Concerned Santa Clara residents prepare for Super Bowl takeover

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KTVU) - With Super Bowl 50 less than a month away, traffic, parking and safety were among the top concerns addressed at a community meeting in Santa Clara with the city's police chief on Monday night. The police chief said on game day, there will be a 300 foot hard perimeter around the stadium. No one will be allowed inside without a ticket.

With 27 days away until Super Bowl 50 and 70,000 people expected to attend, those who live near Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara are growing anxious.

"I hear they are doing security," said Dolly Valadez who lives in Santa Clara. “Homeland security is going to be here. How is it going to affect the roads, us getting in and out of our neighborhoods and getting to where we need to go?"

"I think we have a very robust public safety plan," said Santa Clara Police Chief Michael Sellers.

Chief Sellers promised heavy police presence for the week and a safe environment that includes a hard perimeter around Levi's Stadium, no banner planes and no tailgating.

"It's a security issue," said Chief Sellers. "Most of the fans will be coming from all over the area, the region. We want them to enjoy other events within the inner perimeter."

As for traffic, Tasman Drive in front of the stadium and the San Tomas Aquino Creek Trail will be closed for a week starting the Sunday before the Super Bowl. On Game Day, 400 charter buses will also be dedicated to the NFL and they'll be using "Super Bowl Lane," a designated lane on Highway 101.

A "neighborhood protection plan" will also be enforced. Officers will be manning neighborhoods checking for stickers on cars to keep fans out. New this game, there will be a designated parking lot for those using Uber.

"My experience with the Super Bowl is 95 percent of the parking is bought in advance and they know exactly where they are going," said Walter Dobrowolski of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.

Adrienne Saeli lives within walking distance of Levi's Stadium. She already has a game plan for Game Day and that's staying home and stocking up a few days before.

"I don't really know what's going to happen," said Saeli. "I'm hoping for the best. I'm hoping everyone behaves themselves and they don't trash the neighborhood. They obey the laws and just do what they have to do and do the right thing."

Another concern brought up was homeowners renting out their homes for the big game. The Chief said it's up to the homeowners to do proper background checks.