If you’re already trying to figure out when is the Super Bowl 2026, honestly, you aren't alone. The NFL calendar is a beast, and planning for the Big Game—whether you're booking a flight to California or just making sure you have enough wings—requires some serious lead time.
The short answer? Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 8, 2026.
But there’s a lot more to it than just a date. Super Bowl LX (that’s 60 for those who haven't brushed up on their Roman numerals lately) is shaping up to be a logistical nightmare—and a dream—all at once. This isn't just another game. It’s a collision of the biggest sporting events on the planet.
The Date and Kickoff Time You Actually Need
Super Bowl LX is officially set for February 8, 2026. If you’re a stickler for the details, kickoff is expected at the traditional time of 6:30 p.m. ET.
For the folks actually attending in person, that’s 3:30 p.m. local time in Santa Clara.
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It’s kind of wild to think about, but the game is happening right in the middle of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Because NBC owns the rights to both the Super Bowl and the Olympics this year, they’re basically turning February into a non-stop sports marathon. You'll likely see Mike Tirico jump from an Alpine skiing broadcast straight into the pre-game show at Levi’s Stadium. It’s a "Super Gold" Sunday situation that we’ve only seen once before back in 2022.
Where Exactly Is Super Bowl LX?
The game is returning to the West Coast. Specifically, Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Now, if you tell a local you're going to "San Francisco" for the game, they’ll probably roll their eyes. Levi’s Stadium is about 40 miles south of the city. It’s the home of the San Francisco 49ers, but it's firmly in the heart of Silicon Valley.
This is the second time this venue has hosted the big dance. The last time was Super Bowl 50 in 2016, which, if you remember, was the "Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars" show where Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset. The NFL loves this stadium because it’s high-tech, eco-friendly, and frankly, the weather in Northern California in February is usually a lot more forgiving than, say, New Jersey or Chicago.
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The Bad Bunny Factor and Halftime Chaos
Let's talk about the halftime show. This is where things get interesting.
The NFL and Apple Music have officially tapped Bad Bunny to headline the Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. This is a massive deal. He’s the first solo Latin artist to ever headline the show. While he showed up for a few minutes during the Shakira and J-Lo performance back in 2020, this is his stage now.
There’s been some chatter and, honestly, some pushback from the more traditionalist crowd about the choice, but the numbers don't lie. Bad Bunny is a global juggernaut. Expect the production to be over the top, likely featuring a mix of reggaeton, trap, and probably some surprise guests that will keep the internet talking for weeks.
Who else is on the bill?
- National Anthem: Charlie Puth.
- America the Beautiful: Brandi Carlile.
- The Broadcast Crew: Expect the NBC A-team. Mike Tirico will be on play-by-play with Cris Collinsworth in the booth.
Logistics: Tickets and Staying There
If you're thinking about actually going, start saving now. Like, yesterday.
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The average price for a Super Bowl ticket on the secondary market usually starts around $5,000 to $6,000. And that’s for the "cheap" seats. Since Santa Clara and San Jose are tech hubs, hotel prices during Super Bowl week are going to be astronomical.
Most of the "official" fan events, like the Super Bowl Experience, will be held at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This means if you stay in the city, you’ll be doing a lot of commuting on the Caltrain or sitting in that infamous Bay Area traffic on the 101.
Why this game is different
Every ten years, the NFL likes to go big on its anniversary games. Since this is the 60th, there are rumors that the league plans to honor every living Super Bowl MVP, similar to what they did for the 50th. It’s a "diamond" anniversary of sorts, so expect the branding (and the logo, which features the Golden Gate Bridge and some local Redwoods) to be everywhere.
What to Do Next
If you're planning a party or a trip, here is how you should actually prepare:
- Check your calendar: Verify that February 8, 2026, doesn't clash with any major family events. You don't want to be that person at a wedding during the fourth quarter.
- Travel early: If you are heading to the Bay Area, fly in by the Wednesday before. The San Francisco (SFO) and San Jose (SJC) airports become a madhouse starting Thursday.
- App Updates: Make sure your Peacock and NFL+ apps are updated if you aren't watching on traditional cable. NBC will be streaming the game live, but with the Olympic traffic, you'll want a stable connection.
- Book Accommodations Now: Seriously. Even if you aren't 100% sure you're going, find a hotel with a free cancellation policy in the Santa Clara or San Jose area before the prices triple again in late 2025.
The Super Bowl is basically a national holiday at this point. With the 2026 edition blending the high-stakes of the NFL playoffs with the global flair of Bad Bunny and the backdrop of the Winter Olympics, it’s going to be a weird, loud, and incredibly expensive weekend.