The Super Bowl, the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL), is one of the most anticipated sporting events in the United States, drawing over 100 million viewers each year. For those wondering when the next Super Bowl will take place, the answer is clear: Super Bowl LX is scheduled for Sunday, February 8, 2026, with kickoff set for 6:30 PM ET at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. This marks the 60th edition of the Super Bowl and the second time Levi's Stadium will host the event, following Super Bowl 50 in 2016.
The 2026 Super Bowl: Date, Time, and Location Details
Super Bowl LX will take place on February 8, 2026, at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. The game is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 PM Eastern Time (3:30 PM Pacific Time), with pregame festivities beginning several hours earlier. This timing follows the NFL's traditional Sunday evening slot, allowing maximum viewership across all U.S. time zones. Levi's Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers, previously hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and has undergone significant renovations in preparation for this event.
How the Super Bowl Date is Determined: The NFL Schedule Explained
The NFL uses a complex scheduling algorithm that determines not only when the Super Bowl occurs but also the entire regular season and playoff calendar. Since 2022, the Super Bowl has been held on the second Sunday in February, a shift from the previous tradition of the first Sunday in February. This change resulted from the NFL expanding the regular season to 17 games in 2021, which pushed the playoffs and championship game later into the calendar.
The scheduling process begins with the NFL determining the date for the Super Bowl several years in advance, considering factors such as stadium availability, television contracts, and major events that might conflict. The league typically announces Super Bowl locations and dates 3–5 years ahead of time, allowing host cities ample preparation period.
Historical Timeline: From January to February
The Super Bowl hasn't always been a February event. For the first 35 years (1967–2001), the game was played in January, typically on the last Sunday of the month. The shift to February occurred after the 2001 season when the NFL postponed one week of games following the September 11 attacks, pushing the entire schedule back. The first February Super Bowl was Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002, and the league continued with February dates due to positive television ratings and scheduling flexibility.
From 2004 to 2021, the Super Bowl was held on the first Sunday in February. The most recent change came in 2022 when the NFL moved to the second Sunday in February to accommodate the expanded 17-game regular season. This pattern is expected to continue for the foreseeable future, barring further schedule changes.
The Halftime Show and Entertainment Lineup
Super Bowl LX will feature a historic halftime performance by Bad Bunny, marking the first time a Latino artist will headline the show as a solo act. The Puerto Rican reggaeton and Latin trap star follows in the footsteps of previous halftime performers like Rihanna, Dr. Dre, and The Weeknd. Additionally, legendary punk rock band Green Day will perform during the pregame festivities, bringing their signature energy to the Bay Area venue they call home.
The halftime show has become a cultural phenomenon in its own right, often generating as much buzz as the game itself. The NFL selects performers based on their global appeal, current popularity, and ability to deliver a visually spectacular show that translates well to television.
What Makes Super Bowl LX Special?
Super Bowl LX represents several milestones beyond being the 60th edition. It will be only the second Super Bowl held at Levi's Stadium and the third in the San Francisco Bay Area (following Super Bowl XIX at Stanford Stadium in 1985). The game also continues the NFL's trend of selecting modern, technologically advanced stadiums capable of handling the massive infrastructure requirements of a Super Bowl, including media facilities, security, and fan experiences.
The 2026 Super Bowl will also be notable for its entertainment lineup, which reflects the NFL's ongoing efforts to diversify its halftime shows and appeal to broader audiences. Bad Bunny's selection continues the league's recent pattern of choosing artists with massive global followings across multiple demographics.
Looking Ahead: Future Super Bowl Dates
While the NFL hasn't announced dates beyond 2026, the pattern suggests future Super Bowls will continue to be played on the second Sunday in February. The league has already selected host cities for upcoming years, including Super Bowl LXI in 2027 (expected to be at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California) and Super Bowl LXII in 2028 (scheduled for New Orleans). These selections demonstrate the NFL's preference for warm-weather cities or domed stadiums that can guarantee ideal playing conditions.
For fans planning ahead, here are the projected dates based on current scheduling patterns:
- 2027: Second Sunday in February (February 14, 2027)
- 2028: Second Sunday in February (February 12, 2028)
- 2029: Second Sunday in February (February 10, 2029)
Key Takeaways: Everything You Need to Remember
When someone asks "When is the Super Bowl?" you now have the complete answer:
- Date: February 8, 2026 (second Sunday in February)
- Time: 6:30 PM ET kickoff
- Location: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
- Halftime performer: Bad Bunny
- Pregame entertainment: Green Day
- Historical context: Super Bowl moved from January to February after 9/11, and to the second Sunday in February in 2022
- Future pattern: Expect Super Bowls to continue on the second Sunday in February barring NFL schedule changes
Whether you're planning a Super Bowl party, booking travel, or simply satisfying your curiosity, understanding when and why the Super Bowl occurs each year adds depth to one of America's most beloved sporting traditions.
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