If you’re already trying to figure out where will the 2026 super bowl be held, you aren't alone. NFL fans are planners by nature. We want to know the flight paths, the stadium vibes, and whether we need a parka or a polo shirt.
The short answer? Santa Clara, California.
📖 Related: The Chargers Sign LB Kana'i Mauga: Why This Special Teams Ace Still Matters in LA
Specifically, Super Bowl LX (that’s 60 for those of us who stopped tracking Roman numerals in high school) is touching down at Levi’s Stadium. It’s the home of the San Francisco 49ers, located about 40 miles south of the actual city of San Francisco. If you're envisioning the Golden Gate Bridge in the background of every play, you're going to be disappointed by the reality of Silicon Valley office parks, but the tech-heavy venue makes up for it in sheer modernity.
The Specifics of Super Bowl LX
Mark your calendars for February 8, 2026.
This isn't the Bay Area’s first rodeo. Honestly, it feels like just yesterday that Coldplay and Beyoncé were taking over the field for Super Bowl 50. That was 2016. By the time 2026 rolls around, it will have been exactly a decade since the Lombardi Trophy was last hoisted in Santa Clara.
The NFL basically gave up on the old "bidding" system a few years back. Now, they just sort of look at a city and say, "You're it." In May 2023, the league owners met in Minneapolis and made it official. They like the infrastructure here. They like the luxury suites. Most importantly, they like the money that Silicon Valley tech giants pour into these events.
Why Santa Clara?
It’s basically the "Innovation Capital" of the league. Levi's Stadium cost $1.3 billion to build and opened in 2014. It’s LEED Gold certified, which sounds fancy because it is. It has a massive green roof with 40 types of vegetation. That might not help the quarterback read a blitz, but it’s a nice talking point for the broadcast.
The stadium typically holds about 68,500 people. For a massive event like this, they’ll likely expand that capacity closer to 75,000.
✨ Don't miss: Current Score of Chicago Cubs Game: Why the North Side is Winning the Offseason
The Logistics: More Than Just a Stadium
One thing people always get wrong about the Bay Area is the distance. If you book a hotel in downtown San Francisco because you want to see the Painted Ladies and eat sourdough, you’re looking at a 60-to-90-minute commute on game day. Traffic on Highway 101 or I-280 is no joke.
Actually, the "center of gravity" for the week is spread out.
- Santa Clara: This is where the actual game happens.
- San Francisco: This is where the "Super Bowl Experience" (the fan fest) usually sets up shop, specifically at the Moscone Center.
- San Jose: Often hosts the media hub and the "Opening Night" festivities at the SAP Center or the San Jose McEnery Convention Center.
If you’re looking for the most convenient airport, aim for San Jose International (SJC). It is literally five miles from the stadium. San Francisco International (SFO) and Oakland (OAK) are alternatives, but you’ll be spending a lot more time in an Uber.
What's Different This Time?
2026 is going to be an absolutely insane year for the Bay Area. Why? Because Santa Clara is also a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Think about that for a second. Within a few months, the same patch of grass will host the biggest game in American football and some of the biggest matches in global soccer. The local host committee is basically running a marathon that lasts all year. They’re calling it an "unprecedented year of global sports," which is marketing speak for "we hope the trains don't break down."
The Halftime Buzz
The NFL has already confirmed that Bad Bunny will be the headliner for the halftime show. This is huge. He’ll be the first Latino and Spanish-speaking artist to headline the show solo. It’s a massive nod to the cultural diversity of California and the global reach the NFL is desperate to maintain.
On the broadcast side, NBC has the rights for this one. That means we’ll get Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth in the booth. It also means you’ll be able to stream it on Peacock if you’ve officially cut the cord on cable.
Addressing the "Cold Weather" Fear
People remember the "Fog Bowl" or the rainy 49ers games and get nervous. Here’s the reality: February in Santa Clara is usually pretty mild. You’re looking at highs around 60°F.
Is it going to be 80 degrees like Miami or Phoenix? No.
Is it going to be a frozen tundra like the 2014 game in New Jersey? Also no.
It’s the kind of weather where you wear a jersey over a hoodie and you’re perfectly fine. Just bring an umbrella. Northern California rain in February is a "when," not an "if."
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you are actually planning to attend, don't wait until January 2026 to start looking at the logistics.
👉 See also: Lakers Depth Chart 25-26: What Most People Get Wrong
- Hotel Strategy: Look at hotels in Sunnyvale or Campbell. They are often slightly cheaper than the ones right next to the stadium and much more accessible than San Francisco hotels.
- Public Transit: Use VTA Light Rail. It drops you off right in front of Levi's Stadium. It is significantly better than trying to pay $100+ for parking in a dusty lot three miles away.
- Tickets: Understand that "general public" tickets don't really exist. The NFL gives them to sponsors, teams, and partners. Your best bet is the NFL Ticket Exchange by Ticketmaster or high-end hospitality packages through On Location. Expect to pay at least $5,000 for a "cheap" seat once the hype hits a fever pitch.
The Bay Area knows how to do this. They did it for SB 50, and they’ve hosted everything from WrestleMania to huge concerts. By the time kickoff arrives in 2026, the tech hub of the world will be transformed into the center of the sporting universe.
Keep an eye on the official Bay Area Host Committee website as we get closer. They’ll be the ones dropping the specific "fan zone" locations and road closure maps that will make or break your trip.
Whether you're there for the football, the Bad Bunny performance, or just the high-tech snacks at the concession stands, Levi's Stadium is a top-tier choice for the 60th anniversary of the Big Game.