Where Will the Super Bowl Be in 2026?

By Sarah Miller · September 9, 2051

The Super Bowl in 2026 will be held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This marks the third time the Bay Area will host the event, following previous games in 1985 and 2016.

Super Bowl 2026: What You Need to Know

The NFL has officially confirmed that Super Bowl LIX (59) will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. Located in Santa Clara, California, the venue offers a modern fan experience with a retractable roof, advanced technology integration, and proximity to Silicon Valley.

Venue Highlights

Capacity: Approximately 68,500 for football games (expandable to over 70,000 for special events)
Opened: 2014
Surface: Bermuda Grass
Roof Type: Retractable canopy covering 70% of seats
Public Transit Access: Served by Caltrain shuttle from Mountain View and San Jose

Past Super Bowl Host Cities and Venues

Understanding where the Super Bowl has been held helps contextualize future site selections. The NFL prioritizes climate, infrastructure, stadium quality, and local partnerships when choosing locations.

Year	Super Bowl	Stadium	City	State	Attendance
2022	LVI	SoFi Stadium	Inglewood	CA	70,240
2023	LVII	State Farm Stadium	Glendale	AZ	67,712
2024	LVIII	Allegiant Stadium	Paradise	NV	65,562
2025	LIX	Caesar's Superdome	New Orleans	LA	TBD
2026	LX	Levi's Stadium	Santa Clara	CA	TBD

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a trend toward domed or warm-weather venues, though outdoor stadiums in temperate climates like Santa Clara remain viable due to favorable February weather patterns. Levi's Stadium previously hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016, which drew widespread praise despite cold game-time temperatures.

Why Levi's Stadium Was Chosen for Super Bowl 2026

The NFL evaluates potential host cities through a rigorous bid process. Key factors include hotel capacity, airport accessibility, security readiness, and public transportation options.

Selection Criteria

Climate: Mild winter temperatures increase comfort for fans and players.
Infrastructure: Proximity to San Jose International Airport (SJC) and major highways supports large-scale logistics.
Technology: As a stadium built in partnership with a tech giant (Levi Strauss & Co.), it features cutting-edge connectivity and digital ticketing systems.
Community Support: Strong backing from Santa Clara city officials and regional tourism boards.

How the Super Bowl Site Selection Process Works

Unlike other major sports finals, the Super Bowl location is determined years in advance through a competitive bidding system involving interested cities and their stadiums.

Key Steps in the Bidding Process

Stadiums must meet minimum seating capacity (typically 65,000+)
Cities submit formal proposals outlining accommodations, transport, and emergency services
The NFL’s Committee on Stadiums reviews submissions and conducts site visits
Final decision made by team owners during annual meetings

Warm-weather cities and domed stadiums have historically dominated, but recent selections like Minneapolis (U.S. Bank Stadium, 2018) show growing openness to colder regions with indoor facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Super Bowl 2026

Where will the Super Bowl be in 2026?

The Super Bowl in 2026 will be held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, home of the San Francisco 49ers.

What date is Super Bowl 2026?

Super Bowl LIX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, kicking off in the evening (estimated start time: 6:30 PM ET).

Which teams are playing in Super Bowl 2026?

The teams have not yet been determined. They will qualify through the 2025 NFL season and playoffs, culminating in the AFC and NFC Championship games.

How can I get tickets for Super Bowl 2026?

Tickets are distributed through the NFL, teams, sponsors, and select partners. Official resale via Ticketmaster is the safest method. Expect high demand and premium pricing as the event nears.