The Beach Football League (BFL), recognized as the first professional tackle football league played on sand, is bringing its dynamic, high-energy format to California with the Santa Cruz Beach Classic. This two-day coastal event will take place May 16–17, 2026, at the well-known Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Festivities begin on Saturday, May 16, with a complimentary BFL Next Kids Camp from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Young participants will have the opportunity to train on the sand alongside NFL and BFL players. The evening will conclude with a drone light show over the Boardwalk at 9:00 PM, offering an engaging experience for families.
The main attraction is set for Sunday, May 17, featuring a marquee full-contact exhibition game between the Santa Monica Waves and the Santa Cruz Tsunamis. The teams will be guided by celebrity head coaches and former NFL stars Marshawn Lynch and DeShaun Foster. Played directly on the sand with the Boardwalk as a scenic backdrop, the matchup promises a fast-moving and physically intense style of football that differs from traditional formats. The game is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The weekend will also include appearances by former San Francisco 49ers standout Jason Verrett, Donald Strickland, and other surprise NFL guests, contributing to a lively and star-filled environment.
The BFL was established by former NFL linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion Tully Banta-Cain, with the goal of reshaping football by moving it to the beach and creating a more engaging and accessible version of the sport.
“This event captures what the BFL represents—top-tier athletes, great music, and an energetic beach setting all coming together,” said Banta-Cain. “It’s not just a game; it’s an experience designed for the entire community.”
Event Highlights:
Complimentary youth football camp led by NFL and BFL players Drone light show above the Boardwalk on Saturday evening Appearances by celebrity guests and former NFL players Halftime performance by soul artist Goapele Music by DJ D-Sharp, official DJ of the Golden State Warriors Fan engagement activities, vendors, and on-site entertainment Festivities begin on Saturday, May 16, with a complimentary BFL Next Kids Camp from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Young participants will have the opportunity to train on the sand alongside NFL and BFL players. The evening will conclude with a drone light show over the Boardwalk at 9:00 PM, offering an engaging experience for families.
The main attraction is set for Sunday, May 17, featuring a marquee full-contact exhibition game between the Santa Monica Waves and the Santa Cruz Tsunamis. The teams will be guided by celebrity head coaches and former NFL stars Marshawn Lynch and DeShaun Foster. Played directly on the sand with the Boardwalk as a scenic backdrop, the matchup promises a fast-moving and physically intense style of football that differs from traditional formats. The game is scheduled from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
The weekend will also include appearances by former San Francisco 49ers standout Jason Verrett, Donald Strickland, and other surprise NFL guests, contributing to a lively and star-filled environment.
The BFL was established by former NFL linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion Tully Banta-Cain, with the goal of reshaping football by moving it to the beach and creating a more engaging and accessible version of the sport.
“This event captures what the BFL represents—top-tier athletes, great music, and an energetic beach setting all coming together,” said Banta-Cain. “It’s not just a game; it’s an experience designed for the entire community.”
Event Highlights:
Event Information:
What: BFL Santa Cruz Beach Classic
When: Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17, 2026
Saturday: Kids Camp (5:00–7:00 PM) | Drone Show (9:00 PM)
Sunday: Main Event (3:00–5:00 PM)
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
Admission: Free entry, with premium seating options available
Click here to know more.
What: BFL Santa Cruz Beach Classic
When: Saturday, May 16 & Sunday, May 17, 2026
Saturday: Kids Camp (5:00–7:00 PM) | Drone Show (9:00 PM)
Sunday: Main Event (3:00–5:00 PM)
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, CA
Admission: Free entry, with premium seating options available
Click here to know more.