From Super Bowl 50 to Super Bowl 2026: A Decade of LGBTQ+ Business Inclusion in San Francisco
Sydney Winstead • February 6, 2026
Reflecting on a Decade of Inclusion as the Super Bowl Returns to the Bay Area
As San Francisco prepares to welcome the global spotlight once again with Super Bowl LX, the moment marks more than the return of football’s biggest stage and top teams the Seahawks and Patriots. It represents ten years since Super Bowl 50 helped redefine who gets access to opportunity when a world-class event comes to town.
When Super Bowl 50 played by the Carolina Panthers vs. The Broncos it was hosted in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was not just an epic halftime show featuring Coldplay and special guests Beyonce and Bruno mars, it became a historic milestone for inclusive economic participation. For the first time in Super Bowl history, LGBTQ+-owned and certified businesses were formally invited to participate in the NFL’s Business Connect program, allowing them to compete for event-related contracts alongside minority-, women-, and veteran-owned firms.
This wasn’t a symbolic gesture — it was a foundational shift in how large-scale events engage with local and diverse business communities.
The Role of GGBA and Inclusive Leadership
That shift was driven largely by the advocacy, partnership-building, and driven leadership of the
Golden Gate Business Association. Working closely with the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, GGBA helped ensure that LGBTQ+ businesses were not only visible, but recognized as capable, worthy of a presence, and competitive partners in one of the world’s most high-profile events.
“Super Bowl 50 stands as a landmark moment for inclusive economic impact,” said Robb Fleischer, who served as GGBA President at the time.๏ปฟ๏ปฟ “Our coalition-building, advocacy, and leadership with the Host Committee helped open doors for LGBTQ-owned enterprises, spotlighting their ability to compete on a global stage and contribute meaningfully to one of the world’s biggest cultural events.”
Under GGBA’s involvement:
- LGBTQ+-owned businesses gained access to competitive business and supplier opportunities
- Hundreds of diverse Bay Area companies benefited from increased exposure and business growth tied to Super Bowl events
- The NFL’s Business Connect program expanded its definition of inclusion, setting a precedent that continues today into Super bowl 60
“Being invited to share in the Super Bowl experience — and to compete for business — was more than a contract win,” Fleischer added.๏ปฟ๏ปฟ๏ปฟ๏ปฟ
“It was symbolic of how the Bay Area’s diversity drives innovation and economic strength.”
Robb Fleischer and Aaron Boot-Haury,
GGBA current and former Presidents.
Robb
Image from Presidency in 2014
Aaron Boot- Haury
New Presidency
Superbowl 50- 2016
Petyon Manning
Why This Legacy Still Matters in 2026
Ten years later, the impact of Super Bowl 50 was not just a win for the Broncos, but a win for San Francisco businesses. The impact continues to shape how major events think about economic inclusion, community engagement, and long-term benefit. As the Bay Area is gearing to host again at Super Bowl LX, this legacy feels especially relevant.
Today, GGBA continues this work under the leadership of Aaron Boot-Haury, building on the progress made a decade ago while looking ahead to the future of inclusive business development. The organization remains focused on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that LGBTQ+ and diverse businesses are positioned to participate in major regional and global opportunities.
Super Bowl LX brings with it more than a single game — it creates a week (and season) of events, activations, procurement needs, partnerships, and visibility. The groundwork laid during Super Bowl 50 ensures that inclusion is no longer an afterthought, but an expectation.
Looking Ahead: Super Bowl 2026 as an Opportunity
As international attention returns to San Francisco in 2026, the message is clear:
Inclusion isn’t a trend — it’s an economic strategy.
For LGBTQ+-owned and diverse businesses, Super Bowl LX represents a chance to:
- Engage with large-scale procurement and supplier opportunities
- Increase brand visibility on a global platform
- Build lasting relationships that extend well beyond Super Bowl week
This not only helps business, but helps the economic status of the City as a whole. Where there is inclusion, there is opportunity for all.
Read about Robb Fleischer's GGBA Member Spotlight below, and the impact the foundation has had on his past, present, and future.
Things to Do in San Francisco This Fall 2026
Discover the best things to do in San Diego in September 2026, from beaches and farmers markets to outdoor activities, Padres games and furnished rentals.
