49ers' New Stadium Named

By Tyler Scott

The San Francisco 49ers' new home currently being built in Santa Clara will be called "Levi's Stadium," pending an agreement with the city.

The 49ers agreed to a naming rights deal with Levi Strauss & Co. last week.

The proposal put forth was a 20-year, $220 million deal.

Levi Strauss is an iconic Bay Area brand, and 49ers' CEO Jack York believes it to be a good fit for the name of the new Santa Clara stadium.

"Levi's jeans were designed for the 49ers during the gold rush," said York. "It was a good fit for them then and it's a good fit today."

Indeed, Levi's has been an important part of Bay Area and 49ers lore.

In 1853, the company was founded by German immigrant Levi Strauss. Strauss and his firm are credited for creating the first denim blue jeans, specifically accommodating the miners in San Francisco for  more comfortable and durable pants.

"I think it's a great fit, considering Levi Strauss is a Bay Area guy," said freshman Ramsey Salah-Mars. "It's cool that they are connecting a part of history to the new name."

San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee had similar thoughts about the new stadium name.

"Every time a fan turns on their television to watch a 49ers home game from Levi's Stadium, the entire region will be on center stage," said Lee. 

Besides the name change, Levi's Stadium will also offer different accommodations in comparison to Candlestick Park, soon to be the former home of the San Francisco 49ers.

Candlestick Park has a total capacity of 69,900 seats, while Levi's Stadium will have approximately 68,500 seats. 

"I definitely think that stadiums these days are trying to become way more personal," said freshman Alex Arroyo. "And with less seats available, it becomes a lot more desirable and inclusive."

Although there will be less seating in the new stadium, the scoreboard will be significantly larger and feature high-definition.

The Levi's Stadium scoreboard will be approximately 13,600 square feet as opposed to Candlestick's, which is a mere 1,296.

The stadium's transportation and parking options will also be expanded. Levi's Stadium will offer both a heavy and light rail line as well as an estimated 21,000 parking spots. The projected amount of parking spots at the new stadium will be about 3,000 more than Candlestick had available.

Despite Candlestick's drawbacks, it will forever be the home to 49ers and San Francisco Giants' memories.

In a step forward, two Bay Area icons will join together to embody the new stadium and add to the legend of the 49ers - but this time in Santa Clara.

Tyler Scott is an undeclared business major and associate reporter for The Santa Clara.