Football fans already have one date circled on next year’s calendar. The next NFL championship game will be played on February 14, 2027, and it carries a nickname that writes itself: the Valentine’s Day Super Bowl. This guide covers everything currently known about the matchup, including the venue, the schedule, ticket options, the teams that could reach the game, and the halftime show.
When Is the Big Game?
The championship game, officially called Super Bowl LXI, will take place on Sunday, February 14, 2027. That date closes out the 2026 NFL season, which begins in September 2026 and runs through the new year. The playoffs will start in mid-January 2027, and the postseason bracket will narrow down to two teams over four rounds before the finale.
Because the game lands on Valentine’s Day, many fans expect the league to lean into that theme for marketing and local events. However, nothing about the actual football changes. Kickoff time typically falls in the early evening on the East Coast, with the exact hour confirmed closer to the event.
Where Will It Be Played?
The game returns to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. This will be the venue’s second time hosting the championship. SoFi Stadium first held the game in February 2022, when the Los Angeles Rams won on their home field against the Cincinnati Bengals. That earlier result makes this year’s return especially notable, since home teams rarely get a shot at repeating history in their own building.
SoFi Stadium opened in 2020 and quickly became one of the most talked-about venues in American sports. It seats around 70,000 fans for regular events and can expand toward 100,000 for larger occasions. The stadium also features one of the largest video boards in the world, suspended above the field rather than mounted on a wall.
Los Angeles was chosen partly because of its packed sporting calendar. The region hosted matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will host the Summer Olympics in 2028. Therefore, this Super Bowl slots neatly into a three-year stretch that turns Southern California into a global sports hub.
Quick Facts Table
| Detail | Information |
| Game | Super Bowl LXI |
| Date | February 14, 2027 |
| Venue | SoFi Stadium |
| City | Inglewood, California |
| Seating capacity | Approximately 70,000, expandable |
| Previous host year | Super Bowl LVI, February 2022 |
| Home teams of stadium | Los Angeles Rams, Los Angeles Chargers |
Which Teams Will Play?
No teams have clinched a spot yet. The 2026 regular season needs to finish, and then a full playoff bracket has to play out before anyone knows who will suit up in February. That said, fans can watch a few storylines develop as the season progresses.
The Los Angeles Rams carry extra interest because they would be playing a Super Bowl on their own field for the second time in franchise history. Additionally, the Los Angeles Chargers share SoFi Stadium, so a Los Angeles versus Los Angeles matchup remains a fun, if unlikely, possibility that local fans will discuss all season.
Beyond the home market, the usual contenders from the AFC and NFC will battle through training camp, the regular season, and the postseason. Injuries, coaching changes, and rookie performances can shift the picture quickly, so it is best to treat any early predictions with caution. Once the conference championship games conclude in January 2027, the two finalists will be set.
How to Get Tickets
Super Bowl tickets are famously expensive and hard to find through official channels alone. However, fans have a few realistic paths to consider.
- NFL Ticket Exchange: The league runs an official resale marketplace where verified tickets change hands, often at high prices closer to game day.
- Team allocations: A small number of tickets go to each participating team, and some clubs run fan lotteries for season ticket holders.
- Verified resale platforms: Reputable resale marketplaces list Super Bowl tickets months in advance, though prices fluctuate based on which teams qualify.
- Hospitality packages: Some companies offer bundled experiences that include lodging, transportation, and stadium access at a premium cost.
Prices typically rise once the two finalist teams are confirmed, especially if a popular or nearby franchise makes the game. Fans hoping to attend should set a budget early and monitor prices rather than waiting until the last two weeks, when demand usually spikes. It also helps to buy only through platforms that guarantee ticket authenticity, since counterfeit tickets remain a real risk during major events.
The Halftime Show
As of now, the league has not confirmed a headliner for the Super Bowl LXI halftime show. Announcements traditionally arrive several months before kickoff, often during a nationally televised NFL game in the fall. Recent halftime shows have featured global superstars, and each performance tends to blend elaborate stage design with a career-spanning setlist.
