REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a License Agreement for Property Use of the Youth Soccer Park and its facilities and adjacent parking lots between the City of Santa Clara and the National Football League for Super Bowl LX Operational Support
Report
BACKGROUND
The National Football League (NFL) is scheduled to host Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, located at 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026. In July 2025, the NFL notified the City of their interest in entering into a license agreement for the use of the Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park (YSP) located at 5020 Stars and Stripes Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054, including the Youth Soccer Park fields #1 and #2 (not the synthetic field), fieldhouse, and parking lot; and (2) the former Yellow Lots 1 and 2, located at 5166 Stars and Stripes Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054 (Shown in as Attachment 1 “Licensed Space”). As the Licensed Space is located within the Super Bowl LX security perimeter, the NFL requires exclusive access to the Licensed Space between January 5 and February 22, 2026 (“Use Period”).
To compensate the City for the exclusive facility use, the NFL is providing a community benefit improvement (Attachment 2) within the Youth Soccer Park by replacing all sprinkler heads and grass for the two natural turf soccer fields (Field #1 and Field #3) at an estimated value of $1.2 million (City Engineering Estimate(s): Field #1 replacement at approx. 118,000 sf = $637,200 and Field #2 replacement at approx. 102,000 sf = $550,800). In addition to the natural turf field replacement, the NFL will be providing new player/coach/referee dugouts for all three fields at an estimated value of approximately $64,000.
To manage the NFL’s exclusive use of the Youth Soccer Park during the Use Period and to address community needs, the Parks and Recreation Department (Department) has been meeting regularly (1-2 times per month) with Santa Clara youth soccer groups since August 2025 to discuss field scheduling impacts and solutions. As a result of this collaboration, the Department successfully identified alternative field space for Santa Clara youth soccer groups throughout the Use Period.
DISCUSSION
Super Bowl LX 2026
The NFL is scheduled to host Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium, located at 4900 Marie P. DeBartolo Way in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026. Through discussions between the City, the NFL and BAHC, it was established that if access to any facilities under the control of the City or the Stadium Authority is required, including, without limitation, the Youth Soccer Park (which the Parties anticipate will fall within the security perimeter for the Game and Designated Events), the NFL and BAHC must obtain the necessary right-of-entry permits and/or licenses from the City or the Stadium Authority, as applicable, on reasonable terms to be negotiated.
In July 2025, the NFL notified the City of its interest in entering into a license agreement for the use of the Licensed Space. Because the Licensed Space is located within the Super Bowl LX security perimeter, the NFL requires exclusive access to the Licensed Space during the Use Period. The City and the NFL held several meetings between August and December of 2025 to discuss community impacts and facility needs related to their requested use.
During the Use Period of the Licensed Space, YSP Field #1 will be used for media support services, and YSP Field #3 will serve as the rehearsal field for the half-time show. Additionally, the parking lots and buildings within the License Space will be used to support event staff and vehicle parking. Although YSP Field #2 (the synthetic turf field) is not included in the Licensed Space, it will be inaccessible to the community during the Use Period due to its location within the secured area.
Community Benefit
To compensate the City for the exclusive facility use, the NFL will provide a community benefit improvement at the Youth Soccer Park consisting of the replacement of all sprinkler heads and the natural soccer field turfs on Field #1 and Field #3, with an estimated value of $1.2 million. In addition, the NFL will provide new player/coach/referee dugouts for all three fields valued at approximately $64,000, bringing the total “community benefit” to approximately $1.3 million.
It is important to note that the NFL was initially reluctant to utilize the Youth Soccer Park due to turf condition issues that occurred following their use of the park for Super Bowl 50. Initial proposals called for no use of the playing field surface, to proposals to utilize the fields with the installation of temporary protective pads to ensure that permanent damage was not done. Ultimately, staff and the NFL arrived at the proposed plan, which includes the use of the natural soccer field turfs on Field #1 and Field #3, in exchange for a turf replacement community benefit project, with an estimated value of $1.2 million.
A facility rental that excluded the use of the fields would leave the facility in its status quo, with natural turf fields last replaced 10 years ago (following Super Bowl 50). Alternatively, a rental of the facility that included the use of the natural turf fields and the installation of temporary protective pads would have generated rental fees of approximately $400,000 (which is lower than the value of the negotiated community benefit project).
The natural grass turf fields (Field #1 and Field #3) within the Youth Soccer Park were last reconditioned and replaced in 2016, following the NFL’s hosting of Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. The fields are due for replacement and refurbishment, including soil thatching to improve drainage, reduce soil compaction, and support overall turf health, root growth, and turf regeneration given the intensive annual soccer field use by Santa Clara youth soccer groups. However, the cost of soil thatching substantially exceeds the fair value of the proposed License for NFL use of the Licensed Space when considered in addition to the other Community Benefits proposed and therefore is not included in the $1.2 million “community benefit” field replacement. The City is currently exploring funding options to cover the soil thatching component for the natural grass turf fields estimated at approximately $0.5 million. The thatching is recommended but is not required.
