Going to Super Bowl 60? Here Is Everything You Need to Know About Santa Clara
Super Bowl 60 will bring one of the most closely watched sporting events in the world back to Northern California, with Santa Clara serving as the host city. For fans planning to attend in person, preparation matters. The city operates differently during a large-scale event, and logistics play a bigger role than many visitors expect.
Santa Clara is not a traditional tourist hub, and that shapes everything from where people stay to how they move around on game day. Knowing what to expect ahead of time will help avoid long delays, unnecessary costs, and last-minute confusion.
When And Where Super Bowl 60 Takes Place
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Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026. The game will be played at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, with kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Levi’s Stadium is the home field of the San Francisco 49ers and is located in Silicon Valley, roughly 45 minutes south of San Francisco without traffic. The venue previously hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and regularly hosts large NFL and international sporting events.
Santa Clara Is A Unique Super Bowl Host
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Santa Clara differs from many past Super Bowl host cities because it lacks a dense downtown entertainment core. The city is spread across office parks, residential areas, and commercial corridors rather than walkable nightlife districts.
This layout affects how visitors plan their stay. Hotels near the stadium are limited, and restaurants or bars are often a drive away. Many visitors choose to stay in surrounding cities such as San Jose, Mountain View, or San Francisco, trading proximity for more lodging options and dining variety.
Getting To Levi’s Stadium On Game Day
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Traffic congestion is expected throughout Super Bowl Sunday, especially near the stadium. Road closures will be in effect as part of NFL security planning, and access points will be restricted.
Public transportation is the most reliable option for many attendees. The Valley Transportation Authority light rail stops near Levi’s Stadium at the Great America and Lick Mill stations. Service frequency is scheduled to increase before kickoff, with extended return service following the game.
Fans traveling from San Francisco or the East Bay can connect using BART, Caltrain, and VTA light rail. Capitol Corridor and ACE Rail will also operate special schedules to the Great America station, though reservations and tickets are required on Super Bowl Sunday.
Rideshare services will operate within designated pickup and drop-off zones, with higher fares expected after the game due to demand.
Tickets And Stadium Entry Basics
Super Bowl tickets are distributed primarily through the NFL, participating teams, and official partners. They are not sold directly to the general public through standard ticket releases.
Fans can purchase verified resale tickets through official platforms such as the NFL Ticket Exchange. Historically, resale prices range from approximately $4,000 to $6,000, with premium seating priced higher. Tickets may remain available close to kickoff, though pricing typically increases as the game approaches.
Security screening at Levi’s Stadium will be stricter than during regular-season games. Gates open several hours before kickoff, and arriving early is strongly recommended.
Bag Policy And Allowed Items At Levi’s Stadium
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Levi’s Stadium follows the NFL clear bag policy for Super Bowl 60. Only transparent bags measuring no more than 12 x 6 x 12 inches are allowed. One-gallon clear plastic bags are also permitted.
Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5 x 6.5 inches are allowed, even if they are not transparent. The stadium does not offer bag check services.
Permitted items include small cameras with short lenses, binoculars, blankets, seat cushions, and factory-sealed plastic water bottles under 24 ounces. Items such as outside food, alcohol, umbrellas, selfie sticks, and non-transparent backpacks are prohibited.
Where To Stay During Super Bowl Weekend
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Hotel rates across the Bay Area increase significantly during Super Bowl weekend, with the steepest increases closest to Levi’s Stadium. Some hotels within a few miles of the venue charge several times their typical nightly rates.
San Jose Mineta International Airport is the closest major airport to Santa Clara, and hotels near the airport or along light rail routes often offer more affordable rates. San Francisco and Oakland offer broader hotel inventories, though commute time should be factored into plans.
Staying farther from the stadium can reduce lodging costs, but visitors should confirm late-night transportation options for returning after the game.
Things To Do In Santa Clara Beyond The Game
Santa Clara offers several low-effort activities for visitors with extra time. The city has a diverse dining scene influenced by its international population, with options ranging from Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine to Italian markets and casual local restaurants.
Outdoor spaces such as Central Park and the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail provide open areas for walking and downtime between scheduled events. The Intel Museum and the 49ers Museum offer short visits that fit easily into tight itineraries.
Nearby attractions, including California’s Great America theme park and the Winchester Mystery House, are short drives away for visitors extending their stay.