale tickets, is it safe to buy these type of ticekts? I

2) What about the parking situation, where can we park, and can the parking lot be pre-booked in advance? Do you have a recommendation for me?

3) How early should we arrive?

Thanks.

Answer

Attending your first NFL game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara can be an exciting experience, especially with the 49ers playing against the Arizona Cardinals. Here’s a detailed guide for your visit on September 21st:

1) Buying Tickets:

Buying verified resale tickets on Ticketmaster is generally safe. Verified resale means the tickets have been authenticated by Ticketmaster, reducing the risk of scams. Prices for these tickets may fluctuate, but they are legitimate and will grant you entry.

Check the seating chart carefully to understand the view and location of your tickets.
Ensure the tickets are digital (mobile) or have instructions on how to redeem at the stadium.
Buy as early as possible, especially for popular matchups, since prices may rise closer to game day.

2) Parking:

Levi’s Stadium has several parking options. Pre-booking is highly recommended as parking lots fill quickly for NFL games.

Official Levi’s Stadium Parking Lots: Available via the stadium website or Ticketmaster. Lots are color-coded (e.g., Blue, Red, Gold) and within walking distance of the stadium.
Tailgating-Friendly Lots: Some lots allow tailgating if you arrive early; check regulations online.
Off-Site Parking: Nearby private lots or garages in Santa Clara and surrounding areas may be slightly cheaper. Shuttle services from these lots to the stadium are often available.
Use navigation apps to avoid congestion, and allow extra time for parking and walking to the stadium entrance.

3) Arrival Time:

For a smooth experience:

Arrive at least 90–120 minutes before kickoff. This allows time for parking, security screening, and exploring the stadium amenities.
Weekday or early-season games can still be busy, so extra buffer time is wise.
If you want to enjoy pre-game activities like fan zones, team stores, and food areas, consider arriving 2–2.5 hours early.

Additional tips:

Wear team colors to enhance your experience and join the fan spirit.
Check the weather forecast for the day; although Levi’s Stadium is mostly open-air, mild layers are recommended for September evenings.
Carry a small backpack with essentials like ID, phone, wallet, and snacks allowed by stadium rules.

With proper planning, buying verified resale tickets, pre-booking parking, and arriving early, you should have an enjoyable and memorable first NFL game experience!