If you’re trying to figure out where the Super Bowl is being held this year, you probably already know the answer is "California." But honestly, that’s like saying a wedding is in "the Midwest." It doesn’t really help you book a hotel or find a parking spot.
Super Bowl LX—that’s number 60 for those of us who stopped counting Roman numerals in third grade—is officially coming to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
Mark the calendar: February 8, 2026.
It’s the big diamond anniversary for the NFL. Sixty years of overpriced commercials and wings. This year, the league is leaning hard into the tech-heavy, foggy, redwood-filled vibes of the San Francisco Bay Area. But don't let the "San Francisco" branding fool you. If you fly into SFO and expect to walk to the stadium, you’re going to have a very long, very sad 40-mile hike ahead of you.
The Stadium: Levi’s Is Back in the Spotlight
Levi’s Stadium isn’t a stranger to this. It hosted Super Bowl 50 back in 2016 when Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset. Now, a decade later, it’s getting the keys again.
The venue itself is basically a giant computer that happens to have a grass field in the middle. Since it’s in the heart of Silicon Valley, the Wi-Fi is actually functional, which is a miracle for anyone who’s ever tried to post a video at a crowded concert. For the 2026 game, they’ve dumped about $200 million into upgrades. We’re talking massive new 4K video boards and better cellular connectivity so your "I’m here!" selfies actually upload.
📖 Related: The Truth About the Memphis Grizzlies Record 2025: Why the Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
Why Santa Clara and Not San Francisco?
The 49ers haven't actually played in San Francisco proper since they left Candlestick Park. Santa Clara is where the action happens now. It’s sunnier, warmer, and significantly closer to San Jose.
One thing you’ve gotta watch out for: The Sun.
Levi’s Stadium is famous (or infamous) for having a "sunny side" where fans basically slow-roast during afternoon games. Because it’s near the San Jose airport, the FAA won't let them build a roof. If you’re buying tickets on the east side of the stadium, bring shades and a lot of sunscreen. Seriously.
Where is Super Bowl being held this year? The Logistics "Trap"
You might hear people talking about the game being in San Francisco. Technically, the events are everywhere.
The NFL is splitting the party across the whole region. It’s a bit of a logistical nightmare if you don't plan it right. Here is the basic breakdown of how the "Where" is actually working:
- The Game: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara.
- The Fan Fest: The Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco. This is where the "Super Bowl Experience" lives—think interactive games, Lombardi Trophy photo ops, and way too much official merch.
- The Pro Bowl Games: Also at the Moscone Center this year. They’ve moved the Pro Bowl to the Tuesday before the Super Bowl (February 3, 2026) to keep the momentum going.
- The Parties: Most of the high-end celebrity galas and the "NFL Honors" show will be in San Francisco at spots like the Palace of Fine Arts.
Basically, if you want to see the players and the trophies, you go to SF. If you want to see the kickoff, you head south to Santa Clara.
👉 See also: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
The Entertainment: Bad Bunny and the 60th Vibe
The NFL finally went global with the halftime show choice. Bad Bunny is the headliner for Super Bowl LX. It’s a massive deal—he’s the first Spanish-speaking artist to solo headline the show.
The league is clearly trying to make the 60th anniversary feel different. They’ve even got Charlie Puth on the national anthem and Brandi Carlile doing pregame sets. It feels a bit more "festival" and a bit less "corporate talent show" this year.
The Logo "Conspiracy"
If you’re into internet theories, people always look at the Super Bowl logo colors to predict who’s playing. This year’s logo is a CMYK-themed design with redwoods and the Golden Gate Bridge. Does the red mean the 49ers are destined to play a home game for the trophy? Maybe. But the red is probably just for the bridge.
Real Talk on Travel and Costs
If you're looking for where the Super Bowl is being held this year because you actually want to go, brace your wallet.
Standard travel packages are hovering around $11,000 to $15,000 per person. That usually gets you a hotel (likely in San Francisco or Palo Alto) and a ticket in the upper 400 levels. If you want to sit in the 100 level on the sideline, people are seeing prices north of $20,000.
✨ Don't miss: Por qué los partidos de Primera B de Chile son más entretenidos que la división de honor
Pro tip for the budget-conscious: Don't stay in Santa Clara. The hotels there mark up 500% the second the dates are announced. Look at San Jose or even further south in Campbell. You can take the VTA Light Rail directly to the stadium. It’s crowded, yeah, but it beats paying $150 for an Uber that gets stuck in the Great America Parkway gridlock.
Actionable Steps for Your Super Bowl Week
Whether you have tickets or you're just heading to the Bay Area to soak up the atmosphere, don't just wing it.
- Download the NFL OnePass App: You literally can’t get into the fan events without it. It has the maps for the Moscone Center and the schedules for player appearances.
- Book the Train, Not a Car: Use the Caltrain if you’re staying in San Francisco. It runs special "Steal-the-Show" trains for big events. Trying to drive from SF to Santa Clara on Super Bowl Sunday is a recipe for missing the first quarter.
- Check the "Super Bowl Experience" Dates: It runs from February 3 to February 7. If you go on Tuesday or Wednesday, the lines for the 40-yard dash and the ring display are way shorter than on Saturday.
- Eat in San Jose: San Pedro Square Market in downtown San Jose is usually the unofficial hub for fans. It’s closer to the stadium than San Francisco and has way better food options that don't require a three-month-advance reservation.
The Bay Area is going to be chaotic, but with the 60th anniversary, the NFL is pulling out all the stops. Just remember: stay in SF for the vibes, but head to Santa Clara for the scoreboard.
What to do next:
If you're planning to attend, your first priority should be securing a transportation strategy between San Francisco and Santa Clara. Start by checking the updated Caltrain and VTA schedules specifically released for the February 8th window to avoid the inevitable $200 rideshare surges.