Oakland's Henry J. Kaiser Center Hosts Super Bowl Watch Party

Fans pack the renovated venue to cheer on their favorite teams

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts in Oakland was filled with sports fans for one of the biggest games of the year, the Super Bowl. Fans from across the Bay Area gathered to watch the game together, with some rooting for the Seattle Seahawks and others supporting the New England Patriots. The event was a celebration of community and the newly renovated venue, which had previously hosted Golden State Warriors games and major concerts.

Why it matters

The Super Bowl watch party at the Henry J. Kaiser Center highlights the role that community spaces can play in bringing people together around shared passions, like sports. The event also showcases the ongoing revitalization of Oakland's arts and entertainment scene, with the renovated Kaiser Center serving as a hub for local residents to enjoy major events.

The details

Fans like Bill Glenski, who moved to the Bay Area from Yakima three years ago, were excited to watch the game at the Kaiser Center rather than a crowded bar. Glenski was rooting for the Seahawks, having a personal connection to the team through his kids' friendship with player Cooper Kupp. However, Brigitte Timms, a diehard 49ers fan, couldn't bring herself to support the Seahawks after they eliminated her team. Oakland native Ricky Garner was simply happy to spend time with his community and check out the newly renovated Kaiser Center, which he remembered from its days hosting Warriors games and concerts.

  • The Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts recently underwent renovations, with its grand re-opening happening at the end of January 2026.
  • The Super Bowl watch party took place on February 9, 2026.

The players

Bill Glenski

A fan who moved to the Bay Area from Yakima three years ago and was rooting for the Seattle Seahawks, having a personal connection to the team through his kids' friendship with player Cooper Kupp.

Brigitte Timms

A diehard San Francisco 49ers fan who couldn't bring herself to root for the Seahawks after they eliminated her team.

Ricky Garner

An Oakland native who was excited to spend time with his community and check out the newly renovated Henry J. Kaiser Center, which he remembered from its days hosting Warriors games and concerts.

Cooper Kupp

A Seattle Seahawks player who went to school with Bill Glenski's kids, and whose family Glenski grew up with.

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What they’re saying

“It's a ton of fun, and it's much more enjoyable than going to a little bar. It doesn't matter if you're rooting for the Patriots or Seahawks and everyone is yelling and being supportive of the teams and very sociable.”

— Bill Glenski (CBS News)

“I'm a diehard 49ers fan, [the Seahawks] beat the breaks off of the 49ers, so I'm rooting for the Patriots.”

— Brigitte Timms (CBS News)

“I love it. I used to come here a long time ago back when they used to have the Warriors play here when they just started, and then they moved over to the Coliseum. Then they had a lot of concerts here back in the day.”

— Ricky Garner, Oakland native (CBS News)

What’s next

The Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts plans to host more community events and watch parties in the coming months, capitalizing on the renewed interest and excitement around the renovated venue.

The takeaway

The Super Bowl watch party at the Henry J. Kaiser Center demonstrates the power of community spaces to bring people together around shared passions and experiences. The event highlights the ongoing revitalization of Oakland's arts and entertainment scene, with the renovated Kaiser Center serving as a hub for local residents to enjoy major events and celebrate their city.