Celebrating Santa Clara: Brings the Community Together at Levi’s Stadium!
For the first time, Santa Clarans were invited to experience their hometown stadium for free—over 25, 000 celebrating community, student performers, local sports and traditions at our iconic Stadium.
For the first time ever, Santa Clara Stadium Day opened the gates of Levi's Stadium exclusively to Santa Clara residents, giving the community a free opportunity to experience one of the world’s most iconic sports venues right in their own backyard. The special day was created to celebrate what is shaping up to be the biggest year in sports history for Santa Clara—no city has ever hosted both a Super Bowl and a FIFA World Cup in the same year.
For many Santa Clarans, it was their very first time stepping inside the stadium—walking the concourses, visiting the 49er Museum, exploring the stadium views, youth playing sports on the field, cheering on SCFD or SCPD in a soccer scrimmage, and enjoying DJs throughout the day—all celebrating the city we all call home.
Our Santa Clara Parade of Champions nonprofit was proud to be invited to participate, our amazing volunteers Steve Chan, Francis Carrasco Leyerle, Jodi Muirhead and Danna Rengifo welcomed residents to our community booth with games and prizes, and sharing the story of our 57-year tradition that has long celebrated champions, community heroes, and Santa Clara’s diverse spirit and history. Throughout the day, we interacted with families, longtime residents, and new neighbors who were excited to learn about the parade and festival that has united Santa Clara for generations. We are the most inclusive, most diverse legacy event in our City’s history.
Adding to the celebration, the SC Parade of Champions NPO invited talented student performers from Buchser, Wilcox High School and Santa Clara High School to bring music and energy to the event. The Buchser Mariachi Band led by Director Ricky Martinez and High School Cheer teams thrilled visitors with spirited performances that showcased the pride, culture, and talent of Santa Clara’s students.
Santa Clara Stadium Day was more than just a visit to a stadium—it was a reminder that this landmark belongs to the community. Seeing neighbors, students, volunteers, and families come together in a place that hosts some of the world’s biggest sporting events made the day feel truly special.
Moments like Santa Clara Stadium Day remind us how powerful community gatherings can be. Since 1945, the Santa Clara Parade of Champions has brought residents together to celebrate champions, frontline heroes, youth, culture, and the shared history that makes Santa Clara unique. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the support of volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to keep these traditions alive and free for the public and support our charitable initiatives of Youth Scholarship, Veterans and Families facing medical crisis.
Mark your calendar for the 57th Santa Clara Parade of Champions Festival and Sports Zone on October 3, 2026 in Downtown Santa Clara Historic Center. To learn more, volunteer, or support our charitable community mission, visit www.scparadeofchampions.com.
