REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on Adoption of a Resolution Designating the FIFA World Cup 2026 Special Event Zone and Special Event Time Period Pursuant to the City's Special Event Zone Ordinance
Report
BACKGROUND
Since opening in 2014, Levi's(r) Stadium (Stadium) has hosted numerous large-scale events attracting statewide, national, and international audiences, including Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2019. To support public health, safety, mobility management, and event operations during high-attendance events, the City has historically implemented temporary "Special Event Zone" regulations addressing emergency access, crowd management, temporary commercial activity, and related operational needs. These measures have also assisted in reducing congestion and unlawful activity, including unpermitted vending and counterfeit merchandising.
On December 16, 2025, the City Council adopted an uncodified ordinance entitled "An Ordinance of the City of Santa Clara, California, Regulating Certain Activities within a Protected Area in Connection with Major Events and Related Activities in the City of Santa Clara" (Special Event Zone Ordinance)(Attachment 1). The Special Event Zone Ordinance established a framework authorizing the City Council to designate, by separate resolution, future "Special Events", a "Special Event Zone" for such designated Special Events, and a "Special Event Time Period" during which the Special Event Zone Ordinance regulations will apply within the Special Event Zone. The Special Event Zone Ordinance specifically identifies FIFA World Cup 2026 as a Special Event. The City must now adopt a resolution to designate the Special Event Zone and Special Event Time Period for FIFA World Cup 2026.
The Special Event Zone Ordinance establishes temporary regulations applicable only during the City Council approved designated Special Event Time Period and only within the Council-approved Special Eve...
Click here for full text