Super Bowl 2026 Safety and Security Playbook

‍Heightened Security Ahead of Super Bowl LX

The San Francisco Bay Area  is hosting Super Bowl LX on February 8th and has dramatically increased local security in preparation for the highest visibility event of the year. In particular the city of Santa Clara, where venue Levi’s Stadium is located, has prepared its Emergency Operations Center for any possible disturbance.

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Plans include SWAT teams, facial recognition technology, disaster readiness, and mass casualty training. Moreover, with a normal capacity around 70,000, Levi’s Stadium has experience securing major events, including Super Bowl 50 in 2016. 

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Crime in the Bay Area

According to the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff, both violent and property crime rates are below the national average, (the former having a crime rate of 2.27 per 1000 residents in 2024, the latter with Super Bowl 2026 Safety and Security Playbook). Past Super Bowl celebrations, however, such as the Bay Area's Super Bowl 50 celebrations, have escalated into disorder, involving police dispersals, arrests, and firearms violations. Despite the below-average crime rates, as the big game attracts massive crowds, attendees should remain vigilant.

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The Bay Area is set to see multiple related celebrations throughout the communities. In San Francisco, violent and property crime rates were 5.96 and 39.62 per 1,000 residents in 2024, followed by a 22% drop in violent crime in 2025. Nearby San Mateo is also considered safe, with 2023 violent and property crime rates of 3.43 and 18.96 per 1,000 residents.

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While crime in San Francisco have been high in the past, rates have declined and they are generally safe for travelers, but major events like the Super Bowl can shift normal patterns, making situational awareness important

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Human Trafficking

The Super Bowl is often linked with increased human trafficking, making awareness critical for attending families. When Levi’s Stadium hosted Super Bowl 50, the FBI and local law enforcement made dozens of trafficking-related arrests, and according to Joslyn Law Firm, California recorded 28.9 trafficking victims per 100,000 people from 2019–2023, the eighth-highest rate nationwide.

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The Santa Clara County Human Trafficking Task Force leads the local response, coordinating with law enforcement, social workers, and nonprofit organizations to combat human trafficking during Super Bowl events. The Task Force created a website to provide the public with information and enable reporting of suspicious activity, accessible here: Safety4theBay.

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The Potential for Protests

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced in October 2025 that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel would attend Super Bowl LX. Later statements indicated that ICE would maintain a large and visible presence at the event. While the National Football League (NFL) has not commented on any coordination with ICE, agents are expected to conduct operations around Levi’s Stadium. 

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The announcement prompted an online petition calling for ICE to be barred from the event, which has since gathered over 170,000 signatures. Kickoff and halftime performers Green Day and Bad Bunny have also publicly expressed opposition to ICE. At least one anti-ICE protest is planned for game day at 3:00 pm PST at 2800 Mission College Boulevard, approximately one mile from Levi’s Stadium. A pro-ICE event is also planned at an undisclosed location. 

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Clashes could occur between demonstrators, police, and ICE agents. Police departments advise monitoring security updates through their phone alert systems, which are listed in the resources section below. 

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Entering Levi Stadium

To ensure the safety of attendees, roads, parking lots, and walkways will be closed around the Bay Area, especially Santa Clara. Information regarding closures can be found here: Getting Around. There will be no visitor parking at Levi’s Stadium; instead, officials recommend using the SpotHero App to locate parking. As for public transit, the closest hub is the Great America Transit Station, which will remain open and hosts both Amtrak and Altamont Corridor Express (ACE) trains.

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Preparing for security screening in advance can reduce delays and help improve the entry process. A list of prohibited items is available here: Entry and Security Procedures.

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General Safety Tips

Tips to navigate the crowds and mitigate risks at the Super Bowl:

• Ensure that you plan out your entrance and exit from the stadium.

• Remain aware of your surroundings and avoid activities that occupy your attention, such as being on your phone or using headphones.

• Keep any non-essential valuables in your lodgings and do not bring them to the stadium or any excursions throughout the city.

• Do not access sensitive information on unprotected Wi-Fi networks.

• Familiarize yourself with emergency exits at the stadium and in any other venue you visit.

• Stay with your group and remain conscientious of alcohol consumption.

• Stay up to date with event and stadium information like bag policies, cash or cashless operations, parking, and prohibited item policies.

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Resources

Levi’s Stadium

Address: 4900 Marie P DeBartolo Way, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Website: https://levisstadium.com/  

Phone Number: 408-673-2100

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Important Event Details 

Website: https://www.nfl.com/super-bowl/event-info/gameday-guide-faq  

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Emergency Alert Info

Santa Clara County: Text SBLX to 888-777 

San Mateo County: Text SuperBowl to 672-83

San Francisco: Text SuperBowlSF to 888-777

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Information for the Santa Clara Police 

Address: 3992 Rivermark Parkway, Santa Clara, CA 95054

Phone: 408-615-4744

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Medical Facility Closest to Levi’s Stadium

Address: 700 Lawrence Expressway, Santa Clara, CA 95051

Phone Number: 408-851-5300

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Bay Area Human Trafficking Hotline 

Phone Number: 415-907-9911

Website: https://safety4thebay.org/get-help/human-trafficking/

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As the Super Bowl approaches, businesses must remember that large public events don’t just bring excitement, they also bring increased security risks. Higher foot traffic and visibility can create new opportunities for both physical and digital threats. 

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To stay ahead of these risks, Red5 delivers comprehensive security solutions for organizations to stay prepared before, during, and after major events. Our analysts work alongside your team to provide expert-driven actionable insights that protect your business. Connect with Red5 to learn how expert-driven insights can help protect your business.