Fans pack SAP Center for Super Bowl ‘Opening Night'

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - An estimated 7,000 fans made their way to San Jose for "Super Bowl Opening Night" at the SAP Center to kick off Super Bowl week.

"I kind of want to jump over when they are not looking," said Alfredo Diaz of Manteca.

From the stands, fans watched national and international media interview the players from the Broncos and then the Panthers. Formerly known as "Media Day," it's typically held the Tuesday morning of Super Bowl week, but for the first time it was held in prime time Monday night. It was sold out with fans paying $30 a ticket.

"Man I love it," sad Michael Nguyen of Hayward. "It's awesome it came to our neigborhood.I've been a big Broncos fan since I was a kid," said Nguyen.

Besides catching the players on the giant electronic boards, for fans it was chance to snap tons of photos, some selfies, root for their players and get autographs.

"This is a once lifetime opportunity," said Jon Fulk of Pleasanton. "You don't have this opportunity much. You have to cease these moments and appreciate them for what they are."

Fulk lives in Pleasanton and grew up in North Carolina. He got his football signed by legendary 49ers Quarterback Steve Young.

"Look for a very strong Carolina," said Fulk. "If they played like they played in Arizona, I'm feeling very comfortable. Two more halves of football to go and I want to see them play both halves."

The winner in all this, at least for Monday night, could be the city of San Jose.

"This is the first Super Bowl for Santa Clara and San Jose," said "It brings a lot of revenue and a lot of fun to the city. We are enjoying it, lots of good times for sure."