Workers scramble for those last-minute Super Bowl 50 preparations
SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - The highly anticipated opening of San Francisco’s Super Bowl City and the NFL Experience at Moscone Center is just hours away. The scramble to get everything ready was evident on Friday night.
The NFL Experience opens at 10 a.m. While there is a fee for the Moscone Center, entry for Super Bowl City, which opens at 11 a.m. is free.
Justin Herman Plaza at the Embarcadero is in the final stages of transformation. Crews are setting up the main stage for a performance by musician Chris Isaak on opening night. Alicia Keyes will be performing on the same stage for the Super Bowl eve concert next Saturday.
"I'm looking for a good time. I've never experienced anything like this. I want to see what it's all about," said Teanisha Hudson, a 49er fan.
Crews were lifting and then laying down the temporary flooring to go over the grass as protection against the large crowds. Some fans came down early.
"I'm excited for the atmosphere and the energy," said Kevin Andreasky of San Francisco.
Around the perimeter of Super Bowl City, SFMTA workers directed traffic around the many street closures.
A parking enforcement officer tells KTVU there's already been an increase in the number of vehicles being ticketed and removed for parking in tow away zones. Security promises to be tight.
"9/11, San Bernardino, all the different stuff. You just got to watch and be more careful," said Crystal Sims who is working as a security guard at Super Bowl City.
One man says he started working to help set up Super Bowl City a week ago. The company he works for, Golden Gate Petroleum, says it is supplying the event with generators that run on petroleum-free renewable diesel. The company says this is the first time that the Super Bowl has ever used a sustainable fuel.
"I've seen the stages (at Super Bowl City) grow when we first got here. There was nothing here and every day, we see the advancement," said Eric Angele with Golden Gate Petroleum based in Martinez.
Admission to The NFL Experience is $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under.
Moscone Center has turned into a football fan's dream with Super Bowl ring displays, famous players' jerseys and Hall of Fame busts.
"I think the biggest attraction to all of our fans is seeing actual NFL players live, up close and personal. They're on the autograph stage. They're at the clinic field," said Nicki Ewell, NFL manager of events.
Fans will be able to try to kick a field goal, toss a pass, and more
"Some opportunities to break tackles. Give me a football and I can just run thru it," said Kyle Pate, a football fan.
On Saturday night, there will be a fireworks shows and the official re-lighting of the Bay Bridge— all to enhance the experience of celebrating Super Bowl 50.