Levi Strauss' Domain Names Spark Speculation Over 49ers' Stadium Naming Rights

The 49ers have yet to sell naming rights for their new stadium in Santa Clara, and the S.F. CHRONICLE's Andrew Ross asks, "How about Levi Field, Levi Stadium or Levi Strauss Park?" A deal with Levi is “pure speculation, but those are among the Internet domain names” the S.F.-based jeans maker recently registered. That “suggests it's interested in getting into the stadium-naming-rights business.” The company would not provide details, but spokesperson Kris Marubio said, "As a part of routine business, we proactively protect our brands and company for future opportunities. In a modern digital world, this involves proactively managing your online presence, and as such, we've registered several domain names.” Ross writes Levi Strauss, which was founded in S.F. in 1853, would "be a nice fit," as it is a "global brand, and still here" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 3/22).