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Historic San Jose plaza undergoes Super Bowl transition

Published  January 15, 2016 10:39pm PST
News
KTVU FOX 2

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - Big changes are happening to downtown San Jose for Super Bowl 50. One of the main attractions is historic Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park right near the hotel of where the NFC team will be staying.

Workers are sprucing up Cesar Chavez Park, hanging LED lights on trees, installing light boxes and new turf for a mini football field. With more than a million visitors expected to be in the Bay Area for Super Bowl 50, the hope is they'll make their way to San Jose.

"We know fans follow teams so we hope to welcome guests from all over the country," said Lauren Chmielewski of Team San Jose.

It helps the NFC team will be staying at the Marriot Hotel, within walking distance of the park. A rendering shows the park will be complete with cafe, beer garden grove and game areas. It'll be open nine days leading up to the Super Bowl.

"We want to put our best face forward for the visitors that are coming to San Jose," said Kim Walesh, city of San Jose's economic development director. "It's a great opportunity to make an impression."

Walesh said Super Bowl activities are also planned for the city's SOFA or South of First Avenue district and San Pedro Square. She's expecting revenue to the city to be three to four times more than what a normal week in February would bring from the hotel, sales, parking and airport taxes.

"I know in Phoenix last year the Super Bowl had an economic impact well over $700 million and it's expecting to be even greater in the Bay Area," said Walesh.

"It was sort of a surprise when I walked over here," said Joe Rodriguez of San Jose. "It's amazing."

Rodriguez is a long-time San Jose residen andt is excited to see this park come alive. He hopes visitors will return after the Super Bowl.

"Hopefully San Jose will win because it's a great town," said Rodriguez.

Both the NFC and AFC champions will be flying into Mineta San Jose International Airport. The SAP Center will also host Super Bowl Opening night, formerly known as Media Day, on February 1.