Honestly, it feels like just yesterday we were watching the confetti fall in New Orleans, but the NFL machine never stops moving. If you’re already looking ahead and wondering where is next super bowl 2026, the answer is Santa Clara, California. Or San Francisco. Or San Jose.
Basically, the whole San Francisco Bay Area is about to become the epicenter of the sports world.
The game itself, officially known as Super Bowl LX (that's 60 for those of us who haven't brushed up on Roman numerals lately), is locked in for February 8, 2026. It’s going down at Levi’s Stadium, the high-tech home of the San Francisco 49ers. But don't let the "San Francisco" in the team name fool you. The stadium is actually about 40 miles south of the Golden Gate Bridge.
Where is Next Super Bowl 2026 Happening?
The NFL officially handed the keys to the Bay Area back in May 2023. This isn't the region's first rodeo, though. They hosted Super Bowl 50 back in 2016, and if you remember that one, you know the "host city" situation is kinda complicated.
While the trophy will be hoisted in Santa Clara, the party is everywhere. San Francisco is grabbing a huge slice of the action with the Super Bowl Experience taking over the Moscone Center. Even the Pro Bowl Games are moving to the week before the big game, hitting San Francisco on February 3.
It’s a massive logistical puzzle. You’ve got the NFL wanting a "tech-forward" experience in Silicon Valley, while fans want the classic tourist vibes of the Embarcadero. The result? A week-long festival that stretches across three major cities.
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The Venue: Levi's Stadium
Levi’s Stadium is currently undergoing a $200 million facelift specifically to get ready for 2026. Why? Because the stadium isn't just hosting the Super Bowl. A few months later, it’s also hosting matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Here’s the thing about Levi’s: it’s famous for being "smart." We’re talking about a venue built with enough fiber optic cable to wrap around the earth (well, maybe not that much, but it has 1,200 miles of it). For Super Bowl LX, they are upgrading to Wi-Fi 6 and 5G Distributed Antenna Systems. Basically, you won't have an excuse for your TikTok live stream lagging.
One thing they can't fix? The sun. If you’ve ever sat on the east side of the stadium during a 1:00 PM kickoff, you know it’s like sitting on the surface of a heat lamp. Because the stadium is so close to the San Jose International Airport, the FAA won't allow a roof or a canopy. So, if you’re heading to the game, bring sunglasses. You’ve been warned.
Bad Bunny and the Halftime Hype
We already know the entertainment lineup is looking massive. Bad Bunny is confirmed for the halftime show. That’s a huge get for the NFL as they continue to lean into global, Latin-inspired performances.
Before he even takes the stage, Charlie Puth is slated for the National Anthem. The league is clearly going for a mix of "Internet famous" and "global superstar" to mark the 60th anniversary.
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The Logistics: Getting Around the Bay
If you’re planning to travel, start saving now. No, seriously.
Traffic in the Bay Area is a special kind of nightmare on a regular Tuesday. During Super Bowl week? It’s going to be interesting, to say the least. The Bay Area Host Committee is pushing public transit hard. You’ve got:
- BART: Good for getting around the East Bay and into San Francisco.
- Caltrain: This is the lifeline that connects San Francisco down to Santa Clara.
- VTA Light Rail: This drops you right at the stadium gates.
The cities are actually competing for your attention. Santa Clara is worried that San Francisco will "steal" all the tourists again, like they did in 2016. Back then, SF took home over 50% of the economic boost while Santa Clara only saw about 7%. This time, Santa Clara is spending millions on "Night Markets" and fan fests right near the stadium to keep people local.
Why 2026 is Different
There’s a weird bit of trivia for the 2026 game. It’s actually happening at the same time as the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. This only happens once in a blue moon. NBC is going to be juggling both events, which means the production value for Super Bowl LX is likely to be through the roof.
Also, keep an eye on the logo. The NFL recently unveiled it, and it features a "CMYK" color theme with the Golden Gate Bridge and redwood trees tucked into the Roman numerals. It’s a lot more colorful than the corporate silver logos we’ve seen for the last decade.
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Real Talk on Tickets
If you’re hoping to go, "On Location" is the only official spot for hospitality packages. They are already on sale. Be prepared for sticker shock. We are talking thousands of dollars just to get in the door.
For the rest of us, the "Super Bowl Experience" at the Moscone Center is usually the move. It’s way cheaper (often $20–$50) and you get to see the Vince Lombardi Trophy without selling a kidney.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you are serious about being there when the whistle blows in 2026, here is how you should actually prepare:
- Book Lodging in San Jose, Not SF: If you want to be close to the stadium, San Jose is much closer than San Francisco. Hotels in Santa Clara will be blocked out for teams and media, so downtown San Jose is your best bet for a "short" Uber ride.
- Download the NFL OnePass App: This is where all the free event registrations happen. The league does a lot of "pop-up" concerts that are free if you’re fast enough on the app.
- Check the "Studio 60" Schedule: They are doing a series of concerts at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Sting and The Killers are already rumored or confirmed for those intimate sets.
- Watch the Weather: February in Northern California is "Rainy Season." It could be 70 degrees and beautiful, or it could be a total atmospheric river. Pack layers.
The countdown is on. Whether you’re a die-hard Niners fan hoping for a home-field advantage or just someone who wants to see Bad Bunny in a stadium setting, the road to February 8, 2026, is officially open.