If you’ve been scrolling through your calendar trying to plan out your early 2026 travels, there’s one date you probably already have circled in red. February 8, 2026. That’s the day the world stops for a few hours. But the big question on everyone's mind is simple: where is Super Bowl 2026 going to be held?
The NFL isn't messing around this time. We are heading back to the West Coast. Specifically, the game is landing right in the heart of Silicon Valley at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were watching Von Miller tear through the backfield during Super Bowl 50 in this same building. But by the time kickoff rolls around for Super Bowl LX (that's 60 for those of us who still struggle with Roman numerals), it will have been exactly ten years since the Lombardi Trophy was last hoisted in the Bay Area.
Why the Bay Area?
You might wonder why the league keeps coming back to Santa Clara. Well, it's basically a tech-lover's dream. Levi’s Stadium is one of the most technologically advanced venues on the planet. When the NFL owners voted on May 22, 2023, to award the game to the San Francisco 49ers' home turf, it wasn't a shocker.
The stadium is sustainable. It's smart. It has a literal farm on the roof.
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Plus, the Bay Area knows how to throw a party. We aren't just talking about a game in Santa Clara; the entire region from San Jose up to San Francisco is going to be transformed into a football mecca for a full week.
The Logistics of Super Bowl LX
Let’s get into the weeds for a second because, if you're actually planning to go, you've gotta know the details. The date is locked for Sunday, February 8, 2026. This is a slightly unique year because the game is happening right in the middle of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
NBC is handling the broadcast. They’ve actually managed to snag a "triple crown" of sports broadcasting for 2026: the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the NBA All-Star Game. If you’re a sports fan, your TV is basically going to be glued to NBC all month.
The Headliners and the Hype
We already have some massive names confirmed for the festivities. Bad Bunny is set to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. That is a huge get for the NFL. He’s a global icon, and bringing that Latin trap and reggaeton energy to Santa Clara is going to be a vibe.
For the pre-game ceremonies, Charlie Puth is slated to perform the National Anthem. It’s a stacked lineup that leans heavily into the cultural melting pot that is Northern California.
Where to stay and how to get there
If you’re looking for a hotel, start looking yesterday. Seriously. While the game is in Santa Clara, a lot of the "official" fan experiences—like the Super Bowl Experience—will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.
This creates a bit of a geographic split. You have two main hubs:
- San Francisco: Where the glitz, glamour, and celebrity parties like "Studio 60" (at the Palace of Fine Arts) will be.
- Santa Clara/San Jose: Where the actual football happens and where the teams will likely be hunkered down.
The VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) is already prepping for a massive influx of riders. They’re planning "bus bridges" and extra light rail service to shuttle fans from the BART and Caltrain stations directly to the stadium. If you’ve ever tried to park at Levi’s Stadium, you know it’s... a journey. Pro tip: look into the Blue, Green, and Orange light rail lines early.
The "New" Pro Bowl Integration
One of the more interesting tweaks for 2026 is what’s happening with the Pro Bowl Games. Usually, this is its own standalone weekend, but for Super Bowl LX, the NFL is moving it to the Tuesday before the game (February 3) at the Moscone Center. It’s part of a strategy to keep the momentum building throughout the week rather than having a weird lull on Monday and Tuesday.
Ticket Prices: Brace Yourself
Kinda goes without saying, but this isn't a cheap ticket. Official packages through "On Location" are already being marketed. We’re seeing "get-in" prices for parking passes alone starting at $35 for distant lots, while some premium spots are being listed for thousands. Actual tickets? Expect to pay a premium. The Bay Area is expensive on a normal Tuesday; during Super Bowl week, it’s on another level.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2026 Location
A common mistake people make is thinking the game is in San Francisco. It’s not. Santa Clara is about 40 miles south of San Francisco. If you book a hotel in downtown SF thinking you can walk to the stadium, you’re in for a very expensive Uber ride or a long train trip.
Also, keep an eye on the weather. People hear "California" and think it’s always 80 degrees. February in Northern California can be crisp and, more importantly, wet. Levi’s is an open-air stadium. If a Pacific storm rolls in, you’re going to want more than just a jersey.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you are planning to attend or just want to be part of the atmosphere:
- Download the NFL OnePass App: This is the only way to register for the free events like the "Super Bowl Opening Night" at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
- Book Lodging in San Jose: If you want to be close to the stadium and the team hotels, San Jose is a much better bet than San Francisco. It's only about 6 miles from the stadium versus 40.
- Check the "Studio 60" Schedule: If you want the concert experience without the $7,000 game ticket, the Palace of Fine Arts will have major headliners on February 6 and 7.
- Monitor VTA and Caltrain Schedules: Public transit is genuinely the most reliable way to get to the stadium on game day without losing your mind in traffic on Highway 101 or I-880.
The countdown is on. Super Bowl LX is shaping up to be a massive technological showcase and a cultural moment that only the Bay Area can truly pull off. Whether you're there for the football, Bad Bunny, or just the expensive snacks, Santa Clara is the place to be this February.