From NBA All-Star Game, Super Bowl and now World Cup in a 16-month span, the Bay Area loves to host

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — The Bay Area loves its big sporting events.

With the NBA All-Star Game, Super Bowl and now World Cup all in a 16-month span, Northern California has been a non-stop host.

And never before has the same stadium held the Super Bowl and World Cup in the same year — now Levi's Stadium, home of the NFL's San Francisco 49ers, will do so.

Santa Clara is set to host six World Cup games, five in the group stage and one in the knockout round. First up on June 13 features Qatar against Switzerland.

Here are five things to know for those coming to watch soccer or just be part of the scene in the San Francisco area:

Northern California offers an abundance of activity for enthusiasts of all kinds. Highlights include wine country in Napa Valley and Sonoma, a tour of the old Alcatraz prison, the redwoods of Muir Woods or the picturesque Pacific Coast vistas along Highway 1,

From Tony's Pizza Napoletana in North Beach to the famous burritos in the Mission District and Sam's Chowder House in Half Moon Bay or Mustards Grill in Napa Valley, there are renowned food options everywhere. For dessert, iconic Fentons Creamery in Oakland provides an old-school ice cream parlor feel with the option of sit-down or take-out from the counter. Sampling of flavors is encouraged.

Starting on June 11, fans can watch matches for free from more than 30 locations as well as participating sports bars around the Bay Area. The Golden State Warriors and Valkyries’ Thrive City big screen at Chase Center is one, along with China Basin at Mission Rock near the San Francisco Giants’ ballpark. Also, PIER 39 should provide a picturesque backdrop for games.

In the East Bay, the independent Oakland Ballers team will host games at its home field of Raimondi Park. The famous Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is another spot.

“The FIFA World Cup 2026 is about bringing communities together and celebrating the beautiful game in every corner of our region,” said Zaileen Janmohamed, President & CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. “We’re harnessing the breadth, diversity, and natural beauty of the entire Bay Area to ensure that no matter where you live or visit, you’ll have access to fun, community celebrations. This regional approach reflects our commitment to inclusivity and gives every county and community the opportunity to activate and be part of this historic moment.”

For those looking to avoid heavy traffic and exorbitant parking fees, stadium officials suggest public transportation such as Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) light rail and bus lines, ACE/Capitol Corridor heavy rail, which connects to Caltrain for direct access to San Francisco.

Traffic and parking in and around Levi's Stadium can take hours to navigate, so plan your arrival with careful thought — because the logistical challenges of just getting into the venue could very well spoil the entire experience.

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

FILE - A couple walks along a pathway beneath giant redwoods at the Muir Woods National Monument in Marin County, Calif., on March 31, 2008. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

FILE - The Golden Gate Bridge is seen behind people visiting Baker Beach in San Francisco on March 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

This aerial photo shows Levi's Stadium, a 2026 FIFA World Cup soccer venue, in Santa Clara, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

FILE - A bird flies above Alcatraz Island, May 4, 2025, in the San Francisco Bay, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File)

CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, resulting in rapid and overwhelming associated complications, according to a statement released by his family.

Dakota Hunter, vice president of Kyle Busch Companies, said in a news release the family received the medical evaluation on Saturday.

Busch, a two-time NASCAR champion, died at 41 on Thursday, a day after passing out in a Chevrolet simulator.

Sepsis is considered a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme, overactive response to an infection, causing the immune system to damage its own tissues and organs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Typically the immune system releases chemicals to fight off pathogens like bacteria, viruses or fungi, but with sepsis the response goes into overdrive. The results can cause widespread inflammation, form microscopic blood clots and make blood vessels leak.

Busch was thought to have had a sinus cold while racing at Watkins Glen on May 10 and radioed in to his team saying that he needed a “shot” from a doctor after the race.

Busch, who was preparing to race Sunday at the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, was testing in the Chevrolet racing simulator in Concord on Wednesday when he became unresponsive and was transported to a hospital in Charlotte, several people familiar with the situation told The Associated Press.

During the emergency call placed late that afternoon, an unidentified caller calmly told the dispatch: “I’ve got an individual that’s (got) shortness of breath, very hot, thinks he’s going to pass out, and is producing a little bit of blood, coughing up some blood.”

The caller said Busch was lying on the bathroom floor inside the complex and told dispatch “he is awake,” according to audio provided by the Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office. The man then gave directions on where emergency responders should go and asked that they turn off any sirens upon arrival.

Busch won 234 races across NASCAR’s top three series, more than any driver in history.

All 39 drivers in the field for Sunday’s race will race with a black No. 8 decal on their car to honor Busch.

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

An in memoriam photo of former driver Kyle Busch is displayed on the video board of the backstretch at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Friday, May 22, 2026, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Matt Kelley)

FILE - Kyle Busch waits for the start of a NASCAR Xfinity Series auto race Saturday, June 19, 2021, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey, File)