The sky is the limit when talking about the 49ers and the return of Brock Purdy, but that’s not the only thing that has fans alike through the roof.
Just recently, season ticket holders were taken for ransom as the San Francisco 49ers’ brass decided to raise the price for season ticket holders for 2026.
In all fairness, 49ers season ticket holders are offered free food and drinks as part of the season ticket package, and this started in 2019.
60% Increase in Parking Over 10 Years
Having been a season ticket holder since Candlestick Park and an inaugural member of Levi’s Stadium, it’s easy to remember when pre-paid parking for the season was $500; now, to park for the season, you’re looking to drop around $800. I currently have parking in Green Lot 1, but there are various color-coded areas beyond that where you can park, and they’ll cost the same. I’ve been in Blue Lot before, which is about a half mile from the stadium, but it’s definitely where the more intense tailgating happens.
The 60% increase in parking would be much more justified if it were for an upgraded parking area or if there were improvements to traffic flow. It’s a price hike that I feel the 49ers should be ashamed of, especially given the finished product of Levi’s Stadium, which has it looking like an unfinished Erector Set.
Season Tickets Price Increase
If the increase in parking over the years has you running for the sidelines, you’re not going to enjoy the recent price hike to tickets, which is up 16.7% from 2025. My section in 144 costs $6,000 for 2 seats in 2025, and in 2026, that price jumps to $7,000, coming out to $3,500 a seat for 10 games.
Credit: Levi’s Stadium-FacebookThe real dilemma with price increases like this is their tendency to remain stagnant. This, after leading the league in ticket sales revenue in 2024, as the 49ers know they’re in a demographic that can command any price they set, which makes the price hike seem even greedier.
Are Season Tickets Really Worth It?
As far as being honest with readers and fans alike, the real answer from a financial aspect is reasonably no, it’s not worth it. Chances are, you’re most likely to find a ticket on the open market that’s going for cheaper than what you paid. Real angst among season ticket fans is their displeasure with the sale of tickets on secondary markets like StubHub, SeatGeek, Ticketmaster, TickPick, etc.
There have been many complaints over the years with season ticket holders being priced out of reselling their tickets. This was recently reported in 2024 by local news outlets.
Why I Keep My Tickets
I never intended to purchase my SBLs (Seat Business License) or seats originally at Candlestick for profit, or to make a profit in selling seats. I, like many, have a ritual of attending with friends and family on one of the most sacred days in sports, Football Sunday.
If you’re thinking of buying seats just for resale purposes, I wish you genuine good luck. I’ve had my season tickets for 21 years, & it’s always about family, friends, and the memories we cherish.
Even though Levi’s Stadium was voted the worst stadium in the NFL, it’s still home.
