Super Bowl LX Brings $500M Economic Boost to Bay Area

Officials tout big game's impact, but experts cast doubt on inflated estimates

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The Super Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara is estimated to have pumped hundreds of millions of dollars into the Bay Area's economy, as thousands of visitors booked hotel rooms, shopped at local stores, and dined at bars and restaurants. However, some experts argue that such estimates are often grossly inflated and fail to account for negative impacts, such as restaurants seeing fewer customers on game day.

Why it matters

The economic impact of hosting the Super Bowl is a contentious issue, with officials touting the benefits while academics argue the figures are exaggerated. This debate highlights the challenges in accurately measuring the true economic impact of major sporting events on local communities.

The details

According to a report commissioned by the Bay Area Host Committee, the Super Bowl is estimated to have provided a $500 million economic boost to the region, along with $16 million in tax revenue for local governments. However, Stanford professor Roger Noll said such estimates are "almost a joke" and often overlook factors like revenue going to national chains and the "crowding out" of regular tourists and locals. After the 2016 Super Bowl in Santa Clara, a separate report found the economic impact totaled $240 million, or about $325 million in today's dollars.

  • The Super Bowl was held at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on February 11, 2026.
  • Officials aim to complete a detailed analysis of sales tax receipts from Super Bowl LX later this year, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.

The players

Jed York

Principal owner of the Super Bowl host team San Francisco 49ers.

Roger Noll

Professor emeritus of economics at Stanford University who is skeptical of the economic impact estimates.

Lisa Gillmor

Mayor of Santa Clara, who opposed the agreement with the host committee over concerns about reimbursing the city's Super Bowl expenses.

Jeff Bellisario

Executive director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, who believes there is a "clear net positive" regional impact from hosting the Super Bowl.

Jasbir Singh

Owner of The Brit Sports Pub & Patio in downtown San Jose, who saw business jump 250% above normal during Super Bowl weekend.

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What they’re saying

“We've done about $500 million of economic impact in the Bay Area. Over 100,000 room nights, countless events in the communities — we've donated close to $10 million back in the community just this week, and that's a part of the lasting impact.”

— Jed York, Principal owner of the Super Bowl host team San Francisco 49ers (santacruzsentinel.com)

“I just find them almost a joke because they're so non-serious.”

— Roger Noll, Professor emeritus of economics at Stanford University (santacruzsentinel.com)

“The party's over, and we need to have our bills paid.”

— Lisa Gillmor, Mayor of Santa Clara (santacruzsentinel.com)

“There's a clear net positive regionally when you think about the numbers here, no matter what kind of math any economist is doing.”

— Jeff Bellisario, Executive director of the Bay Area Council Economic Institute (santacruzsentinel.com)

“This is the time to make money.”

— Jasbir Singh, Owner of The Brit Sports Pub & Patio in downtown San Jose (santacruzsentinel.com)

What’s next

Santa Clara officials said they aim to complete a detailed analysis of sales tax receipts from Super Bowl LX later this year, though the exact timeline remains uncertain.

The takeaway

The debate over the economic impact of hosting the Super Bowl highlights the challenges in accurately measuring the true benefits and costs for local communities. While officials tout the big numbers, experts argue the estimates are often inflated and fail to account for negative impacts. Ultimately, the full effects of the Big Game are still unclear, and the economic benefits were likely not shared equally across the Bay Area.