VenuesNow 2025 All-Star Honoree: Francine Melendez Hughes

FRANCINE MELENDEZ HUGHES
Executive Vice President & General Manager
Levi’s Stadium

FIRST NON-INDUSTRY GIG
Working at a Greek fast-food restaurant

In time for the 2025 NFL season kickoff, Levi’s Stadium completed a $200 million renovation, the first major overhaul of the stadium that opened in 2014. This included upgrades to their videoboards, stadium lights, soundsystem, suites and corner seating, all completed

before the stadium’s first stadium event in June. The renovations were necessary, as the Santa Clara, California, stadium will make history in 2026 as the first stadium to host both the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup matches in the same year.

“One of the challenges was the sheer scale and pace of the renovation,” says Francine Melendez Hughes, Levi’s Stadium EVP & General Manager, who assumed the position in 2023. “Coordinating multiple large-scale projects in virtually every area of the stadium required con- stant alignment and communication. We also had to manage construction around an active facility, ensuring safety and minimizing disruption to ongoing stadium operations. Ultimately, our team’s ability to stay nimble, make quick decisions, and work around the clock ensured we were able to deliver the project on time without compromising quality.”

The Bay Area’s recovery post-pandemic has been well documented, and the region appears stronger than ever.

“We are continuing to see strong demand for live experiences,” says Melendez Hughes, after packed houses with Morgan Wallen, The Weeknd, Metallica and others in 2025.

“At Levi’s Stadium, our goal is to not only deliver world-class NFL games but also to ensure Levi’s Stadium remains a landmark that continues to attract a diverse slate of live events, so that we’re reaching a wide range of fans. Each live event is different, and we tailor our operations to meet those specific needs. For example, an NFL weekend game requires different staffing, transportation planning and concessions strategies than a primetime weeknight game. Our focus is building those memorable, seamless experiences across every event, because when fans leave with a lasting impression, it strengthens both their connection to Levi’s Stadium and the value we bring to our partners and community.”