Santa Clara, California’s Historic City, Hosts the Super Bowl
Santa Clara, California, a historic city known for its rich legacy, is set to host the Super Bowl in Levi’s Stadium. Though situated just 45 miles from the iconic San Francisco, Santa Clara often feels overshadowed by its larger neighbor. With a population of around 133,000, this city is home to prominent tech companies such as Nvidia and Intel.
Santa Clara’s Historical Significance
Founded in 1777, Santa Clara is one of the oldest cities in California. It features a historic Spanish mission built shortly after the San Francisco mission. The city also houses Santa Clara University, established in 1851, which is one of the oldest institutions on the West Coast.
Cultural and Economic Transformation
Once known for its agricultural abundance, particularly prunes and apricots, the Santa Clara Valley earned the nickname “Valley of Heart’s Delight.” However, the rise of Silicon Valley transformed the city into a major tech hub, attracting affluent workers seeking proximity to their workplaces.
- City founded: 1777
- Santa Clara University established: 1851
- Population: ~133,000
- Notable companies: Nvidia, Intel
Super Bowl Legacy in Santa Clara
This marks the second time Santa Clara has hosted the Super Bowl, the first being in 2016. Levi’s Stadium, which opened in 2014, serves as the home ground for the San Francisco 49ers. Despite the proximity to the stadium, the local community often finds itself unnoticed amid celebrations in San Francisco and San Jose.
Economic Impact of the Super Bowl
The 2016 Super Bowl had a significant economic impact, providing $240 million to the Bay Area. However, only 7.2% of this revenue benefited Santa Clara, while San Francisco reaped 57% of the financial rewards.
- 2016 Super Bowl economic impact: $240 million
- Santa Clara revenue share: 7.2%
- San Francisco revenue share: 57%
Community Sentiments
Residents like Gary Morihata express mixed feelings about Santa Clara’s role. Despite past neglect, they take pride in hosting the Super Bowl. Others, like Sudhanshu Jain, a city councilman, highlight strained relations between the 49ers and the city, complicating local support for the event.
Local businesses and residents enthusiastically prepare for the game, hoping to showcase what Santa Clara has to offer. Even though events this year predominantly take place in San Francisco, the city’s hosting of the Super Bowl adds to its legacy.
