REPORT TO COUNCIL AND STADIUM AUTHORITY BOARD
SUBJECT
Title
Informational Report on Super Bowl LX - Spring 2025
Report
COUNCIL AND BOARD PILLARS
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
Ensure Compliance with Measure J and Manage Levi’s Stadium
BACKGROUND
On February 8, 2026, Levi’s® Stadium is scheduled to host Super Bowl LX (SBLX). The Super Bowl is the annual championship game of the National Football League (NFL). It serves as the final game of every NFL season and is generally played on the second Sunday in February. Additionally, Levi’s® Stadium will host six FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 (FWC26) matches between June 13 - July 1, 2026. These events, collectively referred to as the “2026 Major Events,” represent an unprecedented opportunity and challenge for the City of Santa Clara, as this will be the first time a single venue hosts both events in the same year.
This report provides an update on past and current planning and preparation activities to host SBLX at Levi’s® Stadium.
SBLX Overview
In 2018, the Super Bowl bidding process shifted from a competitive approach to a more streamlined method. Now, the NFL identifies a city/team to host the event and presents the terms for hosting.
The Forty Niners and the City of Santa Clara began informal talks with the NFL in early 2022 regarding the possibility of hosting Super Bowl LX. By mid-2022, the Bay Area Host Committee was reactivated, and a formal bid was developed in late 2022, highlighting Levi’s® Stadium’s modern amenities, the success of Super Bowl 50, and Santa Clara’s readiness. The proposal was submitted in early 2023, followed by NFL site visits and stakeholder meetings.
On May 22, 2023, during the NFL Spring League Meeting, the NFL and team owners officially awarded Super Bowl LX to the Forty Niners and Levi’s® Stadium. Super Bowl LX is scheduled to be played on February 8, 2026.
Article 21 of the Stadium Lease between the Santa Clara Stadium Authority and Forty Niners SC Stadium Company, LLC (“StadCo”), grants StadCo the right to use Levi’s® Stadium for the Super Bowl in accordance with the terms of a negotiated “League Event Agreement.” Under this Article, such agreement can modify the terms of the Stadium Lease and include one or more “third parties, such as an event host committee” to be responsible for certain event costs and expenses, including public safety cost.
Key Entities Related to Hosting SBLX
Several major entities have responsibilities and relationships with the City and Stadium Authority in relation to hosting SBLX at Levi’s® Stadium. A list of the entities and their respective roles is provided below.
Bay Area Host Committee (BAHC):
The Bay Area Host Committee, a non-profit 501(c)(6) organization, exists for the primary purpose of facilitating positive economic and societal impact to the region through major sporting events. The non-profit corporation is focused on bringing world-class events to the Bay Area to drive economic vitality, foster community-wide engagement, instill civic pride, and elevate global recognition. BAHC’s Board of Directors is comprised of regional leaders and representatives from professional sports teams-including Bay FC, the Golden State Warriors, the Golden State Valkyries, the San Francisco 49ers, the San Francisco Giants, the San Jose Earthquakes, and the San Jose Sharks.
National Football League (NFL):
The NFL, or National Football League, is the top professional American football league in the United States, consisting of 32 teams. The league is divided into two conferences: the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC), each with 16 teams. The NFL regular season typically runs from September to early January, with each team playing 17 games. At the end of the regular season, the top teams from each conference advance to the playoffs, culminating in the Super Bowl, the NFL championship game, which is generally played on the second Sunday in February. The NFL partners with one of their teams, local agencies, and regional host entities (such as BAHC) to organize the annual Super Bowl event.
Santa Clara Stadium Authority (SCSA):
The Santa Clara Stadium Authority exists as a public body, separate and distinct from the City of Santa Clara, and was established to provide for the development and operation of Levi's® Stadium. The elected members of the City Council serve as the governing board for the Authority, with the Mayor serving as chair, the City Manager as the Executive Director, and the City Attorney as the Authority’s General Counsel. Levi’s Stadium is the premier outdoor sports and entertainment venue in Northern California.
City of Santa Clara:
The City of Santa Clara is the local jurisdiction where Levi's Stadium is located, and lead agency responsible for public safety, transportation management, and permitting for the events.
Forty Niners Entities:
• Forty Niners SC Stadium Company, LLC (StadCo)
StadCo leases Levi's Stadium for NFL games.
