It would be un-American to say I’m not a Super Bowl fan…
…but honestly, attending a Super Bowl game is not on my bucket list. I usually avoid the huge crowds such an event attracts. Watching from the comfort of my recliner with a bowl of chips is what I think of as an NFL Experience.
This Super Bowl I’ll be working in the Super Bowl 50 host city, San Francisco. It happens I’m on assignment there during the celebrations. I didn’t arrange it that way. It’s just a coincidence. My San Francisco beat will be Mission, Marina and Cow Hollow, three neighborhoods I’m writing about where no SB50 events are planned.
But for those attending SB50, fan events have already begun and end on February 7th. Most of the fun is at Embarcadero & Market Streets, but celebrations are planned all over the region. Construction on Super Bowl City began January 23 in Justin Herman Plaza, across from the Ferry Building. It will officially open January 30th. The happenings scheduled are family friendly, for fans of all ages. Enjoy NFL Experience, re-lighting the Bay Bridge, fireworks, concerts, exhibitions, fan fun, technology demos, social media, food, beverage and lots more. Everything is family and safety oriented. See a complete calendar and descriptions of the festivities at the official San Francisco Bay Super Bowl 50 website.
I’ve heard estimates ranging from 2–4 million visitors are headed to San Francisco. That makes me a bit uneasy. Not just for the congestion and craziness I’ll be experiencing, but for the city itself. So if you plan to GO, have a wonderful experience and loads of fun. Please spend some money on a non-NFL experience, pack out what you bring in and use the superb public transit. Tread lightly on the city where my heart lives.
Thanks for stopping by,
Mary Charlebois, MaryGo
I’m with you on the perfect super bowl experience…I dont like crowds. it does sound like it will be a fun assignment 🙂
I think I’ll be well out of the celebration area in Cow Hollow/Marina neighborhoods. I love San Francisco, any chance to be there is always special to me. It really is the city where my heart lives. –MaryGo
the art of football eludes me…when in high school my pride in the sport was that my best friend was the head majorette with the band…a bit of reflected glory there… 🙂
Hope you have your accommodations already lined up! Have a great time with the crowds
Yes, I have a room far from the madding crowd in Cow Hollow/Marina districts. Rooms are full in that area, but no events, so fans will head down to the big party on Embarcadero. Am I glad I covered that area in November. 🙂
02/09/16 – I’m home from San Francisco and none the worse for wear from the SB50 events. I experienced one day of MUNI schedule change, but not really a big deal. I was a bit disappointed at ESPN setting up their broadcast compound on Marina Blvd. on the day I intended to video that location. Worked out ok, I just walked around them and found a different point of view. All in all, it was a great trip. I immersed myself into San Francisco neighborhoods I didn’t know well. Met many people, had great food, saw great art and beauty and took over 1000 photos. Thanks San Francisco, MaryGo