If you’re already trying to map out your February plans for next year, you aren't alone. The NFL doesn't wait around, and neither do the fans. People are already asking the big question: where is the 2026 Super Bowl being held? It's going back to the West Coast. Specifically, the NFL is heading to the tech capital of the world. Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, will play host to Super Bowl LX (that’s Super Bowl 60 for those of us who still have to count Roman numerals on our fingers).
Mark the calendar for February 8, 2026.
Why Santa Clara and the Bay Area?
It’s been exactly a decade since the Lombardi Trophy was hoisted in this specific spot. You might remember Super Bowl 50 back in 2016—the one where Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset and Coldplay, Beyoncé, and Bruno Mars basically took over the world for twenty minutes. The NFL loved the setup then, and honestly, they love the "Silicon Valley" money and infrastructure even more now.
Levi’s Stadium isn’t actually in San Francisco. That’s a common mix-up. It’s about 40 miles south in Santa Clara. But the league treats the whole region like one giant playground. You’ll see events in San Francisco, parties in San Jose, and the actual game happening right next to the 49ers’ headquarters.
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It’s a massive logistical puzzle.
The Bay Area Host Committee isn't just planning a football game. They are planning for a "blockbuster year." Remember, 2026 is also a World Cup year. The region is pulling double duty, hosting both the Super Bowl and matches for the FIFA World Cup 26.
The Venue: Levi's Stadium
Levi's Stadium is kind of a marvel, even if the "faithful" (Niners fans) sometimes complain about the heat in the east stands. For Super Bowl LX, it’ll be in its prime.
- Capacity: It usually holds around 68,500 people, but they can expand it to over 70,000 for massive events.
- Tech-Forward: It was built to be the "smartest" stadium in the world. High-speed Wi-Fi everywhere, which is a necessity when every person in the building is trying to upload a 4K video of the halftime show at the same time.
- Sustainability: It’s LEED Gold certified. They have a 27,000-square-foot "Green Roof" and solar panels. It’s very... California.
The Entertainment: Bad Bunny and Green Day
The league isn't playing it safe with the entertainment for the 60th anniversary. We already know the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show is Bad Bunny.
This is huge.
He’s the first Latin male artist to solo headline the show. After his brief appearance with Shakira and J.Lo in 2020, he’s taking the full stage this time. Expect a massive production that reflects the global nature of the NFL’s current brand.
But the party starts way before halftime. On the morning of January 18, 2026, the NFL announced that Green Day will open the big game with a special 60th-anniversary ceremony. It’s a bit of a homecoming for them—they’re East Bay legends. They’ll be helping usher former Super Bowl MVPs onto the field.
Basically, the NFL is leaning hard into the "Bay Area" vibe.
Where is the 2026 Super Bowl being held: City-Wide Events
If you aren't one of the lucky few with a ticket to the actual game (which, let’s be real, are costing upwards of $5,000–$6,000 on the resale market), the "Super Bowl Experience" is where you’ll likely end up.
Most of the week-long festivities are split between San Francisco and San Jose.
The Moscone Center in San Francisco will be the hub for the Super Bowl Experience. Think of it like a football theme park. You can run the 40-yard dash, see the rings, and get autographs from players who are probably retired and looking for a reason to wear their jerseys again.
Then you’ve got Opening Night, which is usually held at the San Jose Convention Center. This is when the media gets to ask the players ridiculous questions, and it’s the first real "vibe check" for the two teams that make it to the big dance.
Practical Travel Realities
If you're planning to go, brace your wallet.
Hotels in Santa Clara and San Jose are already seeing blocks being scooped up. Most places near Levi’s Stadium, like the Hilton Santa Clara or the Hyatt Regency, will have strict three-to-four-night minimum stays.
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Public transit is going to be your best friend. The VTA (Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority) light rail drops you literally right in front of the stadium. If you try to Uber to the stadium on game day, you'll spend more time in traffic on Great America Parkway than you will watching the game.
What to Watch Out For
There’s a bit of a "conspiracy theory" every year regarding the Super Bowl logo and the team colors. The Super Bowl LX logo has a "CMYK" theme—lots of San Francisco landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and redwood trees are baked into the design. People always try to predict the finalists based on the logo colors. Good luck with that.
The broadcasting duties for 2026 fall to NBC. This is unique because it’s an Olympic year. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will be happening at the same time. NBC is going to be doing a massive "cross-promotion" event, essentially airing the Super Bowl and the Olympics simultaneously.
Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth are expected to be the voices in the booth.
Key Logistics for Fans
- Dates: February 2 to February 8, 2026.
- Kickoff: Roughly 3:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. ET).
- Tickets: Sold through On Location for hospitality packages or Ticketmaster for verified resale.
- Weather: It’s February in Northern California. It could be 70 degrees and sunny, or it could be a "Pineapple Express" atmospheric river event. Bring a jacket.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are serious about attending or even just being in town for the atmosphere, start your planning now.
- Book Housing Early: Look into hotels in Sunnyvale, Cupertino, or Mountain View. They are slightly further out but often more accessible via the light rail than San Francisco hotels.
- Monitor the Resale Market: Ticket prices usually peak twice—right when the matchup is set and about 48 hours before kickoff. Use the NFL Ticket Exchange to avoid getting scammed.
- Check the App: Download the "NFL OnePass" app. This is the only way to get into the Super Bowl Experience and manage your fan profile during the week.
- Transportation Strategy: If you're staying in San Francisco, look into the Caltrain schedule. It’s a solid way to get down to the South Bay, though you’ll still need a transfer to get to the stadium gates.
The Bay Area is a complicated place to navigate, but for a milestone like Super Bowl 60, it’s going to be a massive, tech-infused spectacle that’s hard to beat.