Your Guide to Experiencing San Francisco During Big Game Week
American football’s most electrifying and anticipated night of the year is almost upon us. On Sunday, the 8th of February 2026, this season’s top two football teams will take to the field in the San Francisco Bay Area to vie for glory in what promises to be a monumental clash.
While the state-of-the-art Levi’s Stadium will host the action, the city of San Francisco is where the Big Game build-up will unfold. Here, visitors can enjoy a dazzling playbook full of experiences – from immersive fan festivals and superstar performances to vineyard day trips, stunning coastal scenery, and some of the finest dining in the country – all infused with unmistakable West Coast charm.
Whether you’re drawn to the action on the field or an array of sought-after events in the city, arriving by private jet or group charter with Air Partner sets the tone for an unforgettable trip. With extensive experience, unrivalled industry relationships, and the ability to secure coveted aircraft and airport slots even during periods of peak demand, Air Partner ensures your journey is as seamless and luxurious as the week itself.
Big Game Week Highlights: Must-Attend Events
From festivals and panel discussions to concerts and culinary masterclasses, here’s a rundown of the must-attend events taking place from the 2nd to the 7th of February 2026:
Opening Night
Kicking off game week is the Opening Night celebrations, taking place on Monday 2nd February at the San Jose Convention Center. Ticket holders will have the opportunity to hear directly from coaches and players in their only public appearance of the week. Always an exciting, high-energy night, this year promises to be no different.
American Football Festival
Hosted at the Moscone Center from the 3rd to the 7th, this immersive, family-friendly festival offers fun for all ages. Here you’ll be able to test your skills in a range of interactive games – from racing virtual players in the 40-yard dash to passing and kicking accuracy tests with specially designed targets – as well as have the chance to shop limited edition merchandise, meet past and present American football stars, and take pictures with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all 59 rings.
BAHC Live! San Francisco Fan Zone at Yerba Buena Gardens
Also running from the 3rd to the 7th, the Fan Zone, conveniently located next to the Moscone Center, provides a distinctively Bay Area lens through which to experience the celebrations. Expect a jubilant atmosphere, cutting-edge tech displays, sponsor activations, fabulous cuisine, and plenty of live performances.
Culture Club at The Pearl
From the 4th to the 7th, this members’ club-inspired venue will offer an intimate environment where the worlds of sport, fashion, gaming, art, music, and technology will converge. Guests can enjoy a curated line-up of panel discussions, art installations, live performances, and bespoke brand collaborations, all in a refined setting designed to encourage genuine connection between today’s cultural leaders.
BAHC Live! at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
With the incredible Benson Boone headlining Thursday 5th, DJ and Producer Martin Garrix performing on Friday 6th, and country music legend Chris Stapleton taking to the stage on Saturday 7th, it’s no surprise that BAHC Live! tickets are some of the hottest of the week.
Taste of American Football
A favourite event amongst American football-loving foodies, this year’s edition will take place at The Hibernia on Saturday, 7th. The event will see American football legends paired with top chefs from the Bay Area and beyond to create an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The guest list is always star-studded, and with all proceeds supporting initiatives to combat youth food poverty, it’s a night where food, football, and philanthropy come together in spectacular style.
Iconic Sites & Elevated Experiences in San Francisco
No visit to ‘The City by the Bay’ is complete without exploring its legendary landmarks, characterful neighbourhoods, and world-class cultural offerings. Begin with the 1.7-mile Golden Gate Bridge – a remarkable feat of engineering and one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks. Admire it from a private bay cruise, walk or cycle across it, or marvel at its scale from a helicopter charter.
A short ferry ride from the city takes you to Alcatraz Island, one of America’s most infamous historic sites. Known as “The Rock”, the former maximum-security penitentiary housed some of the nation’s most notorious inmates until its closure in 1963 – earning a fearsome reputation summed up by the saying, “Break the rules, and you go to prison; break the prison rules, and you go to Alcatraz.”
