A lot of people who live in the San Francisco Bay Area have vowed to stay away from The City during all the festivities taking place in conjunction with the 50th Super Bowl on Feb. 7 at Levi’s® Stadium down the road in Santa Clara. I believe that it’s a better time than ever to see how streets and attractions are being turned into Super Bowl hot spots to celebrate the big game coming to Northern California.
Our friends from Sonoma County Tourism are bringing wine country to the masses. As one of the destination sponsors of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, Sonoma County is setting up a huge tasting room at the Ferry Building on San Francisco’s scenic waterfront. Taste of Sonoma Lounge will offer tastings from more than 50 Sonoma wineries.
While local winemakers will be showcasing their extraordinary varietals, Sonoma County will also call attention to its quest to become the first wine region in the country dedicated to 100 percent sustainable production by 2019. By the way, wine will be available for purchase and shipping .
Super Bowl City
Sonoma County’s participation is one of many events to check out at Super Bowl City. As a way to celebrate the Bay Area hosting the Super Bowl, a fan-friendly village will be open to the public Jan. 30-Feb. 7. Centered in Justin Herman Plaza, across from the Ferry Building, Super Bowl City’s primary purpose is to display the best of the Bay Area, from wine to technology to an awesome NFL history.
Technology will certainly be a focus, with a special area set up just for this Bay Area specialty. Fan Energy Zone will have three different tech sections to highlight interactive gaming, social media and date visualizations.
Team San Jose is participating in several ways, including having a pavilion at Super Bowl City. There are 66 Bay Area Super Communities that have united to show the world just how cool the region is.
The San Jose space at Super Bowl City will feature cultural performances, musical acts and interactive exhibits only found in San Jose. The organizations and businesses that will be on hand at the San Jose pavilion include the San Jose Quilts and Textiles Museum, Silicon Valley Ballet and The Tech Shop.
“San Jose’s presence in Super Bowl City is a tremendous opportunity to promote our destination to visiting fans and locals who may not know all that our city has to offer,” says Karolyn Kirchgesler, CEO of Team San Jose.
NFL Experience
The NFL Experience will take over Moscone Center, providing another opportunity to see how a major venue is being used for a major event. This ticketed event ($35 for adults) will feature interactive games, the one-and-only Vince Lombardi Trophy and a football field for kids to play.
Around the Bay
In downtown San Jose, there will be a craft beer festival at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Jan. 29-Feb. 7. The historic downtown park also will have an information center and a mini-football field for informal games. At night, there will be illuminated artwork and live music, creating a hang-out zone a little closer to the Big Game.
Santana Row, a special shopping, dining and nightlife district in San Jose, will feature live music in parks and plazas from Feb. 4-7.
