While the San Francisco 49ers lost an overtime thriller in the NFL's Super Bowl, the Bay Area did win against Kansas City in another aspect: January hotel performance.
Hotels in the Santa Clara area, home of Levi Stadium, experienced a significant year-over-year improvement in hotel occupancy, average daily rate and revenue per available room by hosting teams and fans during the playoffs. RevPAR is a primary topline hotel performance indicator that combines occupancy and ADR into one metric.
Kansas City, on the other hand, only hosted the Wild Card game; its other playoff games were played at the opposing teams' stadiums.
Hotel occupancy grew to approximately 75% the Saturday before the NFC Conference Championship against the Detroit Lions, compared to 42% the same Saturday the prior year. ADR grew by nearly $50, or 34%, resulting in a RevPAR gain of 135%.
The Saturday before the NFC Divisional Round against the Green Bay Packers, occupancy grew to over 75% year over year, while ADR increased $13, or 8%, resulting in RevPAR growth of 24%.
This could be a question of whether the Lions or the Packers have a larger traveling fanbase or if there is more demand as the playoff season progresses.
In 2023, the 49ers hosted the Divisional Round against the Dallas Cowboys the same weekend as in 2024, limiting growth potential. In 2022, when the Green Bay Packers hosted the 49ers at Lambeau Field, occupancy was 42%. Compared to that weekend in 2022, 2024 ADR was $56 higher, resulting in a RevPAR increase of 130%.
Now, the question could shift to whether the Dallas Cowboys or the Green Bay Packers have a higher traveling fan base. Regardless, it's safe to say that Detroit, Green Bay and Dallas all have fans more than willing to shell out the bucks to support their teams in the playoffs.
49ers Historical Playoff Schedule
NFC Divisional Rounds
Jan. 22, 2022 – against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field
Jan. 22, 2023 - against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi Stadium
Jan. 20, 2024 - against the Green Bay Packers at Levi Stadium
NFC Conference Championship
Jan. 29, 2023 - against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field
Jan. 28, 2024 – against the Detroit Lions at Levi Stadium