After the prison shut down, the island assumed a new and unexpected significance when it was occupied by Native American activists in 1969, becoming a powerful symbol of the Native American civil rights movement and helping to drive lasting policy change. Today, the island and prison form part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and a private guided tour offers a fascinating insight into the region’s complex past.
Back on shore, exploring San Francisco’s diverse neighbourhoods is one of the best ways to experience the city’s character. North Beach blends Italian heritage with lively cafés and historic restaurants, while Fisherman’s Wharf buzzes with energy, is home to the resident sea lion population, and offers a perfect starting point for a ride on the city’s much-loved cable cars.
For those drawn to luxury shopping, Union Square is a must, boasting high-end department stores and flagship designer boutiques. Meanwhile, culture enthusiasts will find plenty to entertain them in sophisticated SoMa, the city’s contemporary cultural hub, home to premier hotels, acclaimed restaurants, and impressive museums and galleries, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Sample the World-Class Culinary Scene
Dining in San Francisco is both elevated and deeply rooted in place, with Northern California’s fertile farmland and coastal waters shaping the area’s famed farm-to-table ethos. The city is home to 26 Michelin-starred restaurants, including 3-star wonders Quince, Benu, and Atelier Crenn, where tasting menus comprising locally sourced, seasonal produce take centre stage.
The city’s pride in its produce can also be felt at the many farmers' markets, including the ever-popular Ferry Plaza Farmers Market, where you’ll find fresh seafood, artisanal breads, and small-batch specialties. As for must-try dishes, a hollowed-out San Francisco sourdough filled with steaming clam chowder is a city staple – and for very good reason.
Where To Stay: VIP Hotels & Private Residences
Whether you favour SoMa classics like the St. Regis or Four Seasons, prefer the sweeping waterfront views at Fairmont Heritage Place, or opt to relax in a private residence in upmarket Pacific Heights, San Francisco accommodations will not disappoint. Many top hotels are also offering curated VIP packages and events for Big Game guests.
Beyond The Bay
After the final whistle (and the revelry that undoubtedly follows), California’s many natural wonders provide the perfect places to unwind. Swap the roar of the crowd for the tranquillity of Yosemite, the towering redwoods of Big Basin State Park, or the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Coast Highway, stopping off to soak up the laid-back allure of California’s coastal towns.
For wine lovers, few temptations are as compelling as a private helicopter transfer to Sonoma or Napa Valley, where you can touch down alongside rolling vineyards for exclusive tastings and sumptuous stays at some of the world’s most revered wineries.
Bay Area Airports for Private Jets
As a global hub for technology, finance, and innovation – and a perennial favourite among discerning leisure travellers – it’s no surprise that the San Francisco Bay Area is exceptionally well served when it comes to private aviation.
For those flying in for the Big Game, San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is the top choice thanks to its impressive FBOs and convenient location only 5 miles from Levi’s Stadium. Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Hayward Executive Airport (HWD) are also popular alternatives, both known for their efficient private aviation facilities and ease of access to San Francisco and the wider Bay Area.
Touchdown in Style with Air Partner
Big Game Week 2026 has already seen huge global demand, both in the air and on the ground. With exceptionally busy airspace predicted and packed event schedules to navigate, expert travel planning makes all the difference.
With access to the ideal aircraft for any flight range or group size, and specialist Account Managers on hand to curate a personalised Big Game itinerary, Air Partner ensures every detail of your journey is handled with the utmost care and precision.
From securing preferred aircraft to optimising airport slots and aligning flight schedules with your wider plans, our global team delivers travel solutions that are seamless, discreet, and tailored entirely to you. Backed by a top-spec fleet, decades of experience, and trusted industry relationships, Air Partner is uniquely positioned to manage the complexities of peak-demand events with ease.
To discuss your 2026 Big Game travel requirements, contact our expert Private Jets or Group Charter team today.
