I don't get it and since I don't live in the Bay Area, I've missed all discussion about it.

It's one of those things that seems like a glorious idea on paper. All new NFL stadiums are nice and this one just got built in the wealthiest metro in the US. It should be added to the rotation to host Super Bowls, college FB title games, the Final Four, the Rapture, etc.

The problem is the stadium sucks, every non-49ers game there (and many 49ers games too) has looked embarrassingly empty, and it's in a region that's totally apathetic to college FB.

Why did they put the college FB title game here this year? I get that TV revenue matters more than butts in seats and game atmosphere, but there's so many other places they'd be assured of both those things. The Cowboys' stadium, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami, Tampa, Charlotte, the Titans' stadium, the Colts' stadium, and even non-NFL stadiums like the dome in St Louis and the Alamodome seem like infinitely better choices than Levi's.

Set up years ago. Won't ever come back after they see the stadium and traffic problems.

I have a hard time believing the game won't sell out, but what do I know...

It may have been a conscious decision to put a title game outside the South. The NCAA may be worried that CFB is turning into a regional sport, and saw this as an outreach opportunity.

And they didn't know how bad the stadium sucked when they booked the game.

Is anyone giving odds on a 300 pound drunk good old boy falling over the low railings and pancaking another drunk Son of the Confederacy sitting below?

https://abc7news.com/sports/railing-size-at-levis-stadium-raises-concerns/276091/

510 Bear said:

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I don't get it and since I don't live in the Bay Area, I've missed all discussion about it.

It's one of those things that seems like a glorious idea on paper. All new NFL stadiums are nice and this one just got built in the wealthiest metro in the US. It should be added to the rotation to host Super Bowls, college FB title games, the Final Four, the Rapture, etc.

The problem is the stadium sucks, every non-49ers game there (and many 49ers games too) has looked embarrassingly empty, and it's in a region that's totally apathetic to college FB.

Why did they put the college FB title game here this year? I get that TV revenue matters more than butts in seats and game atmosphere, but there's so many other places they'd be assured of both those things. The Cowboys' stadium, Houston, New Orleans, Atlanta, Miami, Tampa, Charlotte, the Titans' stadium, the Colts' stadium, and even non-NFL stadiums like the dome in St Louis and the Alamodome seem like infinitely better choices than Levi's.

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Because it is a pro stadium in a major metropolitan area. If you take a look at the venues over the next several years, you will see a pattern - all pro facilities in big cities.

2019 Santa Clara
2020 New Orleans
2021 Miami
2022 Indianapolis
2023 Los Angeles
2024 Houston

The turf is easily among the worst of all NFL stadiums. Terrible footing and always trashed after a football game. Oregon and Mich State just ripped it up today. Hopefully the weather stays dry or we will have a really poor game next Monday.

71Bear said:

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Because it is a pro stadium in a major metropolitan area. If you take a look at the venues over the next several years, you will see a pattern - all pro facilities in big cities.

2019 Santa Clara
2020 New Orleans
2021 Miami
2022 Indianapolis
2023 Los Angeles
2024 Houston

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OK, by that logic, why doesn't that list include Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford NJ, the Philadelphia Eagles' stadium, the Washington Redskins' stadium, the new Vikings stadium in MN, Soldier Field in Chicago, or the Seattle Seahawks' stadium?

It's the Universe saying "screw the SEC, especially Alabama." Well deserved imo.

thomquaid said:

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Hopefully the weather stays dry or we will have a really poor game next Monday.

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I'm hoping for a torrential downpour the day before & during the game.

510 Bear said:

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71Bear said:

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Because it is a pro stadium in a major metropolitan area. If you take a look at the venues over the next several years, you will see a pattern - all pro facilities in big cities.

2019 Santa Clara
2020 New Orleans
2021 Miami
2022 Indianapolis
2023 Los Angeles
2024 Houston

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OK, by that logic, why doesn't that list include Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford NJ, the Philadelphia Eagles' stadium, the Washington Redskins' stadium, the new Vikings stadium in MN, Soldier Field in Chicago, or the Seattle Seahawks' stadium?

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Well, no one has repeated the host role since the CFP was started. Maybe they will get their turn in the next round of bidding.

Bear19 said:

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It's the Universe saying "screw the SEC, especially Alabama." Well deserved imo.

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There are some hilarious threads on the Clemson boards, in which they debate between "It's wrong to hold it in CA because I don't want to support their politics" and "Pull your head out of your butthole for just a minute, it's a beautiful place and I'm looking forward to seeing our team play the title game there."

510 Bear said:

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71Bear said:

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Because it is a pro stadium in a major metropolitan area. If you take a look at the venues over the next several years, you will see a pattern - all pro facilities in big cities.

