Berkeley to Host Star-Studded Flag Football Game During Super Bowl Week

The Celebrity Flag Football Challenge will feature athletes, musicians, and influencers competing at Memorial Stadium.

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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While the official Super Bowl events are happening elsewhere in the Bay Area, Berkeley is getting in on the action with a star-studded flag football game at Memorial Stadium on Thursday night. The event, put on by Celebrity Sweat, will feature teams captained by NBA All-Star Dwight Howard and rapper Quavo, along with a lineup of two dozen other celebrities including Diplo, Adrian Peterson, and Jewell Loyd. The game is free for UC Berkeley students and Berkeley police and firefighters, and a portion of concession sales will be donated to the Berkeley Food Network.

Why it matters

The event is expected to bring a boost to Berkeley's hospitality industry, with the city's hotels seeing increased bookings during Super Bowl week. It also provides an opportunity for Berkeley to showcase itself as a cost-effective destination for those attending Super Bowl festivities in the Bay Area.

The details

The Celebrity Flag Football Challenge will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2026 at Berkeley's Memorial Stadium. The event will feature a 'fan zone' with booths from local organizations and vendors starting at 5 p.m., followed by the flag football game at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through Cal Athletics, and admission is free for UC Berkeley students and Berkeley police and firefighters. While the event is described as 'extremely philanthropic' in support of military members and first responders, the organizers say they do not directly donate money to any related organizations, but rather provide unique experiences and giveaways.

  • The Celebrity Flag Football Challenge will take place on Thursday, February 6, 2026.
  • The fan zone opens at 5 p.m., with the flag football game starting at 7 p.m.

The players

Dwight Howard

An eight-time NBA All-Star who will captain one of the teams.

Quavo

A rapper best known as a member of the group Migos, who will captain the other team.

Celebrity Sweat

The company organizing the Celebrity Flag Football Challenge event.

Visit Berkeley

The city's tourism office, which is sponsoring the event.

Berkeley Food Network

The organization that will receive a portion of the event's concession sales.

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What they’re saying

“We really positioned ourselves as the cost-effective destination for those who want to go to Super Bowl events and the Super Bowl itself. It's a proximity game.”

— Jeffrey Church, CEO of Visit Berkeley (Berkeleyside)

“The goal is to raise awareness and provide unique experiences for local Military Service Members, Military Vets, and First Responders.”

— Sharon Epstein, Celebrity Sweat spokesperson (Berkeleyside)

What’s next

Berkeley tourism officials plan to build on the strategies from Super Bowl Week later in 2026 when Levi's Stadium hosts several World Cup matches.

The takeaway

By hosting a star-studded flag football game during Super Bowl week, Berkeley is able to capitalize on the increased tourism and attention in the Bay Area, providing a cost-effective option for those looking to experience the Super Bowl festivities while also supporting local charities and organizations.