San Francisco officials unveil Super Bowl 50 City

SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) -- Drawing from the best of Silicon Valley and the region's rich culinary scene, San Francisco officials Tuesday unveiled a high-tech Super Bowl City where fans will be able to mingle, celebrate and experience the event scheduled to be held at Levi's Stadium in 2016.

Centered in Justin Herman Plaza on San Francisco's Embarcadero, the City will stretch for about three blocks for eight days at the foot of Market Street. 

"From the beginning, Super Bowl 50 has been more than just about the game," said Daniel Lurie, chairman of the Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee. "That's why making a lasting impression about our community has run all our decisions."

Along the way, fans will be able to sample tastes from of the area's best restaurants, take part in interactive sports games, listen to music and learn about the region's cultural diversity.

"We wanted to make this uniquely Bay Area," Lurie said of the fan experience.

"A fantastic blend of Bay Area experiences, physical, digital, social, interactive. Food and culinary culture, our artist community," said Keith Bruce, CEO of the Super Bowl 50 Host Committee.

49er legend and four time Super Bowl winner Ronnie Lott says this will be good not just for San Francisco, but for the entire Bay Area.

"That's nine counties that they said they're going to go out and touch. That's a great responsibility and so that tells me that they're planning some really interesting opportunities they want to give to each of those communities," explained Lott.

In the plaza, where vendors were selling their wares, one shopper said she is already excited for next year.

"It's certainly going to give me an excuse to go to the restaurants here. And you know, I think it's going to be fun to see the kids because they love to see stars," said Carol Murin of San Mateo.

Even tourists seem a bit jealous about what they'll be missing next year.

"I think I would be in my glory. Like I would be just happy, you know," laughed Lynne Marler of Boston.

But some people who work downtown say they might try to avoid the area.

"I may take that week off from work. But the kids will get a buzz out of coming in, I am sure," said Jonathan Masse of San Ramon.

The game's logo will be displayed on San Francisco's Ferry Plaza clock tower and also on the sides of skyscrapers bordering the plaza to add to the festive atmosphere.

The committee has studied the fan experiences from past Super Bowl games including this year's Phoenix's Super Bowl Central and the Super Bowl Boulevard in Times Square in 2014 to draw up their plans.

Admission will be free and provide a way for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the NFL's Super Bowl even if they don't have tickets to the game.