Super Bowl 2026: Why This Year’s Game Is Kinda a Big Deal

Super Bowl 2026: Why This Year’s Game Is Kinda a Big Deal

If you’re already looking for the wings and checking your calendar, you aren’t alone. Everyone wants to know the same thing: when is the Super Bowl?

Write this down. Super Bowl LX (that's 60, for those who forgot their Roman numerals) is happening on Sunday, February 8, 2026. It feels like we just finished the last one, but the NFL machine never stops. This year, the circus is heading back to the West Coast. Specifically, we're going to Santa Clara, California. If you’ve ever been to the Bay Area in February, you know the weather is a complete gamble, but the energy is usually electric.

The Basics: Date, Time, and Where to Watch

The game kicks off at 6:30 p.m. ET. If you’re actually in California watching live, that’s a 3:30 p.m. local start, which means you’ll be heading home while the sun is still technically up.

NBC has the broadcast rights this time around. You'll see Mike Tirico on the play-by-play and Cris Collinsworth in the booth. If you’ve cut the cord, you aren’t out of luck—it’ll be streaming live on Peacock.

Telemundo will handle the Spanish-language broadcast.

The venue is Levi’s Stadium, the home of the San Francisco 49ers. It’s a massive, high-tech slab of glass and steel that cost about $1.3 billion to build. This is the second time the Super Bowl has visited this specific stadium; the last time was Super Bowl 50 back in 2016 when Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset.

Why Super Bowl LX Is Different

This isn't just another game. It’s the 60th anniversary. The NFL loves a good milestone, so expect the pre-game ceremonies to be a bit more "extra" than usual.

There's a cool detail about the logo this year, too. It’s got a CMYK-inspired theme that features the San Francisco skyline, redwood trees, and the Golden Gate Bridge. It’s probably one of the better-looking logos they’ve released in years, honestly.

Who Is Playing at the Halftime Show?

This is where things get interesting. Bad Bunny is headlining.

The NFL is clearly leaning into the global market. He’s the first Latin male artist to solo headline the show. Love him or hate him, the guy moves the needle. Roger Goodell has been pretty vocal about wanting the halftime show to be a "united moment," and choosing a global streaming powerhouse like Bad Bunny is a loud way to do it.

For the traditionalists, Charlie Puth is slated to sing the National Anthem.

Logistics for the Die-Hards

If you’re actually planning to attend, Godspeed to your wallet.

Average resale tickets are already hovering between $4,000 and $6,000. And that’s just for the "nosebleeds." If you want to be near the 50-yard line, you’re looking at used-car money.

Santa Clara is about 45 miles south of San Francisco. Don't make the mistake of booking a hotel in downtown SF thinking you can just walk to the game. Traffic in the Bay Area is a nightmare on a normal Tuesday; on Super Bowl Sunday, it’s a legendary gridlock. Most people stay in San Jose or Sunnyvale to stay sane.

What’s the Schedule Leading Up?

The "Super Bowl Experience" will be at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

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Interestingly, the Pro Bowl Games are being integrated more tightly this year. They’re happening on Tuesday, February 3, also at the Moscone Center. It’s a smart move to keep people in town for the whole week instead of just flying in for the Sunday blowout.

Quick Summary for Your Calendar:

  • Date: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026.
  • Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT.
  • Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.
  • Network: NBC / Peacock.
  • Halftime: Bad Bunny.
  • Anthem: Charlie Puth.

Actionable Next Steps:
If you're hosting a party, book your catering or wings order at least three weeks in advance. February 8 is earlier than some past years, so it'll sneak up on you. If you are traveling to the Bay Area, book your transit and hotel now—rates in Santa Clara and San Jose triple the moment the playoff bracket is set.