The Players Tailgate 2026 Is Turning Super Bowl 60 Into a Culinary Power Play

The Players Tailgate Super Bowl 60 returns to Santa Clara with celebrity chefs, DJ Irie, and the ultimate VIP pre-game experience.

Before kickoff, this is where the real action starts

By the time Super Bowl 60 kicks off in Santa Clara, the game’s most discerning fans will already be full, buzzing, and slightly smug. That’s because The Players Tailgate Super Bowl 60 isn’t just a warm-up—it’s the main event before the main event.

Often called the culinary Super Bowl before the Super Bowl, this invite-only pre-game experience has built a reputation for going harder on food, flavor, and fun than anything else on game day.

On February 8, 2026, Bullseye Event Group is stacking the deck with an absurdly strong chef lineup, live music, and VIP energy that turns parking-lot tailgating into a full-blown luxury festival. Think white-tablecloth talent, zero dress-code pressure, and the kind of bites you still talk about months later—usually while explaining to friends why their couch watch party didn’t compare.

A chef lineup that reads like an awards ballot

The backbone of The Players Tailgate Super Bowl 60 is its culinary firepower, and this year’s roster doesn’t play small. The event brings together a coast-to-coast mix of chefs, restaurateurs, TV personalities, and rising stars, each known for bold flavor and crowd-pleasing swagger.

Expect dishes from Aaron May, Marc Murphy, and Kelsey Murphy, alongside heavy hitters like Aarón Sánchez and Tristen Epps. Add in the refined precision of Shota Nakajima, the big, brash energy of Josh Capon, and the culinary creativity of Adam Sobel, and you start to see the problem: where do you start eating?

The answer is everywhere. From family-friendly flavor via Catherine McCord to the punchy Southeast Asian influences of Leah Cohen, the stations are designed for grazing, not choosing favorites. Whole-animal mastery comes courtesy of Chris Cosentino, Southern comfort gets an upgrade from Damaris Phillips, and yes—smash burgers from 10/10 Burger will absolutely be worth the line.

This is flavor-first cooking with a fun-loving edge. No foam for foam’s sake. No tiny plates pretending to be meals. Just chefs doing what they do best, at full throttle.

Why this tailgate beats the stadium (and your living room)

There’s something deeply relatable about realizing the pre-game food is better than what you’ll eat during kickoff. The Players Tailgate leans into that truth. It’s built for fans who love football but really love eating well. You don’t have to babysit a grill. You don’t have to argue over dips. You just eat, drink, laugh, and repeat.

And yes, there’s humor baked in. The irony of calling this a “tailgate” while being served by James Beard nominees isn’t lost on anyone. That’s part of the charm. It’s indulgent without being stiff—exactly the balance upscale cities like New York, Miami, and Los Angeles crave on Super Bowl Sunday.

DJ Irie brings the soundtrack to kickoff

As if the food weren’t enough, live entertainment comes courtesy of DJ Irie, whose high-energy set keeps the vibe moving until it’s time to head into the stadium. This isn’t background music—it’s a full-on pre-game pulse that turns eating into an event and anticipation into a party.

The result? A crowd that’s loose, happy, and already having fun before the first snap. Which, honestly, is the whole point.

Built by pros who know game day

Behind the scenes, Bullseye Event Group continues to flex its reputation for premium sports hospitality.

“The Players Tailgate is all about creating a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience, and this year’s chef lineup is truly unmatched,”

CEO Kyle Kinnett

“From gourmet specialties to innovative comfort food, our guests will enjoy world-class cuisine from some of the most talented chefs in the country, all while enjoying live entertainment from DJ Irie.”

That confidence isn’t marketing fluff. The Players Tailgate has consistently been rated the #1 pre-game event on Super Bowl Sunday.

For context on why Santa Clara is such a hot ticket this year, see coverage from NFL.com.

Mini FAQ: The Players Tailgate Super Bowl 60

Q: What is The Players Tailgate?
A: A VIP, chef-driven pre-game experience held on Super Bowl Sunday, known for elite food, entertainment, and celebrity attendance.

Q: Where is The Players Tailgate Super Bowl 60 held?
A: In Santa Clara, California, on February 8, 2026, ahead of Super Bowl 60.

Q: Who is performing at the event?
A: DJ Irie headlines with a live, high-energy set.

The smartest move before kickoff

If Super Bowl Sunday is about memories, The Players Tailgate Super Bowl 60 is where the best ones start. It’s indulgent, expertly executed, and unapologetically fun-loving—proof that great food and football don’t just coexist, they elevate each other. Get there hungry. Leave impressed. And don’t be surprised if the pre-game ends up stealing the show.