San Francisco’s historic Cow Palace is set to transform into the epicenter of Super Bowl Weekend nightlife as the city welcomes athletes, celebrities, and fans for one of 2026’s most anticipated celebrations.

On Saturday, Feb. 7, SI The Party Presented by DraftKings will bring a powerhouse lineup and a full‑scale entertainment experience to the iconic venue, and the Bay Area is gearing up for a night that blends sports culture, music, and big‑game excitement under one legendary roof.

For years, SI The Party has been one of the crown jewels of Big Game Weekend. It’s an event where league owners, franchise executives, star athletes, and Hollywood names all end up under the same roof.

Produced by Authentic Live and Medium Rare, it’s built a reputation as the destination for anyone looking to experience the weekend’s energy without stepping foot inside the stadium. With its move to the Cow Palace, the 2026 edition is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious yet.

Tickets went on sale January 8. Given the history of this event—and the size of the Bay Area audience this year—expect demand to spike quickly.

A lineup built for a festival‑level night

The Chainsmokers, fresh off years of global touring and chart‑topping hits, will bring their signature blend of electronic production and pop‑driven energy. Ludacris adds a completely different flavor—one rooted in early‑2000s hip‑hop dominance, unmistakable charisma, and a catalog of anthems that still hit just as hard today.

DJ Irie, the longtime heartbeat of Miami nightlife and the official DJ of the Miami Heat, will set the tone with an open‑format set that blends hip‑hop, electronic, and global rhythms. Rising DJ and producer Xandra rounds out the lineup with a bold, high‑octane style that’s quickly earning her national attention.

Add in the promise of surprise guests and unannounced moments, and the night is clearly designed to feel more like a curated festival than a traditional Super Bowl party.

A legacy event with serious star power

What makes SI The Party stand out isn’t just the music—it’s the cultural footprint. Sports Illustrated has spent decades at the intersection of sports, entertainment, and lifestyle, and this event has become a physical extension of that identity.

Past editions have drawn everyone from Jeff Bezos and Leonardo DiCaprio to Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, Alex Rodriguez, and Patrick Mahomes. It’s the kind of environment where A‑listers and athletes mix freely, and where the “off‑the‑field” energy of Big Game Weekend comes to life.

Matt Goldstein, EVP of Authentic Live, describes the vision as creating hospitality that feels “intimate and insider, even at the largest events in the world.” That’s been the formula for SI The Party’s rise—and it’s a big reason why the 2026 edition is getting so much early buzz.

DraftKings takes center stage

As the presenting sponsor, DraftKings will once again play a major role in shaping the experience. The DraftKings Lounge will serve as a central hub inside the event, offering premium viewing, elevated hospitality, and custom moments built specifically for the weekend. For fans and VIP guests, it’s positioned as one of the standout spaces of the night.

A final word on sponsors

Beyond DraftKings, the event will feature a wide range of branded activations—from beverage partners to fashion, tech, and lifestyle brands—plus a Lexus‑designed VIP lounge and photo moment. These elements typically add to the immersive feel of SI The Party, giving guests plenty to explore between sets and throughout the night

San Francisco is gearing up for a standout moment as SI The Party Presented by DraftKings brings Big Game Weekend to the historic Cow Palace. With a festival‑level lineup and the star power this event is known for, the 2026 edition promises a night where sports, music, and Bay Area nightlife collide in a way only SI The Party can deliver.

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