When the 49ers make it to the playoffs, it’s good news for the team, its fans and local businesses. Many of the restaurants and hotels around Levi’s Stadium see a spike in business when the Niners play.
“Win or lose – we’re going all the way this year – the games always bring an awesome turn out,” said Irvin Garcia, who manages the Iguanas on Great America Parkway. “From the 49er Faithful and stadium staff to the opposing team’s fans. Being down the street from the stadium offers a great deal of business for everyone in our shopping center.”
Garcia says the center where Iguanas is located serves as a postgame pickup location for Uber and Lyft which helps boost business. He says playoff games are even crazier.
“Playoffs magnify that 10-fold,” said Garcia. “The surrounding hotels sell out for the entire weekend and the guests usually trickle into the surrounding areas for a quick bite in between all the activities the local hubs have to offer, whether it be the Santa Clara Market Square, downtown San Jose or downtown Sunnyvale.”
Eron Hodges, the General Manager of the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, can attest to the boost in business. He says playoff games come at the perfect time to help local hotels.
“Weekend business in this market is invaluable during the winter months and particularly following the holiday season when business travel is just starting to return mid-week to the market,” said Hodges. “In January of 2020 the very first NFL playoff games were held at Levi’s Stadium and having been a part of those events personally, you can rest assured we will again see a major impact to the market and local businesses.”
David Wirth, the Director of Food & Beverage at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, says the Hyatt’s Evolution Restaurant & Bar definitely sees a difference whenever there’s a big event at Levi’s Stadium.
“Gamedays, concerts and playoff events can traditionally boost business as much as 500-1000% for the majority of restaurants within the market. So, when these special events occur, we are extremely excited, to say the least,” said Wirth. “The upcoming game between the 49ers and the Seahawks on Saturday will no doubt create tremendous opportunities for our employees in the hospitality and tourism sector, but incredible experiences and memories for all the fans who get to cheer on their team in Santa Clara.”
The 49ers finished second in the NFC. That means, the team could potentially have home field advantage all the way to the Super Bowl. That means up to three playoff games in Santa Clara this season.