Santa Clara Youth Soccer Groups
The NFL use of the Licensed Space during the Use Period, and the time during which the Community Benefits are installed will result in the temporary displacement of Santa Clara Youth Soccer Groups.
To manage the NFL’s exclusive use of the Youth Soccer Park and address community needs, the Parks and Recreation Department analyzed historic programming, rental patterns, and community demand. The Department also met regularly with Santa Clara youth soccer groups from August through November to discuss field scheduling impacts and solutions.
Ultimately, the Parks and Recreation Department identified alternative field space during the Use Period by expanding rental hours at Reed & Grant Sports Park and activating Marsalli and Fatjo natural turf fields, both of which have lighting to accommodate shorter winter days. The Department also hosted its annual winter season field allocation meeting with all user groups, including Santa Clara youth soccer groups, on Wednesday, November 19. The meeting successfully ensured that all groups had resources needed to deliver their league programs while minimizing the impacts of Super Bowl LX during Use Period.
In addition to managing the impacts during the Use Period, the City is actively coordinating with Santa Clara youth soccer groups, the NFL, and FIFA to mitigate impacts from the “community benefit” renovations of YSP Fields #1 and #3, as well as potential interruptions related to the 2026 FIFA World Cup games hosted at Levi’s Stadium from June 13 to July 1, 2026. Once the renovation schedule is finalized, the City will work with Santa Clara youth soccer groups to determine field and permit allocations for March through May and beyond. The Parks and Recreation Department is currently analyzing historic field use for the anticipated field replacement project, expected to occur between June and September 2026. The natural grass turf field replacement project is estimated to take between 10 to 12 weeks and will include removal of the existing turf, soils/ground leveling, sprinkler replacement, and installation, maintenance, and rooting of the new grass/turf.
Proposed License Agreement Term Sheet (Term Sheet)
This Term Sheet summarizes the principal terms of a proposed License Agreement between the City of Santa Clara and the NFL for the temporary use and improvement of certain City facilities in connection with the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium. The Agreement has not been finalized but the parties have negotiated terms as documented in the form of agreement attached.
1. Licensed Areas. The facilities subject to the License Agreement (collectively, the “Licensed Space”) will consist of: (1) the Santa Clara Youth Soccer Park, located at 5020 Stars and Stripes Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054, including the Youth Soccer Park fields #1 and #2 (not the synthetic field), fieldhouse, and parking lot; and (2) the former Yellow Lots 1 and 2, located at 5166 Stars and Stripes Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95054.
2. Term and Key Dates of License. The NFL will have exclusive access and operational use of the Licensed Space during the “Use Period,” which is expected to run from January 5, 2026 through February 22, 2026. In addition to the Use Period, the License Agreement will provide for an “Improvement Work Period” during which certain soccer fields (Fields #1 and #3) will be closed and maintained following turf replacement, and during which NFL will perform broader field improvements. The Improvement Work Period is anticipated to occur from approximately June 2026 through September 15, 2026, on specific dates to be mutually agreed upon and authorized in writing by the City.
3. NFL License / Use Rights. Under the License Agreement, the City will grant the NFL an exclusive license to use the Licensed Space during the Use Period. The permitted uses (the “Permitted Use”) will include establishment and operation of a broadcast compound, halftime show and rehearsal compounds, green rooms, and an NFL operational support compound, all in connection with the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium. During the Use Period, the NFL, its contractors and designees will have exclusive use of, and access to, the Licensed Space, and the City will not schedule or allow conflicting events or uses. The City will also grant the NFL a separate license to perform field and facility improvements within the Licensed Space during the Improvement Work Period, all as more specifically described in Attachment 2 (the “Improvement Work”).
4. Improvements.
a. Field Replacement and Maintenance (Fields #1 and #3). NFL), will be responsible for and will contract with Colony Landscape & Maintenance, Inc. (Colony) to replace and maintain Fields #1 and #3 at the Youth Soccer Park (the “Replacement Fields”). Following turf installation, NFL will be responsible for, and retain Colony for maintenance of the Replacement Fields for the duration of the Replacement & Maintenance Period.
b. Dugout Replacements. In addition to the replacement and maintenance of Fields #1 and #3, NFL will pay for the cost to replace fifteen existing dugouts at Youth Soccer Park with new dugout units up to the estimated total cost of $64,000.
c. To the extent applicable under state law, the Improvement Work will be performed in accordance with California prevailing wage and other labor requirements.