• Forty Niners Stadium Manager Company LLC (ManCo / Stadium Manager)
ManCo/Stadium Manager manages Levi's Stadium on behalf of StadCo and Stadium Authority under the terms of a formal Management Agreement
• Forty Niners Football Company LLC (TeamCo)
TeamCo operates as a business and management arm of the Forty Niners organization, overseeing the team's interests in Levi’s Stadium and related NFL team operations.
Regional, State, and Federal Government Partners:
Various governmental entities from the regional, state, and federal level will work with the City, Stadium Authority, ManCo, and BAHC on public safety, emergency management, transportation, and other items for SBLX. Such entities include but are not limited to: Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Valley Transit Authority (VTA), Bay Area Transit Authority (BART), Caltrans, County of Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office, City and County of San Francisco, California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES).
Major Events Informational Reports
On March 5, 2024, the City Council and Stadium Authority Board adopted the SBLX Guiding Principles, which are as follows:
1. Professionally oversee Super Bowl LX in a manner that positively highlights the City of Santa Clara and celebrates the rich diversity of City of Santa Clara’s neighborhoods.
2. Attain reimbursement of all event costs, including public safety (pre- and post-event costs).
3. Ensure direct benefits to the Santa Clara community and Santa Clara businesses.
4. Plan and provide for communication and engagement with residential neighborhoods adjacent to Levi’s Stadium and other venues that will be utilized for large events.
5. Ensure specific benefits to and involvement of Santa Clara youth and adult football programs.
6. Seek revenue generating utilization of the Santa Clara Convention Center and other event and recreation spaces (including college and school facilities) in the City of Santa Clara without any impact to the General Fund.
7. Seek mitigation of City and Stadium Authority financial risks and liabilities.
8. Engage in transparent communication on pre-planning efforts, with periodic progress reports to the City Council, including reports published on the City’s website to promote engagement and awareness for residential neighborhoods adjacent to the Stadium and the City as a whole.
9. Pledge that the Santa Clara City Council, Stadium Authority Board, and City staff will follow the law, act ethically and transparently with the expectation that other parties do the same.
In alignment with SBLX Guiding Principle #8, staff have presented Informational Reports on Super Bowl LX and FWC26 on these dates: March 5, 2024 and August 27, 2024.
On August 27, 2024, staff presented an Informational Report on Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup 2026 updates. Information on the August 27, 2024 update to the City Council/SCSA Board can be found on the City’s website at: <https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/santa-clara-stadium-authority/super-bowl-60-and-fifa-world-cup>, under “Public Meetings.” The discussion included the following items related to SBLX:
Stadium-Related Time Reporting and Reimbursement (CMD 136)
An updated City Manager’s Directive (CMD) 136 was issued that provided revised payroll codes for staff working on FWC26 and SBLX activities to ensure proper timekeeping.
CMD 136 aligns with Measure J, ensuring no City funds are used for Stadium Authority costs and that all City services provided to Levi’s Stadium and the Forty Niners entities are fully reimbursed.
DISCUSSION
As part of a commitment to provide periodic updates on 2026 Major Event planning efforts, this report provides progress updates and outlines key SBLX planning activities taken by the City and Stadium Authority since the last Informational Report. The information below summarizes the City and Stadium Authority’s preparation efforts, organized into the following areas:
I. Public Safety Planning
a. Police Department
b. Fire Department
c. Visiting Public Safety Officials (VPSO) Program
II. Emergency Management Planning
III. Super Bowl Future Host Cities Program
IV. Santa Clara Convention Center
V. Destination Marketing Organization (DMO)
VI. City Webpage for Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup
VII. Reimbursement/City Service Agreements
a. Super Bowl Pre-Agreement Expenses Reimbursement Agreement
b. SBLX Interim Funding Agreement (SBLX IFA)
c. League Event Agreement
VIII. Community Engagement
I. Public Safety Planning
Police Department
The Santa Clara Police Department continues to work with local, regional, state, federal, and private partners on staffing, resource support, and security planning for SBLX. This includes but is not limited to planning efforts focused on counterterrorism, site security, traffic, transportation, aviation, interoperability, emergency response, cyber security, dignitary protection, crowd management, human trafficking, and crisis management. Staff have also assessed Stadium and local area security, as well as identified equipment and infrastructure needs. Police staff have collaborated to develop cost estimates for planning, training, equipment, and event staffing.
