If you’re already trying to figure out where's the super bowl 2026, you're definitely not alone. It feels like we just finished sweeping up the confetti from the last one, but the NFL machine never actually stops. For 2026, we are heading back to the West Coast. Specifically, the Big Game—Super Bowl LX—is touching down in Santa Clara, California.
It’s happening at Levi’s Stadium.
You’ve probably seen the place on TV a hundred times during 49ers home games. It’s that massive, high-tech looking structure tucked away in the heart of Silicon Valley. While people often say the game is in San Francisco, it’s actually about 40 miles south of the Golden Gate Bridge. Santa Clara is the real host city, though the entire Bay Area is basically turning into one giant football theme park for the week.
Where’s the Super Bowl 2026? Breaking Down the Venue
Levi’s Stadium isn’t exactly a stranger to the spotlight. This will be its second time hosting the Super Bowl. The last time the NFL brought the circus here was for Super Bowl 50 back in 2016, when Peyton Manning rode off into the sunset after the Broncos beat the Panthers.
Honesty time: Santa Clara is a bit of a trek if you’re staying in downtown San Francisco.
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The stadium itself is incredibly modern, but it’s got a reputation for being bright. Because of how it’s positioned, the sun can be absolutely brutal during afternoon games. If you’re planning to be there in person, you’ll want to check which side of the stadium your seats are on unless you enjoy being slow-roasted.
Quick Logistics at a Glance
- The Date: February 8, 2026.
- The City: Santa Clara, CA (San Francisco Bay Area).
- The Venue: Levi’s Stadium.
- Capacity: Usually around 68,500, but they can squeeze in more for the Super Bowl.
Why the NFL picked Santa Clara again
The league doesn’t just throw a dart at a map. They chose the Bay Area because it has the infrastructure to handle the chaos. Plus, the 49ers recently dumped a ton of money into stadium upgrades. We’re talking new 4K video boards and better Wi-Fi—which is kind of a requirement when you're literally surrounded by tech giants like Google and Apple.
There's also the weather factor. February in Northern California is usually pretty mild, though you can get the occasional rain shower. It beats sitting in a blizzard in New Jersey, which I think everyone at the NFL head office still has nightmares about.
Is it really in San Francisco?
Sorta. But not really.
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If you fly into SFO, you still have a long drive or a train ride ahead of you. Most of the "official" fan festivals, like the Super Bowl Experience, will likely be centered around the Moscone Center in San Francisco proper. However, the actual kickoff happens in Santa Clara. This creates a weird split where you might be partying in the city but commuting an hour-plus to see the actual game. San Jose is actually much closer to the stadium and is a way more practical home base if you actually have tickets.
The 2026 Sports "Double Dip"
Here’s a detail most people aren't talking about yet. 2026 is going to be an absolutely insane year for Levi’s Stadium. Not only is it hosting where's the super bowl 2026, but it’s also one of the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Think about the logistics of that for a second.
The stadium crews have to prep for the Super Bowl in February, then completely pivot to meet FIFA's strict requirements for soccer by the summer. It’s a massive undertaking. If you’re a sports fan, Santa Clara is basically the center of the universe for those six months.
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What to expect if you're going
The Bay Area is expensive. Like, "don't look at your bank account" expensive. During Super Bowl week, hotel prices in Santa Clara and San Jose will skyrocket.
- Transport: Use the VTA light rail. Seriously. Parking at Levi’s Stadium is a nightmare on a regular Tuesday; for a Super Bowl, it’s basically an expensive parking lot you can't leave for four hours.
- The Vibe: It’s more "tech-bro" than "old-school football." Expect lots of corporate activations and high-end hospitality tents.
- Food: Don't just eat at the stadium. San Jose has some of the best Vietnamese and Mexican food in the country. Go explore.
Actionable Tips for Planning
If you are serious about attending Super Bowl LX, start looking at flights into San Jose International Airport (SJC) rather than SFO. It is significantly closer to the stadium—literally a 10-minute drive versus 45-60 minutes from San Francisco.
Also, keep an eye on the secondary ticket market around January 2026. Prices usually peak right after the Conference Championships and sometimes dip slightly about 72 hours before kickoff as brokers try to offload remaining inventory. Just don't wait until the morning of the game unless you're feeling incredibly lucky.
Final word of advice: if you're driving anywhere near Great America Parkway that week, just don't. The traffic will be legendary in all the wrong ways. Plan your routes, book your stays early, and get ready for the 60th anniversary of the biggest game in sports.