Super Bowl LX will look very different this year — and not only because the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles won’t be battling for the Lombardi Trophy.
One of the most recognizable figures in America will also be missing from the stands: President Donald Trump.
Over the past several years, Trump has made a habit of attending major national sporting events. He appeared at last year’s Daytona 500, attended a New York Yankees game on September 11, and made history by attending Super Bowl LIX, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to ever attend the Big Game in person.
That appearance drew widespread attention. Trump traveled from Palm Beach to New Orleans, greeting fans upon arrival and meeting with law enforcement officers, first responders, and families affected by the New Year’s attack in the city before watching the game from a private suite.
This year, however, the president will not be repeating that trip.
Trump is not expected to attend Super Bowl LX, which will be held at Levi’s Stadium. Speaking recently with the New York Post, Trump cited travel distance as the primary reason for his decision.
“It’s just too far away. I would go,” Trump said. “I’ve gotten great hands at the Super Bowl. They like me. If it was a little shorter, I’d be there.”
A direct flight from the Washington, D.C. area to Northern California takes more than six hours, not including ground transportation on either end. Presidential travel aboard Air Force One also involves extensive security planning, which can significantly extend total travel time.
For comparison, Trump recently made an overseas trip to Switzerland, a flight that typically takes around eight hours. That trip was briefly delayed after the aircraft turned back due to a minor electrical issue, further highlighting the logistical challenges involved in long-distance presidential travel.
Super Bowl LX is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Sunday, February 8. While President Trump will not be in attendance this year, the event is still expected to draw tens of millions of viewers — and renewed discussion about how presidents balance public appearances, travel demands, and national responsibilities.