Quick Read
- Jaguars defeated the previously unbeaten 49ers 26-21 at Levi’s Stadium in Week 4.
- Jacksonville forced 4 turnovers, including 2 interceptions by Devin Lloyd.
- Levi’s Stadium is set to host Super Bowl LX in 2026, with Bad Bunny performing halftime.
- 49ers fan Ken Guanga has turned Levi’s tailgate celebrations into a social media phenomenon.
- Tailgate chef George Astin crafts gourmet menus tailored to the visiting team.
Levi’s Stadium: The Beating Heart of Santa Clara
Levi’s Stadium, nestled in the heart of Santa Clara, California, has become much more than just the home field for the San Francisco 49ers. On September 28, 2025, its sprawling turf and vibrant stands bore witness to a game that would ripple across NFL history—a determined Jacksonville Jaguars squad toppling the previously unbeaten 49ers, 26-21, in a Week 4 stunner. But the drama wasn’t limited to the gridiron. From the electric tailgate parties humming in the parking lots to the anticipation of Super Bowl LX and its upcoming halftime spectacle, Levi’s Stadium is evolving into a symbol of sports, community, and culture.
Jaguars’ Historic Win: A Night to Remember
Sunday’s clash was more than a football game—it was a test of grit, strategy, and composure under pressure. The Jaguars, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence and head coach Liam Coen, arrived at Levi’s Stadium as underdogs. The 49ers, a storied franchise with a rich legacy and a rabid fanbase, had dominated the Jaguars in previous meetings.
This time, the script flipped. The Jaguars’ defense, renowned for its opportunism, forced four turnovers, including two critical interceptions by linebacker Devin Lloyd. “We all play off each other,” Lloyd explained after the game, capturing the spirit of a team that thrives on collective effort. The Jaguars have now registered at least three takeaways in each of their first four games—an NFL-best streak, according to Jaguars.com.
Complementary football was the mantra. Special teams added their own exclamation point when wide receiver Parker Washington returned a third-quarter punt 87 yards, electrifying the crowd and stretching the Jaguars’ lead to double digits. Defensive tackle Arik Armstead, a former 49er, stripped Brock Purdy of the ball in the closing minutes, sealing the victory and etching another personal memory into Levi’s Stadium’s legacy.
Lawrence’s steady hand—completing 21 of 31 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown without an interception—kept the offense humming, while running back Travis Etienne Jr. powered for 124 yards and a score. “It’s a good football team we beat today,” Lawrence said, his voice charged with pride and relief.
Tailgate Culture: The Soul of Levi’s Stadium
Away from the spotlight of the field, Levi’s Stadium pulses with another kind of energy. Before kickoff, the parking lots transform into a tapestry of laughter, food, and camaraderie—a living testament to football’s ability to unite.
Ken Guanga, a local video producer and now a social media influencer among 49ers fans, has turned his lens on these celebrations. “I go around to tailgates at Levi’s and capture everyone just having fun,” Guanga told CBS San Francisco. His Instagram feed has become a virtual travel guide to Levi’s tailgate culture, filled with snapshots of gourmet spreads and jubilant fans. Sponsors, including Gold Bar Whiskey, supply him with free samples, further fueling the party.
Chef George Astin, founder of the legendary “3rd Rail 9ers” tailgate, has missed only four home games in twenty years. Each menu is a culinary nod to the opposing team’s region. For the Jaguars’ visit, Astin whipped up Gulf-inspired surf and turf—tri-tip and butter-sautéed shrimp—while Guanga captured the moment for his followers.
The tailgate scene endures, win or lose. “Niners may have lost, but I had a great time at the tailgate,” Guanga muses. The resilience and joy of these gatherings reflect the spirit of the stadium itself—a place where community triumphs over the score.
Super Bowl LX: Levi’s Stadium Takes Center Stage
If Week 4 felt momentous, it is merely a prelude to what’s coming. Levi’s Stadium is set to host Super Bowl LX in 2026, cementing its status as a premier venue on the global sports stage. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, speaking at the Host Committee Handoff Press Conference, unveiled the Super Bowl LX logo, signaling the countdown to football’s grandest event (ABC News).
The halftime show, produced by Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, will feature none other than Bad Bunny, fresh off a record-breaking Puerto Rico residency. His sixth studio album, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” has resonated worldwide, and his energetic performances promise to light up Levi’s Stadium for millions of viewers.
The anticipation is palpable. The stadium’s recent history—hosting unforgettable games, nurturing a vibrant fan community, and now welcoming the spectacle of the Super Bowl—illustrates how Levi’s has become a nexus of sport and entertainment.
Injuries, Key Plays, and the Road Ahead
Football is never free from adversity. The Jaguars’ win came at a cost: defensive end Travon Walker sustained a wrist injury, safety Eric Murray left with a neck issue, and several other players faced knocks throughout the contest. Yet, their resilience mirrored the ethos of the stadium and its fans.
On the field, every drive told a story. The 49ers opened with a field goal, only for Etienne’s 48-yard run to shift momentum. Hunter Long’s touchdown reception capped a grinding, 89-yard drive. Each turnover and special teams play became a building block in the Jaguars’ first-ever road victory over San Francisco.
With both teams now standing at 3-1, the season remains wide open. The Jaguars’ ability to force mistakes and capitalize on them will be scrutinized by opponents and analysts alike. For the 49ers, the challenge is to regroup and harness the passion of their fans—on the field and in the parking lots.
Levi’s Stadium: Where Stories Converge
Levi’s Stadium is more than steel and turf. It’s where the roar of the crowd blends with the sizzle of tailgate grills, where heartbreak and joy are shared, and where the future of football unfolds with every snap and celebration.
As the city of Santa Clara and the 49ers community look ahead to Super Bowl LX, the lessons of Week 4 linger. Triumph is built on teamwork, culture is forged in connection, and every chapter—win or lose—adds to the living story of Levi’s Stadium.
Levi’s Stadium, in hosting this pivotal Jaguars-49ers matchup, vibrant tailgate scenes, and the upcoming Super Bowl LX, is redefining what it means to be a sports venue in America. It’s a place where competition and culture collide, and where every visitor—player or fan—finds themselves part of something bigger than the game.