Thousands Flock to Super Bowl Fan Fest in San Francisco

The biggest Super Bowl fan event opened to massive crowds, feeling like a school holiday.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 9:23pm by Ben Kaplan

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The Super Bowl Experience at Moscone Center in San Francisco opened its doors on Tuesday, drawing huge crowds of fans, many of whom skipped school or work to attend the main public event of Super Bowl week. The fan fest features an NFL trade show, publicity stunts, competitions, and the possibility of player autograph sessions. Despite the $40 adult ticket price, the event proved too good to pass up for many families, including those who traveled from out of town to soak in the Super Bowl atmosphere.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl Experience is a major part of the Super Bowl festivities, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the excitement of the big game. The massive crowds and school/work truancy highlight the cultural phenomenon the Super Bowl has become, drawing people from all over to participate in the celebration.

The details

The Super Bowl Experience features oversized replicas of all 32 NFL helmets, flag football games, kicking competitions, and a 40-yard dash test of speed. Fans packed into the event, pressing together to try to catch a glimpse of any NFL players who might appear. Despite the high prices, families came from as far as Modesto and Phoenix to take part in the experience, some even bringing notes to excuse their children from school.

  • The Super Bowl Experience opened its doors at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2026.
  • The event runs through Saturday, February 8, 2026.

The players

Lily Moody

A 9-year-old girl who skipped school at Sinclair Elementary in Modesto to attend the Super Bowl Experience with her sister.

Leilah Moody

A 6-year-old girl who skipped school at Sinclair Elementary in Modesto to attend the Super Bowl Experience with her sister.

Justin Moody

The father of Lily and Leilah Moody, who skipped work as an insurance agent to bring his daughters to the Super Bowl Experience.

Daniel Gunther

A 43-year-old man who came up from Stockton with his sons Connor, 12, and Liam, 10, to attend the Super Bowl Experience.

Dylan Sanchez

A 10-year-old boy who skipped music and PE class at John Swett Elementary in Walnut Creek to attend the Super Bowl Experience, hoping to get Bo Jackson's autograph.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted them to have the experience of coming to a Super Bowl event just to see what it's all about.”

— Justin Moody, Father (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Every now and then you've got to do something for fun.”

— Daniel Gunther (San Francisco Chronicle)

“It's a cultural phenomenon, good for his mental health.”

— Katie Sanchez, Fifth grade teacher (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The massive crowds and enthusiasm at the Super Bowl Experience highlight the enduring cultural appeal of the Super Bowl, drawing fans of all ages from near and far to immerse themselves in the excitement of the big game.