As the countdown to Super Bowl 60 begins, fans are buzzing with excitement, marking just 60 days until the highly anticipated game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. While many will watch the event unfold on NBC, a variety of thrilling fan activities are set to take place in the Bay Area leading up to the big day.
One of the standout events is the Super Bowl Experience at Moscone Center in San Francisco, spearheaded by former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis, who played in Super Bowl 47 in 2013. This interactive football festival will run from Tuesday through Saturday, inviting fans of all ages to participate in activities like running the 40-yard dash, throwing passes, and testing their football skills. “It’s for all ages,” Willis stated, encouraging everyone to come out and see if they’ve still got the moves.
In San Jose, fans can look forward to the Super Bowl Opening Night on February 2 at the San Jose Convention Center, where the two teams vying for the championship will be showcased. Additionally, the city will host a series of lively block parties on the Friday and Saturday before the game, featuring prominent musical acts. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan shared, “We’re ready. Hotels are getting booked. Flights are getting booked.” Notable performances include singer Kehlani on Friday and DJ Dom Dolla on Saturday, with thousands expected to gather for the festivities in front of City Hall.
Local businesses are gearing up to capitalize on the influx of visitors. Paleta Planeta, a business started by two brothers from San Jose, will be selling refreshing paletas at the block parties. Meanwhile, Gian Lopez, owner of the food truck Shrimp’n Ain’t Eazy, is exploring various ways to participate in the Super Bowl excitement, hoping to showcase his unique shrimp tacos with chorizo. He recently attended a city meeting designed to connect business owners with resources to maximize their presence during the influx of visitors.
Public transit in the South Bay is also preparing for the swell of activity, with the VTA projecting to transport around 15,000 riders to and from the Super Bowl. The transit agency is rolling out its new Clipper 2.0 system, allowing riders to pay fares directly with credit, debit, or wallet cards for added convenience. Mayor Mahan, who serves on the VTA Board, noted the importance of ensuring higher service levels for significant events while managing costs so that local ratepayers are not burdened.
For those attending events in San Jose or near Levi’s Stadium, the Guadalupe River Trail is an appealing option for getting around on foot, connecting various locations and enhancing the festive atmosphere leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. As the festivities unfold, it promises to be an exciting time for fans and local businesses alike in the Bay Area.