5. Consideration and Community Benefits.
a. Improvement Work. NFL will be obligated to pay for and cause to be performed all Improvement Work, including, without limitation, the replacement and maintenance of the Replacement Fields.
b. Field Use Coordination. If youth sports groups or other users that typically use the Licensed Space are displaced as a result of Improvement Work Period, the City will make reasonable efforts to relocate such users to alternate City park facilities, and if necessary, to private facilities. If private facilities are required, NFL will assist the City in coordinating alternative practice locations, including helping to identify, schedule, and coordinate the use of other suitable fields or facilities at the lowest possible cost, subject to City’s reasonable approval. NFL will reimburse the City for reasonable documented relocation-related costs, including standard City field use fees, staff time, and third-party field use fees, up to a maximum amount of $15,000.
c. Dugouts. NFL will also provide up to $64,000 for the cost of new dugouts as set forth in Section 4, above.
6. Liquidated Damages. Unless due to a force majeure event or material breach by City that is not cured within fifteen (15) calendar days, if NFL fails to complete Improvement Work within ninety (90) days of the date in which the City authorizes NFL to start the Improvement Work, NFL will pay the City liquidated damages in the amount of $8,702 per day until completion.
7. Warranty. NFL warrants that Improvement Work will be performed in a professional manner consistent with industry standards and City specifications for a period of one year after acceptance. NFL shall promptly repair or replace, at no cost to the City, any work that fails to meet these standards, including unhealthy or failing turf. These warranty obligations shall survive the termination or expiration of the Agreement through the Warranty Period.
8. Condition, Use, and Restoration. NFL will be required to take good care of the Licensed Space during the Use Period and throughout its activities under the License Agreement. NFL will be responsible for repairing any damage to the Licensed Space caused by NFL, its contractors, or invitees during the Use Period and will return the Licensed Space to the City in substantially the same condition as when accepted by NFL. NFL will still be obligated to take good care of the Licensed Space and complete the Improvement Work during the Improvement Work Period.
9. Termination Rights. The License Agreement will provide NFL with certain limited termination rights, including:
a. Prior to the commencement of the Use Period, NFL may terminate the Agreement, without penalty, if it determines, in its reasonable discretion, any significant event or circumstance occurs that materially prejudices the safe conduct of the Permitted Use at the Licensed Space that cannot be promptly and reasonably resolved; or
b. If the Super Bowl is cancelled; or
c. If after the commencement of the Use Period and prior to occurrence of the Super Bowl, Licensee reasonably determines that any significant event or circumstance occurs that materially prejudices the safe conduct of the Permitted Use at the Licensed Space that cannot be promptly and reasonably resolved.
If the License is terminated by Licensee under items (b) or (c), for each day that Licensee has made use of the Licensed Space pay to Licensor the amount of Eight Thousand Seven Hundred and Two Dollars ($8,702) per day.
10. Insurance. NFL and/or its subcontractor will be required to maintain, at its sole cost and expense insurance consistent with the City’s standard insurance requirements.
11. Indemnification. NFL will be indemnifying the City (and council, officers, employees, etc.) for losses arising from NFL’s use of the Licensed Space, acts/omissions of NFL and its invitees/contractors, NFL’s breach, and NFL’s violations of law. The indemnity provisions in the Agreement will survive the expiration or earlier termination of the Agreement.
12. Compliance with Tax Laws. If a possessory interest is created, the Licensee may be subject to the payment of property taxes levied on the interest in accordance with Revenue and Taxation Code Section 107.6. Licensor and Licensee shall cooperate in the defense of any action instituted by the County to assess a possessory interest tax levy.
The final form of the License Agreement will reflect the terms as outlined in this report and will substantially conform with the City’s standard license requirements, subject to final approval by the City Attorney and City Manager.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the
California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(4) in that it is a fiscal activity that does not involve any commitment to any specific project which may result in a potential significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The “community benefit” services will be provided as in-kind services at the expense of the National Football League valued at approximately $1.3 million. The optional soil thatching is not included in the community benefit services. If the City chooses to move forward with the soil thatching, the estimated cost is approximately $0.5 million. City staff is exploring potential funding sources to cover that cost, including current fiscal year cost savings.
COORDINATION
This report has been coordinated with the Finance Department, the City Attorney’s Office, and the City Manager’s Office.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Other action(s) as directed by the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Authorize and direct the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a License Agreement for Property Use of the Youth Soccer Park and its facilities and adjacent parking lots between the City of Santa Clara and the National Football League for Super Bowl LX Operational Support that is consistent with the terms of the proposed term sheet provided in this Staff Report, and subject to final approval by the City Attorney and City Manager.
Staff
Prepared by: Damon Sparacino, Director, Parks & Recreation
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Licensed Space
2. Improvement Work