San Francisco-based Dignity Health, which operates Mercy hospitals in the Sacramento region, is attracting some criticism for spending money on Levi's Stadium.
In Sunday's Chronicle, Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross report that the nonprofit health system not only has a luxury suite, costing at least $2.5 million, but also paid for naming rights for a plaza in the new complex for the 49ers.
The columnists quoted consumer watchdog Jamie Court — who is campaigning for Proposition 45, a measure that targets rising health costs — blasting the health system for the spending. Dignity officials, however, said sponsorships "provide positive visibility and recognition for the Dignity Health brand and the services we provide."
Meanwhile, our colleague Ron Leuty at the San Francisco Business Times notes that the 49ers have pursued a deliberate strategy of seeking fewer — and heftier — sponsorships for the stadium than is typical.
