FIFA World Cup fever hits Northern CA. Here’s what to know about parking, travel

As the FIFA World Cup comes to Northern California, fans will have the chance to see some of the matches in person.

The largest FIFA World Cup in history began today, hosted across North America and broadcast on TV and streaming services worldwide, The Sacramento Bee reported.

The World Cup is playing its 104-match tournament from June 11 through July 19, including several matches at California’s two NFL stadiums: Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.

Five group-stage matches will be held at Levi’s Stadium — which is being called the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium for the event, The Sacramento Bee said.

Here’s what to know about getting to the stadium and parking for the Northern California matches:

Driving to Santa Clara

Plan your trip on Google Maps, Apple Maps or another app before you set out to find the least congested or fastest routes. Be aware that there will be more people on the road on game day than normal, and give yourself plenty of time to arrive before the match.

Stadium parking lots

Official stadium parking lots are classed by color in five different types, according to Dibs Parking..

Red lots: Often closer to the stadium. These lots can fill early and have slower exits after events.

Blue lots: Some allow tailgating in designated areas when permitted.

Green lots: Often accessible via Great America Parkway with good flow, but still should be pre-reserved as they fill quickly.

Yellow lots: VIP and premium spaces typically require higher-tier passes and sell out early.

Pink lots: These lots at nearby Mission College are frequently utilized as overflow and tailgating spaces for event attendees.

Stadium parking tips

Buy your parking pass early, the stadium suggested. Day-of-event credit card lots are limited and cost more.

If you arrive an hour or less before the match begins, expect heavy delays in reaching your designated parking lot. Arrive two to three hours before the game to park and get into the stadium more swiftly. Lots typically open three to four hours before the event.

The stadium uses directed parking. When you arrive at your designated lot, an attendant will direct you into the next available parking spot.

Ride-hailing drop-off points

If you’re using Uber, Lyft or another ride-hailing app to get to the game, your dropoff point will be along bus stop areas south of Great America Parkway. Pickup will be in Red Lot 7.

“Rideshare can help avoid parking congestion, but surge pricing and wait times after large crowds exit can be significant, especially at night,” Dibs Parking warned.

Transit drop-off

VTA light-rail stops in front of the stadium at the Great America Station.

“This can be one of the easiest ways to arrive, and avoid the worst of game day road traffic,” Dibs Parking said.

Off-site parking

There also are some off-site parking lots near the stadium.

:Patrick Henry Drive lots: Located near 4995 Patrick Henry Drive, with rates typically running between $60 to $80 per vehicle.

Calle Del Mundo lots: Off-site commercial lots located around the stadium perimeter, which do not permit tailgating but offer convenient access.

The Bee’s Camila Pedrosa and Chris Biderman contributed to this story.