Police staff participated in a regional Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Northern California Regional Intelligence Center (NCRIC) tabletop exercise, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Community Level Assessment process, and a regional hazardous materials briefing.
Staff have also recently attended various training courses and conferences that enhance readiness for SBLX, and all special events. Coursework and conference topics have included: Sports Venue and Special Event Risk Management, Evacuation and Protective Actions, Enhanced Risk Management and Assessment, Public Information and Emergency Notification, as well as Interoperability and Cyber-Security.
Police supported a grant application to improve the Common Operating Picture (COP) platform among various law enforcement agencies.
In December 2024, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) appointed a Federal Coordination Team (FCT) for SBLX. The team has been working closely with Police staff since the appointment. The FCT will facilitate federal support for SBLX, as well as coordinate federal response and security assistance activities to aid federal, state, and local agencies’ existing security structure and other operations.
In February 2025, staff met with NFL Security leadership and ManCo to discuss safety, security, and operational planning needs. Perimeter security discussions and site surveys were conducted to prepare for SBLX.
Fire Department
Fire personnel have supported efforts to develop cost estimates for planning, training, equipment, and staffing. Fire staff also participated in a DHS/CISA interoperability and cyber-security conference, coordinated with other major venues, and provided a briefing for Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs.
Fire personnel participated in DHS’s “ChemPrep” program. These efforts help to ensure a well-coordinated emergency response for regular large-scale events in the City as well as the 2026 Major Events.
Visiting Public Safety Officials (VPSO) Program
The Super Bowl LIX VPSO program is a coordinated effort to integrate law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, and other public safety officials from different jurisdictions into the security and operational framework of Super Bowl LIX. This program is designed to: 1) enhance security coordination by bringing in trained public safety personnel from various agencies; 2) support large-scale event operations by supplementing local resources with external expertise; and 3) ensure consistency in emergency response through standardized protocols and joint training. This is the second year that staff has participated in the VPSO program; last year’s Super Bowl LVIII VPSO Program was held from February 7-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The VPSO program is a key part of major event security planning, ensuring that enough trained personnel are available to handle public safety, crowd management, and emergency response. The program is overseen by local law enforcement and the NFL.
Santa Clara public safety personnel from the City’s Police Department, Fire Department, and Office of Emergency Management attended the VPSO program in New Orleans, Louisiana (February 5-10, 2025). Representatives from the following agencies also participated in the VPSO Program:
• County of Santa Clara Sheriff’s Office
• San Jose Police Department
• San Francisco Police Department
• San Francisco Fire Department
• California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (CalOES)
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
The VPSO program allowed Santa Clara personnel to observe security operations at SBLIX, including:
• FBI Intelligence Operations Center
• FBI Joint Operations Center
• New Orleans Police Department Real Time Crime Center
• New Orleans Emergency Operations Center
• New Orleans 9-1-1 Communications Center
• DHS/HSI Exterior Command Post
• DHS/HSI Counter-UAS Command
• NFL Fan Experience and Superdome security walkthroughs
• Superdome Command Post
• Perimeter security operations
• External/internal security operations
• Fan behavior/crowd management and transit planning assessments
The City executed a VPSO Reimbursement Agreement with BAHC (Attachment 1) to reimburse $100,000 of the estimated $189,610 total VPSO costs. Additionally, the 49ers agreed to reimburse $57,000 of the VPSO costs. The Stadium Authority covered the estimated balance of $32,610 to support additional training of public safety personnel.
II. Emergency Management Planning
Office of Emergency Management (OEM) staff assisted with scheduling, information management, and initial assessments for a series of DHS Critical Infrastructure assessments for SEAR-rated events.
To improve coordination, OEM staff participated in internal and external planning meetings to develop the communication, command, and control plan for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), Joint Operations Center (JOC), and regional operations coordination footprint for major events. Collaborative efforts also included meetings with operational area, regional, and FIFA emergency management partners to align planning strategies. Staff contributed to grant application planning meetings aimed at enhancing the COP Application Platform (referenced earlier), ensuring more effective situational awareness and decision-making.
OEM initiated an update to the Concept of Operations planning template documents to reflect key details for upcoming 2026 events, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated approach to event management and emergency response.
