HNTB served as design architect, architect of record and interior designer for Levi’s Stadium, delivering a contemporary NFL venue defined by operational flexibility, integrated premium environments and a commitment to sustainable design.

Delivered through a fast-tracked hybrid design-build process, the stadium was conceived as a highly adaptable, multievent facility capable of supporting professional and collegiate sports, international soccer, concerts and civic gatherings.

From the outset, the design balanced fan experience, operational efficiency and long-term revenue performance, ensuring the venue could adapt seamlessly to the evolving business priorities of the San Francisco 49ers and the broader development goals the city of Santa Clara.

Premium Strategy and Fan Experience

Premium spaces are organized to offer a broad range of experiences and price points. With 174 suites and a variety of clubs and lounges — from main-concourse hospitality to rooftop and owners’ environments — the premium program was designed to be both distinctive and adaptable. Many of these spaces serve dual functions beyond game days, operating as extensions of the adjacent Santa Clara Convention Center and creating ongoing revenue opportunities for both the franchise and the city.

Interior environments reinforce the identity of the San Francisco 49ers while maintaining a contemporary, material-forward palette that emphasizes durability, clarity of circulation and visual connection to the field. Premium interiors were conceived as architectural extensions of the stadium itself, prioritizing social gathering and shared experience over isolated luxury.

Sustainability and Performance

Levi’s Stadium was the first NFL venue to achieve LEED Gold certification, advancing sustainability goals through energy-efficient building systems, integrated green design strategies and reduced operational demand over the life of the facility. These measures support year-round use while aligning the stadium with the region’s environmental priorities and long-term performance expectations.

Civic Integration and Enduring Impact

Beyond the venue, Levi’s Stadium plays an active civic role within its context. Publicly accessible plazas and a permanent restaurant at the northeast entry support daily activation, while pedestrian connections strengthen ties to the surrounding district. The result is a stadium that functions not only as a game day destination, but as an integral component of the city’s public realm.

Levi’s Stadium continues to demonstrate the long-term value of design strategies grounded in flexibility, sustainability and integrated premium experiences, design principles that remain essential to large-scale sports and entertainment venues today.