The Super Bowl 50 Host Committee recently held a two-day familiarization trip for the NFL and its official partners on Nov. 10 and 11. Helping acquaint the NFL with its partners to the San Francisco Bay Area market, the familiarization event showcased the venues throughout the region; providing information about local attractions and venues to assist them in making informed decisions about where to host individual events.
The first day’s site visits were focused around San Francisco and the NFL Experience, which will be hosted at the Moscone Center; while the second day focused around Santa Clara, Levi’s Stadium and the South Bay.
On the second day, the group of approximately 120 visited Levi’s Stadium among other venues. Because it was Veterans Day, a salute was held in honor of veterans at the stadium. NFL Hall of Famer and 49ers legend Jerry Rice was a special guest along with NFL Play 60 youth, who got a chance to play on the field.
Final NFL and partner plans for Super Bowl 50 festivities will become available after Super Bowl XLIX concludes.
In addition to “official” activities such, Santa Clara is expected to host a plethora of events leading up to Super Bowl 50; with the City expected to spend upwards of $1 million on local events.
A Nov. 7 City Council study session highlighted preliminary plans; “Staff has been planning a series of events in Santa Clara leading up to Super Bowl 50 with three goals in mind,” says the meeting agenda. “One, engage local community and provide opportunities for Santa Clara residents and visitors for the region to celebrate the Super Bowl. Two, market Santa Clara as a destination. Three, raise money for social causes.”
A planning committee has been meeting monthly to discuss overall issues of event coordination, fundraising and volunteer needs states the report. “Based on the current scope of events, a very preliminary estimate of the budget needs range from $1.5-$2 million. One approach to funding the events is through sponsorships.” The report adds that the City may also consider allocating a specified budget to support some of the costs, and if events are to be primarily funded through sponsorships. The planning committee suggests hiring a professional fundraiser.
The events under consideration include a parade, concerts, fireworks, dancers and renowned entertainment featuring celebrities. Additional possibilities include a 10K/5K run/walk, Super Black & Gold Ball, public art initiatives, an NFL exhibit at the Convention Center, a celebrity flag football game and “Super” tree lighting in December. Another unprecedented event under consideration is tailgating and streaming the Super Bowl at Buck Shaw Stadium. The events would run from December 2015 to Super Bowl 50 on Feb. 7, 2016.