Last-Minute Summer Events in San Francisco: September 2026 Summer is not over yet. September brings some of San Francisco’s best outdoor concerts, neighborhood festivals, waterfront celebrations and open-air movie nights. Here is what to add to your calendar before the season winds down. ๏ปฟ Saturday, September 5 5th Annual Surf Festival Spend the afternoon listening to surf-inspired live music at the Golden Gate Bandshell. The free outdoor festival features The Seismics, Surf Monster, The New Shockwaves and Uncle Sea Monster. Time: 2–6 p.m. ๐ Location: Golden Gate Bandshell, Golden Gate Park Monday, September 7 Labor Day Celebration Close out Labor Day weekend with a free afternoon concert from the Golden Gate Park Band. The program celebrates American work and community with a lively mix of musical favorites. Time: 1–2:30 p.m. ๐ Location: Golden Gate Bandshell, 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive Thursday, September 10–Sunday, September 20 Flower Piano Flower Piano returns to the San Francisco Botanical Garden for 11 days of outdoor music. Twelve pianos will be placed throughout the gardens for scheduled performances and opportunities for visitors to sit down and play. Time: Performance times vary ๐ Location: San Francisco Botanical Garden, Golden Gate Park Thursday, September 10 Valencia LIVE! Valencia Street comes alive with music, art, food, drinks, shopping and entertainment. Walk between participating businesses and enjoy performances throughout the neighborhood. Time: 5–10 p.m. ๐ Location: Valencia Street between 18th and 21st streets Saturday, September 12 Fiesta de las Américas Celebrate the cultures of the Americas at this free Mission District block party. The event brings together local artists, musicians, food vendors, nonprofit organizations and small businesses for a full day of performances and festivities. Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. ๐ Location: 24th Street between Bryant and Folsom streets Sunday, September 13 Opera in the Park Bring a blanket and picnic for one of San Francisco’s favorite free outdoor traditions. The San Francisco Opera Orchestra and performers from the company’s fall season will present an afternoon of arias, ensembles and popular songs. The event also includes a picnic contest and a children’s area with crafts and lawn games. Time: 1:30 p.m.; approximately two hours ๐ Location: Robin Williams Meadow, Golden Gate Park Friday, September 18 Oktoberfest on Front San Francisco’s official Oktoberfest block party returns with live music, German food, beer and traditional beer-hall games. Admission is free, although advance registration is encouraged. Time: 2–10 p.m. ๐ Location: Front Street Entertainment Zone, 240 Front Street Friday, September 18–Sunday, September 20 San Francisco Greek Food Festival Come hungry for three days of Greek food, music, dancing and cultural performances. The long-running neighborhood festival is celebrating its 75th year, and admission is free. Time: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m. ๐ Location: Annunciation Cathedral, 245 Valencia Street Saturday, September 19 Festival of the Sea Celebrate San Francisco’s maritime history with live music, waterfront activities and family-friendly entertainment. The free festival offers a full afternoon of performances and hands-on maritime experiences. Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. ๐ Location: San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, 900 Beach Street Glen Park Night Market The final Glen Park Night Market of the season brings local makers, artists, food vendors, live music and DJ sets to the neighborhood. Browse the booths, grab something to eat and stay for an evening under the lights. Time: 3–8 p.m. ๐ Location: Kern Street and Diamond Street, Glen Park Saturday, September 19–Sunday, September 20 Chinatown Autumn Moon Festival Chinatown’s annual Autumn Moon Festival returns for two days of food, mooncakes, lion and dragon dancing, cultural performances, children’s activities and local vendors. Time: 11 a.m.–5 p.m. both days ๐ Location: Grant Avenue between California Street and Broadway Sunday, September 20 Haight-Ashbury Street Fair The Haight-Ashbury Street Fair brings live music, food and more than 200 vendors to one of San Francisco’s most recognizable neighborhoods. Explore local art, clothing, crafts, community organizations and two stages of entertainment. Time: 11 a.m.–5:30 p.m. ๐ Location: Haight Street between Stanyan and Masonic avenues Friday, September 25 Sunset Night Market: Autumn Moon Festival The Sunset Night Market returns with food vendors, local makers, cultural performances and live entertainment. The September event celebrates the Autumn Moon Festival with five blocks of evening activity. Time: 5–10 p.m. ๐ Location: Irving Street between 20th and 25th avenues Sundown Cinema: School of Rock Watch School of Rock outdoors against the backdrop of the San Francisco waterfront. Bring a blanket or low-back chair, pick up dinner nearby and arrive early to find a comfortable spot before the movie begins. Time: Activities begin around 5:30 p.m.; movie starts after sunset ๐ Location: San Francisco Ferry Building, 1 Market Street Saturday, September 26 Cinema on