Medium Rare

Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t do anything halfway—and on Friday, February 6, he proved it once again as Shaq’s Fun House Presented by Credit One Bank made its San Francisco debut. Touching down at the legendary Cow Palace, the larger-than-life spectacle kicked off Super Bowl weekend with booming bass, flashing lights, and an energy level only Shaq could deliver.

Now in its eighth year, Shaq’s Fun House has evolved into one of the most anticipated events surrounding the Big Game, and its first-ever Bay Area edition did not disappoint. Created and produced by Medium Rare and Authentic Live, the event fused a high-octane music festival with a full-scale carnival and circus experience—earning its reputation as the most fun party outside the stadium.

From the moment doors opened, thousands of fans packed the venue, stepping into a state-fair-style playground complete with rides, games, immersive brand activations, circus performers, and a six-hour open bar included with every ticket. Everywhere you turned, something was happening—and someone famous was nearby.

At the heart of it all was Shaquille O’Neal himself, serving as both host and headliner. Under his DJ DIESEL persona, Shaq commanded the stage with chest-rattling bass drops and nonstop crowd interaction, at one point hyping fans so intensely he encouraged them to “break the rail” separating the crowd from the stage. Hundreds surged forward, fully bought into the chaos and joy that defines Shaq’s Fun House.

The night’s stacked lineup kept the energy soaring. T-Pain delivered a high-energy, can’t-look-away performance packed with sing-along hits, while Disco Lines kept the dance floor moving with infectious house beats. Myles O’Neal brought his own swagger to the stage, and global dance icon Tiësto capped the night with a show-stopping set that reminded everyone why he remains one of the most influential DJs in the world.

Photoby DEMIAN BECERRA HOLY_MOUNTAIN

True to form, surprises were everywhere. Country superstar Kane Brown sent the crowd into a frenzy when he unexpectedly joined DJ DIESEL onstage, while T.I. made a memorable appearance to debut new music live. One of the night’s most talked-about moments came when Tiffany Haddish and Shaq shared a heartfelt hug, a brief pause of warmth amid the high-volume celebration.

Speaking of celebrities, the guest list read like a Hollywood call sheet. In attendance were Adam Devine and Chloe Bridges, Ariana Madix, Becky G, Blake Anderson, Guy Fieri and his son Hunter Fieri, Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek, Grace O’Malley, Jenna Bandy, Landon Dickerson, Lyrics Born, Moneybagg Yo, NaVarro Bowman, Swerve Strickland, and many more—blurring the lines between fan and VIP as everyone shared the same dance floor.

Beyond the performances, Shaq’s Fun House was powered by an impressive roster of brand partners that helped bring the carnival to life. Credit One Bank led the charge, joined by Shaq-A-Licious XL Gummies, BeatBox Beverages, Anheuser-Busch, Pepsi, Verizon, Thomasville, Forever 21, Top Cup, Belvedere, Habit Burger, Waymo, Voss, Phorm Energy, and e.l.f. Their activations transformed the venue into an interactive playground, reinforcing why the event has become one of the most viral and in-demand experiences in the country.

With thousands in attendance, a five-star lineup, and countless unforgettable moments, Shaq’s Fun House Presented by Credit One Bank delivered exactly what it promised: an over-the-top, joy-fueled kickoff to Super Bowl weekend. For San Francisco, it wasn’t just a party—it was a statement. Shaq had arrived, and Big Game Weekend officially began.