San Jose Raises Nearly $5 Million for Epic 2026 Activations

San Jose and the San Jose Sports Authority have secured close to $5 million from corporate, public, and philanthropic partners to support a series of community activations throughout Silicon Valley in 2026. This funding arrives just in time for a major lineup of events, including Super Bowl LX, three March Madness games, and six World Cup matches from February 8 to July 1.

The money will finance over 100 watch parties, 13 concerts featuring national acts like Kehlani, and seven drone shows, with more details forthcoming. Most of these experiences come at no cost to residents and visitors, creating inclusive ways to join the excitement without game tickets. Additional support goes toward local youth programs, ensuring the benefits reach younger community members.

Contributions from Silicon Valley giants such as Adobe, eBay, and Google, along with local entities like Visit San Jose and San Jose Mineta International Airport, make this possible. An estimated 500,000 travelers are expected in the Bay Area for these events, generating $1.4 billion in economic impact that supports hotels, restaurants, small businesses, and cultural areas across the city.

Source: SVBJ

San Jose's Unforgettable 2026: Global Events and Citywide Celebrations Ahead

Happy New Year! 🎆

2026 will stand out as a landmark year for San Jose with two of the world's biggest sporting events right in the South Bay at Levi's Stadium. Super Bowl LX arrives in February, drawing massive crowds to the region. San Jose will host watch parties, concerts, drone shows, and over 100 fan experiences across the city, turning Downtown into a hub of excitement and bringing an economic lift to local businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

Summer brings the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Levi's Stadium hosting multiple matches full of international flair. Fans from around the globe will flood the area, and San Jose hosts fan fests, cultural activations, and events that highlight the city's diversity. Easy access via San Jose Mineta International Airport makes San Jose a prime base for visitors, while residents enjoy the vibrant atmosphere spilling into neighborhoods and venues.

Beyond the stadium spotlight, San Jose's cultural scene will thrive with favorites like San Jose Jazz Summer Fest delivering top performances in Plaza de César Chávez. New housing projects will move forward, adding modern apartments and townhomes to welcome more residents to growing districts. Tech innovations and business expansions keep the momentum strong, creating jobs and opportunities.

This combination of world-class events and steady progress on local projects will position San Jose as a premier destination. From game days to festival nights, 2026 offers countless reasons to take pride in being a San Josean.

San Jose's 2026 Spotlight: Hosting the Super Bowl and World Cup

San Jose stands ready to welcome the world in 2026 with the Super Bowl and six FIFA World Cup matches at Levi's Stadium. This marks a historic moment as the first time any region hosts both events in the same year. Local leaders see this as an opportunity to showcase the city's vibrant energy, drawing visitors to explore Downtown San Jose's new restaurants and ongoing revitalization projects that connect its diverse districts.

The combined economic impact could exceed $1 billion, with the Super Bowl expected to attract 90,000 tourists and the World Cup bringing in 260,000 more. City officials aim to leverage this influx by creating activations around the events, such as culturally inspired concerts tied to participating countries. Businesses are encouraged to adapt, perhaps turning spots into fan headquarters for specific teams to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Tomorrow's World Cup draw on December 5 sets the stage for tailored experiences, revealing which nations will compete here and inspiring local plans. Beyond the stadium, the focus includes community events that offer Super Bowl or World Cup vibes without needing tickets, making the celebrations accessible to residents and visitors alike.

Team San Jose has introduced the San Jose 26 campaign to highlight hotels, dining, and attractions, paired with the Fly, Stay, Play initiative promoting the international airport as a gateway. This effort builds on the city's history of hosting major sports, from past Super Bowls to World Cup games, positioning San Jose as an emerging tourism destination for years ahead.

For more information on events and ways to get involved, visit https://sj26.sanjose.org/

Source: SVBJ