the Square: The Conversation See Francis Ford Coppola’s San Francisco-set thriller The Conversation in the place where part of it was filmed. The free screening includes pre-show programming before the movie begins. Time: Pre-show at 5 p.m.; movie at 7:15 p.m. ๐ Location: Union Square Plaza Sake Day Sake Day returns to Japantown for an evening of tastings, learning and meeting sake makers and industry professionals. The annual event benefits the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California. Time: 4–8 p.m. ๐ Location: Hotel Kabuki, 1625 Post Street Saturday, September 26–Sunday, September 27 Portola Music Festival Portola returns to Pier 80 for two days of electronic, dance and alternative music. The 2026 lineup includes Robyn, Swedish House Mafia, Dog Blood, Zara Larsson, Tiësto, Four Tet, Tove Lo, Soulwax and more. The festival is for guests ages 21 and older. Time: Gates open at 1 p.m. each day ๐ Location: Pier 80, San Francisco Whether you want live music in the park, a neighborhood festival, waterfront activities or one final outdoor movie night, September offers plenty of ways to make the most of the last stretch of summer in San Francisco. Event details may change, so check with the organizer before heading out.
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Preserving the Charm of a Victorian Home: A Guide to Thoughtful Updates AMSI ’s Jackson Salamunovich recently contributed expert insight to a Redfin article about preserving the character of Victorian homes while supporting long-term resale value. Read the full article: How to Increase the Resale Value of a Victorian Home | Redfin , powered by Rocket
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What's New in San Diego: Summer 2026 San Diego is always evolving, and Summer 2026 has brought a wave of exciting new restaurants, hotels, attractions, development, and experiences across the county. Whether you're a longtime local, new to the area, or simply planning your next outing, here are a few of the newest places worth adding to your list. ๏ปฟ
Everything You Need to Know About Living in San Diego Whether you're relocating for work, military orders, a new opportunity, or simply a change of scenery, San Diego offers an unmatched blend of coastal living, year-round sunshine, and diverse neighborhoods. Home to thriving industries like biotechnology, healthcare, defense, education, and technology, the city continues to attract professionals, families, students, and remote workers from across the country. If you're planning a move, here's everything you need to know before settling into America's Finest City.
The transformation of office space across the San Francisco Bay Area continues to evolve, and one of the latest examples is taking shape in San Ramon. Recently, homebuilder Lennar announced plans to redevelop the Canopy office campus at Bishop Ranch into a new residential community featuring 255 townhomes, along with a future affordable housing development and neighborhood amenities. The project reflects a broader trend in commercial real estate as developers explore new uses for underutilized office properties. Why Are Office Buildings Being Redeveloped? In recent years, changing workplace trends have led many companies to reassess their office space needs. At the same time, many communities across California continue to address housing demand, creating opportunities to reimagine office campuses for residential and mixed-use development. Rather than leaving vacant or underused office buildings in place, some developers are converting these sites into communities that combine housing, parks, retail, restaurants, and public gathering spaces. The Transformation of Bishop Ranch For decades, Bishop Ranch has been known as one of the Bay Area's largest business parks. Today, plans for the property include a broader mix of residential, retail, and recreational uses. The long-term vision includes thousands of new homes, expanded dining and shopping options, parks, and other community amenities. The latest 255-townhome project represents another step in the ongoing redevelopment of the area. What This Means for the Bay Area Real Estate Market Office-to-residential redevelopment could influence the Bay Area market in several ways, including: Adding new housing options Reducing overall office inventory Supporting mixed-use neighborhood development Revitalizing existing business districts Encouraging continued redevelopment and investment As more communities evaluate how to adapt underused commercial properties, similar projects may continue to emerge throughout the region. Looking Ahead The redevelopment of office properties into residential communities is one of several trends shaping the future of Bay Area real estate. While every project is unique, these developments highlight how commercial properties can evolve alongside changing market conditions and community needs. AMSI continues to monitor real estate trends across the Bay Area and share market insights for property owners, investors, buyers, sellers, and renters. Visit AMSI Living for additional market updates, housing trends, and local real estate news. Looking to rent ๐๐ผ AMSI Looking to buy ๐๐ผ NOVO Read more about the development here !