III. Future Host Cities Program
Concurrent to the VPSO Program, BAHC invited staff to attend the NFL Future Host Cities Program information sessions and meetings with key stakeholders that was held in New Orleans, Louisiana from Thursday, February 6, through Friday, February 7, 2025, prior to Super Bowl LIX. This program is specifically designed to equip future host cities with a comprehensive understanding of the NFL’s pregame and game-day operational requirements. City staff and representatives from the Stadium Manager, BAHC, and other regional stakeholder entities (e.g. Santa Clara Convention Center, City of San Jose, City and County of San Francisco, SF Travel Association, San Jose Sports Authority, etc.) participated in the Future Host City Program. The program provided critical insights into key Super Bowl operations, including a detailed overview of public safety efforts, security measures, emergency communications, risk assessment protocols, crowd management, stadium interior and exterior buildouts, and transportation strategies.
Staff participated in meetings with the NFL that covered relevant topics, including security and public safety protocols, community relations, local procurement strategies, marketing and décor, hospitality, workforce planning, and coordination with the New Orleans Host Committee. These discussions provided valuable insights and best practices that will help the City strategically plan and execute the Super Bowl LX in 2026.
IV. Santa Clara Convention Center (SCCC) Preparation
The Santa Clara Convention Center serves as a key city asset to enhance visitor experience, promote tourism, and ensure seamless event operations during SBLX. SCCC preparation efforts for the upcoming 2026 Major Events include significant facility upgrades to maximize revenue opportunities, which include full restroom renovations, digital signage upgrades, and ballroom enhancements.
V. Destination Marketing Organization (DMO)
Discover Santa Clara® (DMO), in partnership with Madden Media, has launched a strategic marketing plan to enhance visibility and economic impact for SBLX. A cohesive sports campaign will integrate branding across partner hotel kits, trade show booths, and digital ads to build excitement leading up to the events.
The paid media strategy will drive engagement before the events, encouraging trip planning and extended stays. During the events, targeted promotions will guide visitors to local dining and attractions, while post-event campaigns will retarget attendees with incentives to return. Public relations efforts include influencer mailer boxes, press collaborations, and participation in high-impact media marketplaces.
To further showcase Santa Clara, familiarization (FAM) trips will bring top writers and meeting planners to experience the city’s venues and attractions firsthand. Additionally, a dedicated visitor guide will highlight key experiences for SBLX attendees. The DMO is also collaborating with the Bay Area Host Committee to support initiatives like the Supplier Diversity Program and event promotions.
Launched in February 2025 as part of an omnichannel marketing effort, the redesigned website, www.DiscoverSantaClara.org <http://www.DiscoverSantaClara.org>, serves as a key resource for visitors and planners, offering essential features to enhance their experience. Here are the key features of the redesign:
• Real-Time Hotel Booking with 11 partner hotels.
• Easy RFP Submissions via Cvent’s White Label tool
• Dedicated SBLX & FWC26 Landing Pages with event updates
• Multi-Language Support for global accessibility
VI. City Webpage for Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup
The homepage (www.santaclaraca.gov <http://www.santaclaraca.gov>) of the City’s website now features a prominent link to the new Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup dedicated webpage (https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/santa-clara-stadium-authority/super-bowl-lx-and-fifa-world-cup). The webpage, which lives under the Santa Clara Stadium Authority, was published to provide information to the public about the major sports events coming to Santa Clara in 2026. As the year progresses, the page will be updated with timely information about each of the events and helpful links to partner agencies and organizations that are also involved in the planning process. Additional information about public meetings held to date on Super Bowl LX and FIFA World Cup, supporting documents, and background information can also be viewed on the webpage.
VII. Reimbursement/City Service Agreements
Super Bowl Pre-Agreement Expenses Reimbursement Agreement
BAHC has agreed to pay $61,000 of City’s staff time costs for all staff time billed to the Super Bowl event during the timeframe July 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. An additional $4,000 related to a training session that occurred in November 2024 is also under discussion. The terms are outlined in a reimbursement agreement (Attachment 2).
