So, you're sitting there trying to plan your February, and you realize the "Big Game" is creeping up. It happens every year. One minute we’re arguing about draft picks, and the next, everyone is Googling when is Super Bowl this year because they realized they haven't bought enough wings.
Honestly, 2026 is a weird one. If you’re a casual fan, you probably just assume it’s the usual mid-February slot, right? Well, sort of. We’re looking at Sunday, February 8, 2026.
That’s a bit earlier than some people expect. It’s also happening smack-dab in the middle of the Winter Olympics in Milan, which creates this bizarre crossover event for sports junkies. Basically, you’ve got skiing in the morning and a 300-pound lineman trying to pancake someone by dinner time.
The basic facts you actually need
If you're just looking for the "save the date" details to put on your fridge, here is the raw data:
The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT).
Since the game is being played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the locals are going to be starting their tailgates while the rest of the country is still finishing lunch. This is the third time the San Francisco Bay Area has hosted, and the second time for Levi’s Stadium specifically. Remember Super Bowl 50? The one where Peyton Manning basically rode a legendary defense into the sunset? Yeah, same place.
Why this year is kinda different
Usually, the NFL tries to own the entire month of February. But this year, the schedule is tight. Because of the way the calendar falls, Super Bowl LX is leaning into a "Golden State" vibe with a heavy dose of international flair.
NBC is the network handling the broadcast. They’re actually doing a "bundled" deal where they’re selling ads for the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the NBA All-Star Game all at once. If you’re a brand, you’re looking at $7 million for a 30-second spot. That’s a lot of soap or beer you have to sell just to break even.
The Halftime Show factor
This is where the Google searches usually spike. For 2026, the NFL went in a very specific direction: Bad Bunny.
👉 See also: NFL News Free Agency: Why the 2026 Market is Getting Weird
It’s actually a huge deal because he’s the first solo Latino and Spanish-speaking artist to headline. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of reggaeton or you just know him from his weirdly impressive WWE appearances, the guy knows how to put on a show. Rumors are already flying about who he’ll bring out. J Balvin has already publicly said he isn't joining, but people are placing bets on Cardi B making an appearance.
Getting there (if you’ve got the cash)
If you’re actually planning on going to Santa Clara, I hope you’ve been saving your pennies.
Official ticket packages from "On Location" are starting around $11,460 per person. That’s not a typo. That gets you a seat, some pre-game food, and maybe a hotel room in San Francisco. The funny thing is, Levi’s Stadium is actually about 45 miles south of San Francisco. So, if you book a hotel at Fisherman's Wharf thinking you can walk to the game, you’re in for a very expensive Uber ride.
How to watch without a cable bill
If you aren't trying to spend five figures to see the game in person, you've got options.
- Peacock: This is NBC’s home base. If you have a subscription, you’re good to go.
- Telemundo: For the Spanish-language broadcast, which might actually be more fun given the Bad Bunny halftime show.
- NFL+: If you’re stuck watching on a phone or tablet.
Wait, don't forget the pre-game stuff. Charlie Puth is doing the National Anthem, and Brandi Carlile is also in the lineup. It’s a whole production that starts way before the 6:30 p.m. kickoff.
What most people get wrong about the date
Every year, people get confused because the "Super Bowl year" and the "NFL season year" don't match.
This is the championship for the 2025 season, even though it’s played in 2026. If you hear someone talking about "Super Bowl 2025," they’re usually talking about the game that already happened last February. We are currently staring down Super Bowl LX (60).
The NFL is also doing something new with the Pro Bowl this year. They moved it to the Tuesday before the Super Bowl (February 3) at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. It’s basically a flag football game now, which is... fine, I guess? It’s better than players getting hurt in a game that doesn't count.
Actionable steps for your Super Bowl Sunday
Don't wait until the first week of February to figure out your setup. If you're hosting, check your internet bandwidth now—nothing kills a party faster than a buffering wheel during a fourth-quarter drive.
If you are trying to snag "cheap" tickets (relative term), wait for the "loser's dip." Usually, right after the Conference Championships on January 25, fans of the losing teams dump their pre-purchased tickets on the secondary market. That’s your window. Otherwise, just make sure you have the Peacock app updated and your air fryer ready to go by February 8.