Fourth of July Events in San Francisco & the Bay Area (2026) Looking for the best ways to celebrate the Fourth of July in the Bay Area? From waterfront fireworks and hometown parades to live music, food vendors, and family-friendly festivals, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy Independence Day. Whether you're staying in San Francisco or exploring nearby communities, here are some of the top celebrations happening this year. San Francisco Fourth of July Celebration This year, San Francisco's official Fourth of July celebration will feature a spectacular fireworks display over the Golden Gate Bridge, marking America's 250th anniversary. The show begins at 9:30 p.m. and will be the city's only official fireworks display. Before the fireworks, visitors can enjoy a full day along the waterfront with live music, shopping, dining, and entertainment at Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, and Aquatic Park. Best places to watch the fireworks: Crissy Field Pier 39 Fisherman's Wharf Northern Embarcadero Marin Green Tip: Arrive early and bring a jacket—summer evenings along the bay can be chilly. North Bay Celebrations If you're looking to venture outside the city, the North Bay is packed with classic Fourth of July traditions. Sausalito Spend the day enjoying a community parade through Old Town, followed by a picnic, live music, food vendors, and an evening fireworks show over the waterfront. Sonoma Watch one of the area's favorite hometown parades before enjoying food, games, and local nonprofit booths around the historic plaza. Fireworks wrap up the festivities in the evening. Napa Downtown Napa starts the day with a festive parade before transitioning into an afternoon festival featuring live entertainment, food vendors, and a nighttime drone show over Oxbow Commons. Calistoga Celebrate with a morning parade followed by an evening laser light show complete with music and immersive visuals. East Bay Favorites Communities throughout the East Bay are hosting celebrations perfect for all ages. Popular events include: Alameda – One of the Bay Area's largest Fourth of July parades. Pleasant Hill – Firecracker 5K, family activities, parade, and evening fireworks. Concord – Pancake breakfast, parade, festival, and fireworks. Richmond – Waterfront celebration with live music, food vendors, and fireworks. San Pablo and Pinole – Family-friendly celebrations featuring drone shows instead of traditional fireworks. South Bay & Peninsula Events There are plenty of opportunities to celebrate throughout the South Bay and Peninsula. Highlights include: San Jose – The Rose, White & Blue Parade followed by a community festival. Morgan Hill – Freedom Fest featuring races, a parade, classic cars, live music, and one of the area's largest fireworks displays. Sunnyvale – Carnival rides, food trucks, live entertainment, and family activities. Half Moon Bay – Pancake breakfast, parade, and downtown festival. Palo Alto – Summer festival with food trucks, games, live entertainment, and its annual chili cook-off. ๐ถ Live Music & 4th of July Entertainment Looking for more than fireworks? Many Bay Area communities are celebrating with live music, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment throughout the day. ILLUM Block Party at The Midway Looking for a high-energy way to celebrate the Fourth? Head to The Midway for the ILLUM Block Party, featuring electronic music superstar deadmau5 alongside Nero. The outdoor and indoor festival runs from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and is one of San Francisco's biggest Independence Day parties for EDM fans. This is a 21+ event, and tickets are required. Fisherman's Wharf Enjoy free live performances throughout the afternoon and evening before the city's fireworks display. With waterfront restaurants, shopping, and views of the bay, it's one of the best places to spend the holiday. Sausalito After the morning parade, the celebration continues with live music at Gabrielson Park, plus food, drinks, and waterfront festivities before the evening fireworks. Napa The Oxbow Commons Festival features live entertainment from Wonderbread 5, local food vendors, family activities, and concludes with a spectacular drone show over downtown Napa. Morgan Hill Freedom Fest offers a full day of festivities with live entertainment, food vendors, classic cars, and one of the South Bay's largest fireworks shows. Celebrate the Fourth Around the Bay Whether you're watching fireworks over the Golden Gate Bridge, enjoying a hometown parade, or spending the day exploring one of the Bay Area's many festivals, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate Independence Day this year. Grab your picnic blanket, gather your friends and family, and enjoy one of the best summer weekends the Bay Area has to offer.
