2026 Super Bowl in Santa Clara: A Playbook for Record-Breaking Revenue

The 2026 Super Bowl isn’t just the biggest night in sports—it is the ultimate “gold mine” for vacation rental property managers in Northern California. With Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara taking center stage, the surrounding 30-mile radius is already seeing a massive surge in demand.

If you’ve been treating February as a quiet “off-season” month, it’s time to call an audible. The data shows that the “Big Game” is fundamentally shifting the market, and property managers who prepare now stand to see revenue gains that are, quite literally, off the charts.

The Numbers: 2026 Super Bowl Pacing vs. Last Year

When we compare the 2026 Super Bowl weekend (February 4-9, 2026) to the same period in 2025 (STLY), growth is staggering. Here is the breakdown of the closest 10,000 listings within the stadium’s radius, with data taken from PriceLabs Market Dashboard and World STR Index:

Key Insights: What the Data Tells Us

1. Demand is Surging Early

Booked nights have surged by 367% compared to the same period last year. While the overall occupancy currently sits at 16%, remember that we are over a year away from the event. This high early volume suggests that corporate groups, sponsors, and die-hard fans are already locking down premium inventory.

What this means for property managers: If your calendar isn’t open yet, you are already behind. Early birds prioritize luxury vacation rentals and proximity. Ensure your “Available Nights” are live to capture this high-intent traffic.

2. ADR is the Real MVP

The most eye-popping stat is the +136% jump in Average Daily Rate. Prices have moved from a baseline of $328 to an average of $774. This drives a phenomenal +572% increase in RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room).

What this means for property managers: Don’t price blindly. A “flat” event rate of $500 might sound great, but the market average is already approaching $800. Using a dynamic pricing tool like PriceLabs to track real-time demand ensures you aren’t leaving hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on the table.

3. Travelers are Staying Longer and Planning Further Ahead

The booking window has stretched to 132 days, and the average length of stay has increased to 8.5 nights. This isn’t just a “Sunday game” trip; it’s a week-long experience.

What this means for property managers: Consider setting a minimum stay restriction of 4-5 nights during Super Bowl week. Fans traveling from out of state often turn the event into a full vacation, and longer stays mean fewer turnovers and higher total booking value for you.

Navigating Regulations in the Bay Area

As the 2026 Super Bowl approaches, local municipalities in Santa Clara, San Jose, and Sunnyvale are likely to ramp up enforcement of short-term rental laws.

• Registration is Mandatory: Most cities within the stadium’s radius require a Business Tax Certificate or an STR permit. Ensure your permit number is clearly displayed on your listing to avoid being delisted during peak demand weeks.
• Occupancy Caps: Be mindful of “party” regulations. Large sporting events often tempt guests to host gatherings. Clearly state your maximum occupancy and noise policies in your house rules to protect your property and your “social license to operate” in the neighborhood.

Pro Tips to Win Big on Game Day

The Super Bowl 2026 isn’t just a game; it’s a high-stakes revenue event that requires a different strategy than your typical peak season. To truly “win big” in New Orleans for February 2026, you need to go beyond standard hosting and execute a professional revenue management and guest experience plan.

Here is your expert playbook for maximizing returns:

1. Tackle Your Pricing Strategy Early

• Dynamic Adjustments: Don’t rely on “set-it-and-forget-it” rates; use tools like PriceLabs to monitor real-time demand spikes and competitor moves, ensuring you don’t underprice your premium dates.
• Gradual Increases: As the event approaches and inventory declines, gradually raise your rates to capture late-arriving fans willing to pay a premium.
• Yield over Volume: For mega-events, prioritize achieving a higher Average Daily Rate (ADR) over 100% occupancy too early in the booking window.

2. Score with Strategic Booking Policies

• Implement Multi-Night Minimums: Use length-of-stay restrictions to reduce turnover costs and maximize your total revenue per booking. A 7-night minimum can protect your calendar from awkward “orphan gaps”.
• Strict Cancellation Rules: Major events generate significant hype but also carry risk; protect your income by setting non-refundable policies or strict cancellation policies to prevent last-minute revenue loss.
• Verify Your Bench: With large groups comes a higher risk; ensure your short-term rental insurance is up to date and explicitly covers event-related damages.

3. Upgrade Your “Game Day” Amenities

Catering to sports fans means providing the ultimate viewing and tailgating experience:

• Tech Essentials: Invest in high-speed Wi-Fi and smart TVs with premium streaming services so fans can catch every highlight and pre-game show.
• The Ultimate Tailgate Base: Highlight outdoor grills, spacious gathering areas, and extra cooler space in your listing.
• Group Comfort: Since sports tourists often travel in larger groups, maximize space with extra sleeping options such as high-quality sofa beds or bunk beds.

4. Upsell Like a Pro

Turn a standard stay into a premium experience by offering short-term rental upsells or add-ons before check-in:

• Pre-Stocked Fridge: Offer to stock the kitchen with game-day snacks, local brews, and grilling supplies so guests can avoid the grocery store rush upon arrival.
• Curated Welcome Baskets: Upsell “NOLA Game Day” baskets featuring local specialty meats, artisan cheeses, and team-branded keepsakes.
• Local Partnerships: Collaborate with local vendors to offer private chef services, walking food tours, or arrange transportation to the Caesars Superdome.

5. Master Your Listing’s “Away Game” Marketing

• Keyword Optimization: Optimize your listing titles and descriptions with searchable taglines like “Super Bowl LIX Luxury Stay” or “Walk to Superdome”.
• Highlight Proximity: Explicitly state the distance (in walking minutes or miles) to the stadium and major fan zones.
• Thematic Photography: Swap your primary photo to show your home’s “game-day vibe”—think perfectly placed team-colored pillows or a stocked bar cart.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is February a high-demand month in Santa Clara? 

Typically, February is a moderate month for the Bay Area. However, the 2026 Super Bowl creates a significant anomaly, making that week the highest-demand period of the year, outperforming even the busiest summer months.

2. How early should I set my rates for the 2026 Super Bowl? 

Now. The data shows the booking window is already at 132 days and growing. Travelers are already searching. If you wait until 2026 to set your rates, you’ll likely miss out on the highest-paying corporate bookings.

3. Will the increased supply of rentals (up +4%) lower my prices? 

While supply is increasing slightly, the demand (up +367%) is far outstripping it. This “supply compression” means you have significant pricing power. Use PriceLabs Market Dashboards to monitor precisely how many of your neighbors are booking and at what rates.