2019 Santa Clara
2020 New Orleans
2021 Miami
2022 Indianapolis
2023 Los Angeles
2024 Houston

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OK, by that logic, why doesn't that list include Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford NJ, the Philadelphia Eagles' stadium, the Washington Redskins' stadium, the new Vikings stadium in MN, Soldier Field in Chicago, or the Seattle Seahawks' stadium?

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Because most of the stadiums you listed have potential snow issues as well as frigid temperatures - not ideal for a final game they are trying to showcase.

75bear said:

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Because most of the stadiums you listed have potential snow issues as well as frigid temperatures - not ideal for a final game they are trying to showcase.

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But if those cities had stadiums with roofs (which only Minneapolis has), do you think they'd hold the title games there? I'm guessing no. It just seems smarter to hold it in regions where college football reigns supreme, which they've mostly done except for this year's Santa Clara brain fart.

There won't be empty sections in the stadium next week, and the TV cameras will do their best to make it seem as big time as possible. But it's all just a little ridiculous. Bama and Clemson are a few hundred miles apart, and this is being played 2000 miles away from both of them.

510 Bear said:

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Bear19 said:

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It's the Universe saying "screw the SEC, especially Alabama." Well deserved imo.

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There are some hilarious threads on the Clemson boards, in which they debate between "It's wrong to hold it in CA because I don't want to support their politics" and "Pull your head out of your butthole for just a minute, it's a beautiful place and I'm looking forward to seeing our team play the title game there."

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What will be more shocking for these southern visitors to the title game? The fact the stadium is 42 miles from downtown SF and a pita to get to, or the fact there are crackheads, urine and needles everywhere along market st?

It will be a sell out - probably contractually. Probably lots of corporate money in terms of sponsorships, so CFB honchos will be happy. Lots of good places to spend money in the area.

But it looks like the cheapest tickets are $360 on StubHub, and I believe the cheapest face was $475, so it's not exactly a hot ticket.

75bear said:

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510 Bear said:

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71Bear said:

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Because it is a pro stadium in a major metropolitan area. If you take a look at the venues over the next several years, you will see a pattern - all pro facilities in big cities.

2019 Santa Clara
2020 New Orleans
2021 Miami
2022 Indianapolis
2023 Los Angeles
2024 Houston

---

OK, by that logic, why doesn't that list include Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford NJ, the Philadelphia Eagles' stadium, the Washington Redskins' stadium, the new Vikings stadium in MN, Soldier Field in Chicago, or the Seattle Seahawks' stadium?

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Because most of the stadiums you listed have potential snow issues as well as frigid temperatures - not ideal for a final game they are trying to showcase.

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Yep. It looks pretty much like the cities they try to have the Super Bowl--either domed stadiums or "good" weather locations.

Still closer to a hot ticket than a stadium with empty seats

Bear19 said:

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It's the Universe saying "screw the SEC, especially Alabama." Well deserved imo.

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Fine but Clemson isn't SEC and they get hosed too.

It really amazes me how fashionable it is to trash Levi's stadium, especially from people who don't even go to games there, or don't even live in the Bay Area. Cal fans trashing a stadium because of traffic and parking? Are you kidding me? I'm a 49er season ticket holder, and I've never experienced any issues getting to or from the stadium, especially relative to trying to get to a game in Berkeley (which I've been doing for 50 years). The light rail system at Levi's is excellent. There are numerous free parking areas along several lines, express trains that get you to the front of the stadium in 10-15 minutes, and it costs $4 round trip. I've never waited more than 15-20 minutes to catch a train back, usually less. I've take regular trains too, and that also works well, letting you off just about a 10 min walk away. I've driven about several times, traffic has never been that bad. The cost is horrible however ($50). The stadium is an eyesore, for sure, but once inside it's nice. Good facilities, wide walkways, comfortable seats, lots of bathrooms. Ever missed an entire quarter taking a piss? I did at Candlestick (old Stanfurd too). I never miss more than a play or 2 at Levi's. Food is mediocre and expensive, the same at every stadium...what else is new? Sight lines are good, the stadium is steep so views are unimpeded by people in front of you. So what sucks? The grass? Yea, the first 2 years they screwed up. Hasn't been an issue for several years. Not much infrastructure, or restaurants around the stadium? Only partly true. You are actually very close to downtown SJ, which is very nice, especially around San Pedro square. WAY better than around the Coliseum and I won't go to downtown SF any more.
I love our Memorial, I think the renovation was great, and it's beautiful from the outside. But Levi's is easier to get to, more comfortable, and not all that bad (if you are not counting the lousy football).

thomquaid said:

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RThe turf is easily among the worst of all NFL stadiums. Terrible footing and always trashed after a football game. Oregon and Mich State just ripped it up today. Hopefully the weather stays dry or we will have a really poor game next Monday.

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10-1 the turf will be completely replaced by next Monday and be just fine.

