REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Action on a joint Resolution of the City of Santa Clara and Stadium Authority Authorizing the Display of the “Where the Mission Meets the Moment” flag from January 14, 2026 to December 2026 and the Super Bowl LX flag from January 14, 2026 to February 9, 2026.
Report
BACKGROUND
In 2026, the City of Santa Clara will be hosting two major sporting events National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl LX (SBLX) and six Fédération Internationale de Football (FIFA) Men’s World Cup 2026 (FWC26) matches at Levi’s® Stadium (Stadium).
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. SBLX will be held at the Stadium on February 8, 2026.
To celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of hosting these two events in one year, Santa Clara developed, through community input, a community engagement campaign “Where the Mission Meets the Moment.” The campaign’s primary purpose is to foster community pride and belonging, ensuring that residents feel ownership, excitement, and connection as Santa Clara prepares to welcome the world. The City Council approved the branding (logo and mark) for the campaign.
On August 28, 2018, the City Council approved Council Policy 48 (Attachment 2) titled “Display of Flags,” which established guidelines for the exhibition of the United States of America flag, California State flag, City of Santa Clara flag, and the display of ceremonial flags at City facilities and at City Hall. Per Council Policy 48, the City Council may by resolution authorize the display of a ceremonial flag for a period of time that is reasonable or customary for the subject that is to be commemorated, but no longer than 30 continuous days.
DISCUSSION
To mark the beginning of 2026 a milestone year in which Santa Clara will host globally significant events, the City proposes to fly a commemorative “Where the Mission Meets the Moment” flag from January 2026 through December 2026. The “Where the Mission Meets the Moment” flag will be displayed at City Hall and other City facilities as determined by the City Manager. This flag will serve as a visible symbol of the City’s community engagement campaign and its role on the world stage. As the campaign is for 2026, staff recommends that the City Council waive the 30-day continuous maximum restriction for the display of a ceremonial flag.
Additionally, in anticipation of hosting Super Bowl LX, the staff proposes to display the official Super Bowl LX flag from January 2026 through February 9, 2026. The Super Bowl LX flag will be displayed at Levi’s® Stadium. Display of the Super Bowl LX flag is subject to NFL approval, which is currently pending. If approval is not granted, the City will be unable to display the flag.
In accordance with Council Policy 48, it is recommended that the City Council and Stadium Authority adopt a joint resolution authorizing the display of the “Where the Mission Meets the Moment” flag from January 2026 to December 2026, waive the 30 continuous day requirement, and authorize the display of the Super Bowl LX flag from January 14, 2026, to February 9, 2026.
Should a FIFA flag become available, staff will bring forward a report for Council’s consideration and authorization regarding the display of a ceremonial FIFA flag.
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(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to the City other than staff time.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated with the City Attorney’s Office.
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
Adopt a joint City Council and Stadium Authority resolution (1) waiving the 30 continuous day maximum display period in City Council Policy 48 (“Display of Flags”), and authorizing the display of the “Where the Mission Meets the Moment” flag from January 2026 to December 2026 at City Hall and other suitable locations throughout the City approved by the City Manager, and (2) authorizing the display of the Super Bowl LX flag from January 14, 2026, to February 9, 2026 at Levi’s® Stadium.
Staff
Reviewed by: Paulina Morales, Assistant City Manager
Approved by: Jovan Grogan, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft joint City Council and Stadium Authority Resolution
2. City Council Policy 48 (“Display of Flags”)