San Francisco prepares for Super Bowl 50 festivities

Starting this Saturday, some streets in downtown San Francisco will shut down to prepare for "Super Bowl City," and will remain closed until after the sporting event is over.  Justin Herman plaza, where the fan village is being erected, is beginning to transform.

The southbound lanes of the Embarcadero will be shut down for three weeks, and traffic on Market street will be diverted onto Battery street.   

The SFMTA is strongly advising drivers to avoid the area, and to take public transit instead.  “If you have to drive, there will be a delay. Pack some extra patience and if you can, take transit, walk or bike,” the transit agency’s spokesman Paul Rose told KTVU.

Crews are working hard to get ready for the thousands of fans expected to visit “Super Bowl City,” at the foot of Market street near the Ferry Building. 

People who work in the area are taking it all in stride.  Julie Aguilera, who works near the Ferry Building said, “I think it will be fun but I think during the work will it will be hard to maneuver to get to the office.”
 
Bob Howley, who also works in the area, said, “It's going to be messy, but you have to plan for it.  And the event is going to be good for the city.”

Described as a “hub for fan activities” for Super Bowl 50, Super Bowl City is free to the public and will open on Saturday, January 30.