Apple Music has sponsored the halftime show in recent years, working alongside Roc Nation to select performers and produce the segment. Given that pattern, fans should expect a similar production partnership for 2027, though nothing is locked in publicly yet. Once the performer is revealed, expect heavy promotion across streaming platforms, social media, and pregame broadcasts.
Planning a Trip to SoFi Stadium
Attending in person requires more than a ticket. Inglewood sits within the larger Los Angeles metro area, so visitors have several transportation and lodging options to weigh.
Getting There
Los Angeles International Airport sits close to the stadium, making it the most convenient arrival point for out-of-town fans. Additionally, the area has expanded its light rail and shuttle services in recent years, giving visitors alternatives to renting a car. Traffic around the stadium becomes heavy on game day, so arriving early is strongly recommended.
Where to Stay
Hotel rates in Inglewood and nearby neighborhoods rise sharply during Super Bowl week. Fans on a budget might consider staying farther from the stadium and using rideshare or transit services instead. Meanwhile, those who want a shorter commute should book accommodations as early as possible, since rooms near the venue sell out months in advance.
What Surrounds the Stadium
SoFi Stadium sits inside the larger Hollywood Park development, which includes shops, restaurants, and open plazas designed for large crowds. This setup gives fans a place to gather before and after the game without needing a car. Consequently, the surrounding area tends to host fan festivals, concerts, and pop-up events throughout Super Bowl week, not just on the day of the game itself.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
ESPN holds the broadcast rights for this game, marking a notable shift since the network has not previously carried a Super Bowl. ABC will simulcast the broadcast, and Spanish-language coverage will air on ESPN Deportes. Streaming options include ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service, Disney+, and other affiliated platforms. Fans who prefer traditional radio can tune into Westwood One for national coverage.
This marks a shift for viewers accustomed to other major networks handling the broadcast. Therefore, fans should double-check their cable package or streaming subscriptions ahead of time to avoid any last-minute access issues.
A Look Back at SoFi Stadium’s First Super Bowl
Understanding what happened during the venue’s first championship game helps set expectations for this return. In February 2022, the Los Angeles Rams edged the Cincinnati Bengals in a tightly contested finish. That game drew massive attention partly because a team played, and won, in its own stadium, something that happens rarely in the Super Bowl era. Local officials and league executives have pointed to that successful event as one reason the game returned so quickly.
Why This Super Bowl Stands Out
A few details make Super Bowl LXI unusual compared with recent editions. First, the Valentine’s Day date gives it a built-in marketing hook that previous games did not have. Second, the quick return to SoFi Stadium breaks from the league’s usual pattern of rotating among many cities before repeating a site. Third, the game arrives in the middle of a historic run for Los Angeles sports, sandwiched between World Cup matches and the Summer Olympics.
Taken together, these factors suggest the buildup will feel bigger than a typical Super Bowl week, with extra attention on the city itself rather than just the two competing teams.
Conclusion
Super Bowl LXI will be played on February 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The matchup remains unknown until the 2026 season and playoffs conclude, though the Los Angeles Rams and Chargers add local intrigue as the stadium’s home teams. Tickets will likely be costly and competitive, so early planning pays off for anyone hoping to attend. The halftime show performer has not been announced yet, but an announcement should arrive later in 2026. ESPN and ABC will handle the broadcast, giving viewers new ways to watch compared with recent years. Whether you plan to attend in person or watch from home, this Valentine’s Day championship promises to be a memorable close to the NFL season.
Frequently Asked Questions
When exactly is the Super Bowl in 2027?
The game is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027.
Where will the 2027 Super Bowl be held?
SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, will host the game for the second time.
Which teams are playing in Super Bowl LXI?
No teams have qualified yet. The matchup will be determined after the 2026 NFL season and playoffs conclude in January 2027.
Who is performing at the halftime show?
The performer has not been announced. The league usually reveals this closer to the season, often in the fall before the game.
Which network is broadcasting the game?
ESPN and ABC will broadcast the game, with ESPN Deportes offering Spanish-language coverage and Westwood One handling radio.