The stands are not full at 9er games because the team has been down and seats on the "non-condo" side are blistering hot early in the season. These are known issues that will have nothing to do with a NC game in January. The place will be full as long as people can get through the traffic. Cost to attend may be the biggest issue. These games are bid on like the SB and the NCAA is going where the $ is. Seems like a lot of assumptions and overthinking is going on in this thread.

Uthaithani said:

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Bear19 said:

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It's the Universe saying "screw the SEC, especially Alabama." Well deserved imo.

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Fine but Clemson isn't SEC and they get hosed too.

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Screw them too. But screw Bama first. Maybe screw ESPN too. Am completely fed up with ESPN's obsession with the SEC to the exclusion of any college football team west of Ann Arbor.

Oh yeah, Happy New Year everyone!

Believe it or not SF is a great destination point. Did we forget this? They will have no problem selling out. The Bama alums will make a week of it with a trip to Napa etc. jeez the self loathing on this is over the top. Open your eyes, it's a top destination not only in the US but the world.

Ticket prices have come way down in the last few days from $700 to under $200.. it's a bucket list thing for me so I bought a ticket but I can't believe there is a ton of interest in watching two southern teams. I think it's pretty cool to have the opportunity to see the N.C. game in our backyard

510 Bear said:

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Bear19 said:

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It's the Universe saying "screw the SEC, especially Alabama." Well deserved imo.

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There are some hilarious threads on the Clemson boards, in which they debate between "It's wrong to hold it in CA because I don't want to support their politics...

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Yeah, and we are looking real forward to the hillbilly caravan. Can we wall them out?

Redbox announced attendance of ~30k but iirc only had 21k in presales, so there was quite a bit of late ticket buying by locals.

The Redbox game was pretty bitterly cold and windy, so be prepared if you decide to go to CFP.

Oregon didn't look that good, MSU gave it away by not taking two FGs in the first half opting to make unsuccessful tries on 4th down.

MSU band was pretty awesome. OR band had 5 xylophones, an electric guitar, and an electric bass, weird :|

Don't worry. Once the new stadium is built outside L.A., Levi's won't host anything consequential ever again.

South Bay rush hour, Monday, 5:00 pm, rain forecast Friday,Saturday, Sunday, Monday. 7,000 tickets available starting at $71. Come on down.

dajo9 said:

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Don't worry. Once the new stadium is built outside L.A., Levi's won't host anything consequential ever again.

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Las Vegas, too. Would the CFB folks be so bold to hold the title game there?

I'm sure the p12 will.

Sugar Bowl tickets down to $6, btw.

dajo9 said:

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Don't worry. Once the new stadium is built outside L.A., Levi's will host the NFC title game on a regular basis.

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fify...

I thought it was hilarious how people in the Bay were sunshine pumping Levi Stadium as the most technologically advanced stadium ever w WiFi and all this other crap. Lol no one cares about that sh!!t at a football game.

This article points out that a sellout may not happen. It may still happen, but holding it here just seemed like a risk, especially in this day and age of declining bowl attendance.

LA and Vegas would be bigger draws. Watching the NCG there will be more like a vacation. Levi's will feel more like a day at the office, especially since it's surrounded by them and the game is during Monday afternoon rush hour.

510 Bear said:

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This article points out that a sellout may not happen. It may still happen, but holding it here just seemed like a risk, especially in this day and age of declining bowl attendance.

LA and Vegas would be bigger draws. Watching the NCG there will be more like a vacation. Levi's will feel more like a day at the office, especially since it's surrounded by them and the game is during Monday afternoon rush hour.

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Have to be a stickler here, but the article does not say that. It says the stadium might not be full. It's not an irrelevant technicality in that the playoff organizers get their money.

Might not be the most exciting crowd though.

Not surprisingly, the two years with $1700 'get in' prices were in Tampa and Atlanta. Easy drives from SEC country. 2016 was in Glendale and had similar prices to Levi's. Anytime a plane trip is involved on a week's notice, the demand isn't going to be strong. Especially with two teams needing to fly.

Would be curious what happens to ticket prices if there is ever a CFB championship with no SEC/ACC team when hosted in The Deep South like Atlanta. I bet sales would suck too. But we know that's unlikely. Miami 2021 is not the easiest place to get to, so that may be a good test.

Should the CFB playoff people chose to put more games in the south for attendance reasons, or would the be too unfair? The west will have three premier locations in LA, LV, and PHX in the rotation. Levi's probably not again. I'd also guess the Rose Bowl tried to host one and have a decent shot of getting a championship game one of these days.

Just as the NFL plays in London and MLB in Japan, this is a way of introducing college football into an area that knows little about it.

hanky1 said:

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I thought it was hilarious how people in the Bay were sunshine pumping Levi Stadium as the most technologically advanced stadium ever w WiFi and all this other crap. Lol no one cares about that sh!!t at a football game.

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Them "people in the bay" gay marry, and 'verythin'. Luckily, the Giants owner is a KKK grand wheeler.