With the world’s biggest sporting event underway at Levi’s Stadium, efforts to keep residents and visitors safe are fully underway.
Levi’s Stadium is hosting five FIFA World Cup group play matches and a knockout match. Games got underway June 13 and will continue through July 1. With many traveling from across the globe to attend the games, local agencies are ramping up security measures.
In tandem with a slew of partners, the Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) is responsible for security at the stadium.
Lt. Eric Lagergren, SCPD’s public information officer, wrote in an email that the department is using lessons it learned during Super Bowl LX earlier this year as a framework.
Based on historical data, Levi’s Stadium is categorized as “low risk,” according to Base Operations, a threat-level analysis company. However, significant transit nodes, most notably the Valley Transit Authority’s (VTA) Santa Clara Great America Station, during peak hours carry an elevated risk. The primary rail terminus has a 31% risk elevation compared to the arena perimeter.
SCPD has a comprehensive public safety steering committee and, in partnership with the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, an anti-human trafficking subcommittee, Lagergren wrote. In addition to local law enforcement, representatives from state and federal agencies also sit on the subcommittee. The subcommittee works with partner organizations to provide victim support and advocacy.
Guarding against fraud is also a key area of focus.
“Protecting residents and visitors from becoming victims of fraud is a priority for us in Santa Clara. When an event like the FIFA World Cup 2026 comes to town, we know criminals will try to take advantage of the increased excitement and activity,” Lagergren wrote. “Major events can create opportunities for scams, and we encourage the public to stay vigilant, use trusted sources, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
In addition to fraud, Levi’s Stadium has seen a few high-profile breaches in recent years.
Volatility of rivalries, in crisp focus during the World Cup, also play a role. Following a 2023 Gold Cup match between Mexico and Qatar, a fan who smuggled a knife into the stadium critically stabbed another spectator in the throat.
In 2022, during an NFL game, a protester managed to run onto the field with a pink-smoke flare before Los Angeles Rams linebacker Bobby Wagner tackled him to the turf.
Prior to that, in 2018, a parking lot assault left a man with a brain injury and unable to work.
That said, Levi’s Stadium has also hosted two Super Bowls since 2015 without any major incidents.
According to Base Operations, violence is not the primary threat. Vehicle break-ins account for 42% of incidents.
“Security Directors must look beyond the stadium perimeter. The primary risks to personnel occur during transit, specifically at the ‘last mile’ of ingress/egress and within parking facilities,” according to Base Operations’ analysis. “The discrepancy between the generally manageable violent crime rate and the aggressive property crime rate necessitates a security posture focused on asset protection, secure transport and situational awareness rather than purely kinetic defense.”
Toward that end, Lagergren wrote, Santa Clara’s city code prohibits takeoffs and landings within a specific radius and times of major events. The department has also invested in officers and training to coordinate counter-drone operations.
Contact David Alexander at d.todd.alexander@gmail.com
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