Honestly, the NFL calendar used to be so predictable. You’d have the big game on the first Sunday of February, and that was that. But things shifted. Now, we're looking at Sunday, February 8, 2026, as the official date for Super Bowl LX. It’s the 60th anniversary, a diamond jubilee of sorts for the league, and they are heading back to the West Coast. Specifically, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
If you're already trying to clear your schedule, you aren't alone. People are already booking out hotels from San Francisco down to San Jose. It’s gonna be a madhouse.
What date is the Super Bowl 2026 and why does it feel different?
The date itself—February 8—is actually a bit of a sweet spot. Since the NFL expanded to a 17-game regular season back in 2021, the championship game got pushed back a week. It used to clash with Groundhog Day or just feel "early." Now, it firmly sits in the second week of the month.
For 2026, there’s a weird collision of worlds. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo start just two days before the Super Bowl. That means NBC, which is broadcasting the game, is going to be juggling two of the biggest sporting events on the planet at the exact same time. It’s a logistical nightmare for them, but for us? It's basically a week-long excuse to never leave the couch.
The Venue: Santa Clara’s Second Go-Round
Levi’s Stadium isn't new to this. They hosted Super Bowl 50 back in 2016. You remember that one—Peyton Manning’s "last ride" with the Broncos and that strange, Coldplay-headlined halftime show where Beyoncé and Bruno Mars basically took over.
The stadium itself is a high-tech marvel, but let's be real: the location is kind of polarizing. It’s "San Francisco" in name, but it’s actually about 40 miles south of the city. If you’re planning to stay in Union Square and think you’ll just "pop over" to the game, prepare for a very long ride on the Caltrain or a brutal Uber bill.
Kickoff and the Bad Bunny Factor
While the league hasn't set the exact minute for the coin toss, we know the drill. Kickoff for Super Bowl LX will almost certainly be at 6:30 PM ET (3:30 PM PT).
The big news that’s already fueling the hype machine is the halftime show. Bad Bunny is the headliner. It’s a massive move. He’s the first solo Spanish-speaking artist to lead the show, and considering his global streaming numbers, the NFL is clearly aiming for a younger, more international audience. There was some noise about J Balvin making a surprise appearance, but he recently shot those rumors down. Still, with "El Conejo Malo," you know the production is going to be loud, colorful, and probably a bit chaotic.
Breaking Down the Schedule
- February 3, 2026: The Super Bowl Experience opens at the Moscone Center in SF.
- February 3, 2026: The Pro Bowl Games (the flag football version) happen.
- February 8, 2026: Game day at Levi’s Stadium.
The Cost of Being There
Let's talk money, because it's getting ridiculous. If you want to actually sit in a seat on February 8, you're looking at a secondary market that starts in the $6,000 to $7,000 range for the "cheap" seats.
Official hospitality packages from "On Location" are already live, and they are eye-watering. Some of the packages that include a three-night stay at the Hilton Union Square or the Fairmont are starting at over $11,000 per person. It’s basically a down payment on a car just to see four quarters of football and a 15-minute concert.
If you're a local, the road closures are going to be a headache starting as early as January. The City of Santa Clara has already flagged that Stars and Stripes Drive and parts of Tasman Drive will be locked down for weeks.
How to Watch if You Aren't a Millionaire
Since it's 2026, the way we watch is slightly different but mostly the same. NBC has the rights this year. If you have a literal antenna, you’re good. If not, Peacock will be the primary streaming home.
For the Spanish broadcast, Telemundo is handling the duties. Internationally, DAZN has the "Game Pass" rights for almost everywhere else, which is handy if you’re traveling and don't want to miss the commercials.
What about the teams?
It’s too early to call the matchup, obviously. But the talk around the league is focused on whether the "old guard" quarterbacks can hold off the new wave. The 49ers are obviously desperate to play a home-stadium Super Bowl, something that’s only happened a few times in history (like the Bucs in 2021 and the Rams in 2022).
Final Logistics for Sunday, February 8
If you are actually going, here is the reality check. Parking passes will likely cost $100+. Tailgating is strictly regulated—no grills or "structures" are usually allowed in the official lots on Super Bowl Sunday. You show up, you park, you go in.
The stadium capacity is being bumped up to about 75,000 for the event. Even with that many people, the "San Francisco Bay Area" is going to feel tiny.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Lock in travel now: If you plan on attending, or even just being in the Bay Area for the vibe, book your hotel by March 2025. Prices triple once the NFL playoffs begin.
- Check your tech: Ensure your Peacock subscription or cable login is active a week prior, as the NBC broadcast will feature "Super Bowl Week" content starting February 2.
- Monitor the Halftime Setlist: Prop bets for Bad Bunny's opening song usually go live in January; if you're into that, keep an eye on his recent tour setlists for clues.
The countdown to February 8, 2026, is officially on. Whether you're there for the football, the Bad Bunny performance, or just the expensive commercials, it's shaping up to be a historic 60th anniversary for the NFL.