The countdown has already started. If you are wondering when is the Super Bowl, mark your calendars for February 8, 2026. It's coming fast. We’re heading back to the West Coast, specifically to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This is Super Bowl LX. Sixty years of this massive spectacle. Honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were watching the 50th anniversary at the same venue, but the league is moving at a breakneck pace these days.
You’ve got to plan ahead for this one. Seriously.
The NFL doesn’t just "throw a game." It’s a logistical monster that takes over an entire region. For Super Bowl LX, the San Francisco Bay Area is basically turning into a football theme park for ten days. If you're looking for the kickoff time, expect the usual window. While the league hasn't hammered down the exact second, history tells us it’ll be around 6:30 PM Eastern Time. That’s 3:30 PM local time for the folks sitting in the stands in Santa Clara. Perfect golden hour light for those sweeping drone shots over the stadium.
The Logistics of Super Bowl LX: Dates and Locations
So, let's get specific. When is the Super Bowl taking place? Sunday, February 8, 2026. This date is part of the standard post-17-game season schedule. Ever since the NFL added that extra week to the regular season, the Super Bowl has shunted further into February. It used to be a January staple, but now it’s firmly planted in the second weekend of February. This affects everything. From Valentine's Day plans to corporate booking cycles.
Levi's Stadium is the spot. It’s the home of the San Francisco 49ers. It opened in 2014 and has already hosted one Super Bowl (Super Bowl 50). It’s known for being one of the most high-tech stadiums in the world, which makes sense given its proximity to Google, Apple, and the rest of Silicon Valley. But be warned: Santa Clara isn't San Francisco. It’s about 40 miles south. If you book a hotel in downtown San Francisco expecting a quick stroll to the game, you’re in for a very expensive Uber ride or a long trip on the Caltrain.
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Why the 2026 Date Matters So Much
This isn't just another game. 2026 is a massive year for sports in North America. We’ve got the FIFA World Cup coming to the U.S., Mexico, and Canada later that summer. In many ways, Super Bowl LX is the "test run" for the global spotlight that will hit Levi's Stadium again just a few months later for World Cup matches.
The NFL is also leaning into the "Diamond Anniversary" vibe for the number 60. Expect the halftime show to be even more over-the-top than usual. Rumors are already swirling about who might headline. While the NFL and Apple Music (the current sponsor) usually keep this under wraps until the fall, the pressure is on to top previous years. People always ask about the performer the second they find out when is the Super Bowl, but we usually have to wait until October or November for that reveal.
Ticket Prices and the "Secondary Market" Madness
If you want to go, start saving. Now. Seriously, I’m not kidding.
Super Bowl tickets are never "cheap," but the Bay Area market is notoriously expensive. We saw average "get-in" prices for recent Super Bowls in Las Vegas and Los Angeles hover between $6,000 and $9,000. For the 60th anniversary, don't be surprised if the cheapest seat in the house—way up in the nosebleeds where the players look like ants—starts at $7,000.
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- Primary Market: These tickets mostly go to sponsors, teams, and high-level season ticket holders.
- On Location: This is the NFL’s official hospitality partner. They sell packages that include hotel stays and pre-game parties. They’re "guaranteed" but pricey.
- Secondary Market: Sites like StubHub or SeatGeek. This is where most fans end up. Prices fluctuate wildly based on which teams make it. If the 49ers actually make it to their own home stadium for the Super Bowl? Prices will teleport to the moon.
Broadcast Details: Where to Watch
In 2026, the rotation falls to NBC. This means we get the Sunday Night Football crew. Expect Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth to be the voices of the evening. They’ve got a rhythm that most fans are used to by now. NBC usually puts a lot of resources into the 4K broadcast, so if you’ve been waiting to upgrade your TV, this might be the excuse you need.
Streaming will be huge too. Peacock will carry the game, which has become the norm for NBC’s big sporting events. Just make sure your internet bandwidth can handle it. There’s nothing worse than the stream lagging right as a game-winning field goal is mid-air.
The "Supper Bowl" Misconception
It’s a funny quirk of internet search habits, but a lot of people actually type in "when is the supper bowl" instead of Super Bowl. Maybe it’s because the game is basically a giant national dinner party. According to the National Chicken Council, Americans consume about 1.45 billion chicken wings during that single weekend. It literally is a "supper" bowl for most of us.
Whether you're there for the football or the seven-layer dip, the timing remains the same. The "Big Game" has transitioned from a sporting event into a de facto national holiday. It’s the one day a year where the commercials are actually part of the entertainment rather than a reason to go to the kitchen.
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Travel Tips for Santa Clara
If you are actually going to be in the Bay Area, logistics are everything.
- Fly into San Jose (SJC): Everyone tries to fly into San Francisco (SFO) or Oakland (OAK). San Jose is much closer to the stadium. It’s a shorter drive and usually a bit less chaotic during major events.
- Use Public Transit: The VTA Light Rail drops you off right at the stadium. It’ll be crowded, but it beats paying $100 for parking and sitting in a gridlocked lot for three hours after the trophy presentation.
- Dress in Layers: Northern California weather in February is weird. It might be 70 degrees and sunny at kickoff, but once that sun dips behind the Santa Cruz mountains, the temperature drops fast. Bring a jacket. You’ll thank me later.
Looking Ahead: The Road to February 8
The NFL season is a marathon. By the time we get to February 8, 2026, the teams will have played 17 regular-season games and three rounds of playoffs. Injuries always play a factor. Every year, we see a "favorite" fall apart because their star quarterback tweaks an ankle in Week 14.
The storylines for Super Bowl LX are already writing themselves. Can the old guard hold off the new wave of elite quarterbacks? Will we see a "home team" advantage like we did with the Bucs and Rams recently? These are the things that keep us obsessing over the schedule.
Ultimately, knowing when is the Super Bowl is just the first step in the ritual. It’s the anchor for the entire winter sports season. From the start of training camp in July to the final whistle in February, everything builds toward those four hours on a Sunday evening.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Set a Calendar Alert: Put "Super Bowl LX - February 8, 2026" in your phone now. Set a reminder for one week prior so you can stock up on groceries before the stores get picked clean.
- Book Refundable Hotels: If you're even considering going, book a room in Santa Clara or San Jose now. Use a "pay later" or "free cancellation" option. Once the matchup is set in January, prices will triple instantly.
- Check Your Tech: If you're hosting, verify your streaming setup or cable connection by late January. Ensure your Peacock or NBC app is updated to avoid last-minute login headaches.
- Plan the Menu: Since the "supper" part is so vital, start eyeing wing prices and drink deals at least two weeks out. Bulk stores like Costco usually have their best electronics and snack sales in the window between the AFC/NFC Championships and the Super Bowl itself.