It is that time of year again where everyone starts asking the same question: where is the Super Bowl taking place? If you are looking for the short answer, the NFL is heading back to the West Coast. Specifically, Super Bowl LX is set to kick off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Mark your calendars for February 8, 2026.
This isn't just another game. It’s the 60th anniversary of the biggest spectacle in American sports. While the game technically happens in Santa Clara, the entire San Francisco Bay Area is basically turning into one giant football theme park for the week. Honestly, if you’ve ever tried to navigate the 101 during a normal rush hour, you can only imagine what this is going to look like.
The stadium and the city: Why Santa Clara?
The NFL loves a return to form. This marks the second time Levi’s Stadium has hosted the big dance, the first being Super Bowl 50 back in 2016. You remember that one—Peyton Manning’s swan song where the Broncos’ defense basically lived in Cam Newton’s backfield.
Levi’s Stadium is the home of the San Francisco 49ers, but don't let the team name fool you. The stadium is actually about 40 miles south of San Francisco. It sits right in the heart of Silicon Valley. Because of that, expect this to be one of the most tech-heavy Super Bowls ever. We are talking about $200 million in recent renovations specifically aimed at massive 4K video boards. They are roughly 48 feet tall and 200 feet wide. Basically, you could probably see the replays from space.
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Key details for game day
- Venue: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA.
- Date: Sunday, Feb 8, 2026.
- TV Network: NBC (with streaming on Peacock).
- Kickoff: Roughly 3:30 PM PST / 6:30 PM EST.
Who is performing at the halftime show?
The news is out and it’s a big one. Bad Bunny is slated to headline the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. Following up Kendrick Lamar’s 2025 performance is a tall order, but the league is clearly leaning into the global superstar vibe.
Besides the halftime show, the pregame ceremonies have some heavy hitters too. Charlie Puth is handling the National Anthem. Brandi Carlile is set for "America the Beautiful," and Coco Jones will be performing "Lift Every Voice and Sing." It’s a pretty diverse lineup that hits a lot of different musical notes.
What to expect if you're actually going
If you are lucky enough (or rich enough) to have tickets, the logistics are kinda wild. The stadium capacity usually sits around 68,500, but they’re expanding it to 75,000 for the Super Bowl.
Traffic is going to be a nightmare. There's no way around it. San Francisco is hosting the "Super Bowl Experience" at the Moscone Center, while the "Opening Night" festivities are happening at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. You’ve got events spread across a 50-mile radius.
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If you're flying in, San Jose International (SJC) is the closest airport—it's only about five miles from the stadium. San Francisco International (SFO) is much bigger but also much further away. Expect ride-share surge pricing to be absolutely legendary. We're talking 3x to 5x normal rates. If you see a $200 Uber bill to go ten miles, don't be shocked.
Common misconceptions about the location
Most people hear "San Francisco 49ers" and assume the game is in the city of San Francisco. It’s not. It’s in Santa Clara. This matters because if you book a hotel in downtown SF, you’re looking at a 60-to-90-minute commute on a good day. On Super Bowl Sunday? Forget about it.
Also, it's worth noting that the 2026 season is technically the "2025 NFL Season." This causes a lot of confusion with the Roman numerals. Just remember:
- Super Bowl LIX (59): New Orleans, Feb 2025.
- Super Bowl LX (60): Santa Clara, Feb 2026.
- Super Bowl LXI (61): Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium), Feb 2027.
The league has already locked in these future spots to ensure the infrastructure can handle the weight of the event. Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium is also on the books for 2028.
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Practical steps for your Super Bowl weekend
Whether you’re heading to the Bay Area or watching from your couch, here is how to handle the logistics.
If you’re traveling to California:
Book your stay in San Jose or Milpitas rather than San Francisco if you want to be close to the actual game. The VTA light rail drops you off right in front of Levi’s Stadium, which is a lifesaver compared to paying $100 for a parking pass. Also, download the NFL OnePass app. You literally cannot get into the fan experiences or see the schedules without it.
If you’re hosting a party:
Since the game is on NBC this year, you don't necessarily need a fancy cable package. A standard digital antenna will pick up the local broadcast in HD. If you’re streaming, Peacock is the official home. Make sure your internet bandwidth can handle 4K streaming, especially with those new stadium cameras promising "cinematic" angles.
For the betters and planners:
Keep an eye on the weather. While California is "sunny," February in the Bay Area can be damp and chilly once the sun goes down. Levi’s Stadium is an open-air venue. If you're sitting in the stands, bring layers. It’s not the frozen tundra of Lambeau, but a 50-degree wind off the Bay is no joke.
The countdown is officially on for the 60th anniversary. Between the tech upgrades at Levi's and the massive star power of Bad Bunny, the NFL is clearly trying to make the Santa Clara return a memorable one.