Alcatraz Island is a vital player during World Cup, Super Bowl
Kelly Sullivan / Parks Conservancy
During Super Bowl weekend in February 2026, Alcatraz Island felt like an important player. For the first time, the island served as the backdrop for a live national TV broadcast during the Super Bowl pregame, adding to the buzz already rolling across the dock. Rangers were ready for it all.
"During dock announcements we heard people proudly shouting out 'Seattle!' and 'Boston!'" said Ranger Anna Christie. "I personally loved overhearing people with the Boston accent, since I lived there for nearly a decade. I'd stop and ask them where they were from and wish the team good luck."
Big events bring a different energy to the island. Visitors arrive from around the world, and many are seeing Alcatraz for the first time.
"As an icon, Alcatraz is at the top of the list when people visit San Francisco," said Ranger Anna. "When people land on the dock, they're excited to recognize filming locations from famous movies and video games. The island's reputation precedes it.
"By the time they leave, they realize there's so much more to it than just Al Capone. It's an International Site of Conscience, was a site of an Indigenous protest and movement for political sovereignty, and continues to be an important bird sanctuary.
"More importantly, it's one of the few places in the country where people can see inside the walls of a prison and ask questions about the justice system today."
As summer 2026 and the World Cup approached, rangers were preparing to welcome another global audience, and Alcatraz was a great place to soak in the excitement.
Anna's advice holds for visitors from near and far: "I recommend the Behind the Scenes ticket. You get a uniquely-researched small group tour that goes to areas the average visitor can't go."
For more on Alcatraz Tours, go to our tours page and visit Alcatraz City Cruises to get your ferry tickets to the island.
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