Super Bowl LX — on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, with kickoff at approximately 6:30 p.m. ET at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California — is centered on football, but it’s not all about the game. While many Americans are die‑hard football fans, plenty care more about other aspects of the day.
So, what happens when the game becomes ambiance rather than the main event? What will people actually be doing during the Super Bowl 60 broadcast?
Super Bowl Sunday as America’s #2 party day
For non-fans, the TV serves as a backdrop for socializing. Hosts focus on party logistics, while guests chat and mingle, occasionally glancing at the game. Conversation often drifts away from football as people use the occasion to catch up.
Food, drinks & Super Bowl fuel steal the show
Super Bowl Sunday is also the second-largest day for food consumption in America. For many, especially those less interested in the game, food and drinks are the centerpiece of the party. Wings and pizza dominate, but some hosts use the day to showcase regional cuisines. Beer is also a popular choice.
Super Bowl scrolling beats the game for many
Not everyone spends the day socializing or eating. Many are glued to their phones, tweeting about the game, placing or tracking NFL bets, or engaging in activities unrelated to football, such as watching videos or listening to music.
For these viewers, the TV often becomes secondary while the action moves to the smaller screen in their hands. For a fun look at how different fan personalities watch the Big Game — whether focused on football or multitasking — check out “Which Super Bowl Personality Are You?”
Games beyond gridiron: From Super Bowl squares to Bingo
Some people prefer other kinds of games on Super Bowl Sunday. Popular options include football-themed activities like Super Bowl squares, scorers’ pools, guess-the-game contests, or trivia.
Others enjoy games unrelated to football, including classics such as cards or bingo. You can see a playful breakdown of the different party types and their chaos levels in “Super Bowl Party Types by Chaos Level.”
Commercial culture: Bad Bunny, ads & pop phenomena
Many viewers are more interested in the commercials and halftime show than the game itself. This year’s Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show is headlined by global music star Bad Bunny, with special guest performances expected around the broadcast.
Advertisements are often entertaining, and halftime performances are designed to be memorable. Discussions about commercials or the halftime show often begin before the game ends and can continue for days, months, or even years. For more on how Super Bowl commercials have shaped pop culture and why fans talk about them long after the game, see “Super Bowl Commercials and Pop Culture.”
Watercooler talk that has nothing to do with football
The Monday after the Super Bowl is a time for fans to discuss the game. For non-fans, conversations at work often drift elsewhere. Discussions usually pivot to how people spent the previous day, sharing stories about food, parties, and general fun.
The Monday after: Food, culture and sleep
Overindulgence is common on Super Bowl Sunday. Many people eat too much, drink too much, and don’t get enough sleep. As a result, Monday can bring cultural, culinary, and literal hangovers. Employees often spend the day recounting favorite moments from Sunday while struggling to focus on work.
Celebrating the Big Game your way
The Super Bowl — LX featuring the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks — revolves around football, but you don’t need to be a fan to enjoy the day. There are plenty of ways to make the day fun alongside the broadcast, from snacking and socializing to playing games and scrolling.
