The biggest game in American football, the
Super Bowl, is bringing together the champions of the NFC and AFC in a
winner-take-all-showdown.
One of the world’s premier sporting events is scheduled for
February 8, 2026, 3:30 pm PT at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the
home of the San Francisco 49ers.
The game typically draws around 65,000 to 75,000 fans. On
top of that, however, there are tens of thousands more NFL fans in the host
city for watch parties, fan events and Super Bowl festivities, even if they don’t
have game tickets.
For fans heading to this year’s clash between the Seattle
Seahawks and New England Patriots, here are some travel tips to consider.
Travel Timing and Best Airports
Anyone heading to Santa Clara or any future Super Bowl should
fly in at least two to three days in advance to avoid flight delays and get
better fares. Flights and hotel room rates spike closer to the big game, some
more than double the price.
Regarding regional airports, San Jose Mineta (SJC) is the
closest airport to the event (10-15 minutes from Levi’s Stadium). San Francisco
(SFO) is a 35–45-minute drive depending on traffic and Oakland (OAK), an
approximate 40–50-minute drive.
Use Public Transit
If you’re not renting a car, public transit options are
available from both San Francisco and Oakland by using a combination of
Caltrain, VTA Light Rail and BART. VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) light
rail and buses serve Santa Clara County and drop off at the Great America
Station near the stadium.
Public transit helps avoid heavy traffic and parking hassles
near the stadium- not to mention packed highways, major traffic delays and
congestion. On Super Bowl and big event days, agencies often run extra service
and special event passes. Visitors should bring a Clipper card/ap to streamline
payment across these public transit options.
Dress for the Game
Contrary to belief, California isn’t warm year-round and the
Bay Area can be quite chilly in February. It’s important to look at the weather
forecast, but typically, daytime highs range in the 50s–60s°F, and
evenings/nights can drop into the 40s–low 50s, with occasional winds. Once the
sun goes down, temperatures plummet.
Levi’s Stadium can feel cooler than nearby areas because
it’s open-air and breezy—so layering smart is the best bet for the big game,
even including a hat, jacket, scarf and light gloves. Bottom line is to dress
warmer than you think you need to.
Your favorite team attire is certainly appropriate. What is
not appropriate or allowed is offensive clothing, covered in the Levi’s Stadium
Code of Conduct. If you have to think about it, you probably shouldn’t wear it.
Additionally, the stadium prohibits whistles, blowhorns,
projectiles, confetti, flares, optical illusions, laser pointers, glow sticks,
light-up costumes, selfie-sticks and more.
Where to Stay for Super Bowl LX
Santa Clara and Downtown San Jose are the most convenient destinations
for game-day access, nightlife and Super Bowl events. San Francisco, Oakland
and Peninsula cities such as Mill Valley and Alameda offer more options but
fans should plan their public transit time to the stadium or events well in
advance as you’re a good distance away.
Groups should also consider short-term vacation rentals such
as VRBO and Airbnb which can be cheaper than hotel rooms in the long run when
the cost is shared and offer more space than more traditional accommodations.
Dining Options
Levi’s Stadium has numerous dining options available for fans,
however, for those in the area for other events and festivities should be aware
that restaurants in Santa Clara, San Jose and even San Francisco fill up fast
during Super Bowl week, especially dinner spots near downtowns or transit hubs.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially if you’re traveling with a
group.
Many pubs and casual restaurants host Super Bowl viewing parties
with food and drink specials. Get there early to nab a good seat.
Game Day Essentials
Official stadium parking is expensive and limited so passes
should be reserved early or use the option of off-site private driveway
rentals.
Ride-shares (Uber, Lyft and others) surge on event days and
pick-up/drop-off zones can get crowded two to three hours before kickoff.
Super Bowl attendees should plan to be at the stadium at
least two-to-three hours before kickoff to clear security and compliance inspection,
but also enjoy pre-game festivities. Super Bowl tickets come with a hefty
price, so why not soak the big event in for all it’s worth?
Of note, the Levi’s Stadium enforces a clear bag policy that
includes no clear bags (backpacks, purses, fanny packs) larger than 12”x 6” by
12” or a non-clear clutch up to 4.5” x 6.5”. One-gallon clear plastic zip-top
bags like Ziploc are also acceptable. Guests may also bring their own seat cushion
without storage compartments along with a blanket.
Food and beverages can be brought into the stadium though
food and fruit must be cut into pieces. Factory sealed plastic bottles and reusable
transparent water bottles less than 24 ounces are allowed. A list of permitted
and prohibited items is available on the official Levi’s Stadium website.
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