SBLX Interim Funding Agreement (SBLX IFA)
The City and BAHC have entered into an Interim Funding Agreement (Attachment 3) covering specified expenses related to the event planning by the City for police, fire/office of emergency management, and public works staffing costs at City’s standard full cost recovery rates and related out-of-pocket expenses associated with the planning, coordination, and preparation for Super Bowl LX. The agreement covers eligible costs from January 1, 2025 through the earlier to occur of May 31, 2025 or the execution date of the SBLX League Agreement, which is currently being negotiated. The maximum amount of Interim Event Costs to be paid by BAHC to the City under the terms of this Agreement is $150,000. However, the agreement includes provisions for the parties to meet and confer once incurred costs exceed $120,000 to determine an appropriate increase of the Interim Agreement Maximum Payment Amount. Key terms are substantially similar to the FWC26 IFA.
League Event Agreement
As noted above, the City is currently negotiating the terms of a League Event Agreement with BAHC. The League Event Agreement is envisioned to be the primary contractual agreement between the City of Santa Clara and the Bay Area Host Committee that outlines the overall guidelines, reimbursement provisions, cost estimates, equipment needs (leased or purchased), and other terms necessary for the City to provide services in support of SBLX and mitigate risk to the City. At a minimum, the agreement will include terms covering the following areas:
• Super Bowl service needs and preliminary city cost estimates
• Process for updating cost estimates
• Process for reimbursement of Super Bowl services costs
• Event planning and training expenses
• Payment/reimbursement processes
• Cost reconciliation/dispute resolution
• Implementation of any NFL required capital improvements at no cost to City/Stadium Authority
• Reimbursement obligations for equipment purchases and leases
• Permits and processing
• Financial guaranty of certain Super Bowl LX league event obligations, including payments for City services
• Marketing and promotion of the City
• Special event zone provisions
• Point of sale designations
• Risk management (indemnities and insurance)
• Late payments, default, and remedies
Staff and BAHC are aiming to complete negotiations and have an agreement before the City Council prior to the May 31, 2025 expiration of the SBLX Interim Funding Agreement.
VIII. Community Engagement
As the host city for SBLX, the City has a unique opportunity to showcase and celebrate our vibrant community. The City is launching several initiatives to engage residents and visitors alike, ensuring that our community can take part in the excitement of this event and other major events in 2026.
Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative
Mayor Gillmor was selected for the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative (Initiative). As a part of the Initiative, the Mayor is allowed to select a focus for a City project. Mayor Gilmor has chosen to focus on community engagement, transparency, and accountability for major events in 2026, ensuring they deliver public benefits and foster collaboration with stakeholders. To support this effort, the City will host a summer fellow from Harvard University, who will contribute to the development of a comprehensive Stadium Event Plan and Communications Strategy. This strategy will outline effective ways to engage the public, build public trust, and strengthen relationships with key city partners, including tourism boards, local businesses, and event facilities.
Community Event Programming
The City recognizes that most of our residents will not have an opportunity to attend Super Bowl LX, and with NFL-hosted events taking place in other neighboring cities, staff is committed to ensuring the Santa Clara community still feels part of the excitement. To foster local engagement, the City is planning a variety of activations and programs for residents to enjoy. To drive this initiative forward, the City Manager is forming a stakeholder group to help plan and coordinate these community-focused events.
Economic Development
SBLX presents a great opportunity for Santa Clara to stand out, promoting the City as a premier destination for visitors and a thriving hub for businesses. The City will provide regular updates on its economic development initiatives designed to maximize the opportunities presented by the major events coming to Santa Clara in 2026. In collaboration with our Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), Convention Center, and other partners, these plans will be shared with the Economic Development and Marketing Committee and also included in Council updates.
The City has developed a City Asset Marketing Program (CAMP) that will leverage City assets for advertising and marketing opportunities in coordination with BAHC, 49ers, NFL, and NFL commercial affiliates. This will be done in coordination with a consultant at no upfront cost to the city as the fee for advertising and marketing coordination services will be on a commission-only basis. The City is currently reviewing proposals to the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Development, Implementation, and Management of City Asset Marketing Program that was published on February 19, 2025.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item other than administrative staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated between the Executive Director and Stadium Authority Counsel’s Offices.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Council agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Note and file this informational report on Super Bowl LX planning efforts.
Staff
Reviewed by: Chuck Baker, Assistant City Manager/Assistant Executive Director
Approved by: Jovan D. Grogan, City Manager/Executive Director
ATTACHMENTS
1. VPSO Reimbursement Agreement at Super Bowl 59
2. BAHC Super Bowl Pre-Agreement Expenses Agreement
3. BAHC Interim Funding Agreement Super Bowl LX