From Super Bowl LX to the World Cup: Building the Partnerships Behind Major Event Safety

The final whistle on the 2026 FIFA World Cup closed an extraordinary stretch for the Bay Area: Super Bowl LX in February and six World Cup matches this summer – two of the highest-security events in recent history – both concluded without major security incidents. Behind that success was more than a year of planning and unprecedented coordination across government, law enforcement, and the private sector. 

Hearing growing interest from members in mass event preparedness, the Bay Area Council’s Public Safety Committee made safety technology and major event readiness a key focus over the past year. Through three exclusive programs, members were provided unique access to the people, technology, and partnerships driving regional event security and an opportunity to play a direct role in enhancing the region’s safety at these events.

At Verizon’s San Francisco Innovation Lab, members explored the technologies reshaping major event safety. During an insider tour of the Command Center established ahead of the games, they got a behind-the-scenes look at the regional network operations supporting both the Super Bowl and World Cup.

And just days before the first World Cup match, members convened with federal law enforcement leaders, police chiefs and command staff from San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and BART, to coordinate on safety, operations, and communications.

Those conversations also led to the launch of the Safety Action Hub, a first-of-its-kind resource that gives employers a single destination for trusted public safety information, employee communications, preparedness resources, and opportunities to engage as public safety partners. 

The lessons, partnerships, and resources built over the past year won’t end with the World Cup. They provide a lasting foundation for how the Bay Area prepares for future major events. To engage in our public safety work, please contact Vice President of Public Policy Laura Hill.