VTA, 49ers create transit plan for Levi’s soccer games
SANTA CLARA >> Extra lightrail trains and buses will be running to Levi’s Stadium Sunday and Wednesday for two much awaited soccer games expected to attract 50,000 to 60,000 fans each.
And the beefed up service won’t cost the Valley Transportation Authority a penny. The San Francisco 49ers, who manage the stadium, hammered out a deal with the transit agency over the past week for the football team to cover the tab.
Details are sketchy and the agreement is limited to the upcoming soccer games.
But the two sides plan to meet soon to work out a financial pact for the 49ers to cover what in past years was a $3 million tab for 30 big events at Levi’s, from football and soccer games to concerts and wrestling matches.
The cost of extra transit service had been a point of contention between the 49ers and VTA. Last year the VTA called its expenses “not sustainable” for Levi events. The agency projects a $26 million operating deficit in two years due to overall falling ridership, with the pending arrival of BART to San Jose and numerous bus and light rail changes adding to financial concerns.
“We’re happy to have settled this before the soccer games,” said Jim Mercurio, vice president of stadium operations for the 49ers. “And we’ll be talking soon about other games.”
VTA spokeswoman Stacey Hendler Ross said the transit agency was “pleased to continue our partnership in providing additional service for Levi’s Stadium events.”
The VTA carries around 10,000 riders per event to Levi’s.
There will be extra train service for the International Champions Cup featuring Real Madrid vs. Manchester United on Sunday at 2 p.m. and the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup Final at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. This is big time soccer and will draw heavily from fans in the South Bay, meaning the trolley line on Highway 87 and First Street could be in heavy use.
Go to www.vta.org or call 408-321-2300 to plan your trip. Another tip for the 95-degree heat on Sunday. Lather on the sun screen, wear a hat and drink plenty of water.
Look for Gary Richards at Facebook.com/ mr.roadshow or contact him at mrroadshow@ bayareanewsgroup.com. Join Gary Richards for an hourlong chat noon Wednesday at www.merc uryn ews.com/live-chats.