Super Bowl LX will look noticeably different this year, and not just because the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will not be facing off for the Lombardi Trophy.
Another familiar figure will also be missing from the biggest game in sports: President Donald Trump.
Trump, who has made high-profile appearances at several major sporting events in recent years, confirmed last week that he will not attend Super Bowl LX, which will be played next month at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
The president has been a regular presence at marquee events. He attended last year’s Daytona 500, appeared at a New York Yankees game on Sept. 11, and made history by becoming the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl when he traveled to Super Bowl LIX.
For that game, Trump flew to New Orleans after spending time in Palm Beach, Florida. Once at the Caesars Superdome, he was warmly received by fans, waving and shaking hands as he made his way through the venue. Trump also met with Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and participated in a meet-and-greet with the honorary coin toss participants. Those participants included family members of victims from the New Year’s attack in New Orleans, along with city police officers and other emergency personnel.
After those events, Trump watched the game from his suite, marking a milestone moment in presidential and sports history. That scene, however, will not be repeated at Super Bowl LX.
Speaking with the New York Post last week, Trump explained that the distance to California was the primary reason he decided to skip this year’s game.
“It’s just too far away,” Trump said. “I would. I’ve [gotten] great hands [at] the Super Bowl. They like me. I would go if, you know, it was a little bit shorter.”
The logistics of the trip appear to have played a key role in the decision. A direct flight from the Washington, D.C., area to San Jose takes a little over six hours, not including additional travel time on the ground. Air Force One departs from Joint Base Andrews, roughly 15 miles from the White House, while Levi’s Stadium is located in Santa Clara, about five miles from San Jose International Airport.
By comparison, Trump recently traveled to Switzerland, a flight that typically takes about eight hours. That trip took even longer after Air Force One was forced to turn back briefly due to what officials described as a minor electrical issue.
While Trump has shown a willingness to travel long distances for major international engagements, the combination of time, distance, and scheduling appears to have made Super Bowl LX a bridge too far.
The absence of Trump will mark a contrast from recent Super Bowl history, particularly after his groundbreaking appearance at Super Bowl LIX. Even so, his decision reflects the realities of presidential travel and the demands placed on the commander in chief.
Super Bowl LX is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 p.m. Eastern time on Sunday, Feb. 8. Fans will still pack Levi’s Stadium for the annual championship game, but without the added spectacle of a sitting president in attendance.
For Trump, the message was clear: he enjoyed his time at past Super Bowls, but this year, the distance simply makes it impractical.
