Giant football helmets decorated the street outside Moscone Center in downtown San Francisco on Tuesday as the NFL Super Bowl Experience opened its doors to fans looking to have some fun before the game on Sunday.
The Super Bowl Experience will be open from Tuesday until Saturday and will feature football-related exhibits and experiences for members of the public looking to get in on the action and immerse themselves in the world of the NFL.
People attending will have opportunities to get player autographs, take up-close looks of the Vince Lombardi Trophy and all 59 Super Bowl rings, and participate in interactive football games.
Organizers for the fan experience said it is expected to be one of the most popular events leading up to the Super Bowl. The event will span more the 700,000 square feet at the convention center with activities, food, and exclusive merchandise at the NFL shop.
Although the big game is set to take place 40 miles away at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, fans in San Francisco will have the chance to see some action inside Moscone Center before then.
The Pro Bowl Games featuring NFL stars, a game of flag football involving local girls’ teams, and a celebrity flag football showdown presented by YouTube are set to happen there throughout the week.
Ken Anderson traveled with his family from Chicago in support of his daughter’s boyfriend, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs. He said he was excited to cheer on Gibbs when he plays in the Pro Bowl and also take time to explore what San Francisco has to offer.
“We went to the Alcatraz night tour with the friends and family for NFL players,” said Anderson as he and his son practiced kicking field goals at one of the booths. “Now we get to be out here and cheer everyone on and have fun.”
Scattered throughout the center amongst the vendors and activities were exhibits that provided a glimpse into the past and present of the NFL.
A museum was set up with historical moments from the league. Behind glass were beaten-up shoes and old stained uniforms. Next to it was a mock locker room with items that belonged to some of football’s most famous players. There was also a circular display of all 59 Super Bowl rings, each placed on a glass pedestal and lights shining on them.
Off to one corner of the building was an auction booth with signed helmets, shoes, and jerseys from several teams. Auctions will be happening every day starting at 6 p.m. and will be available to everyone in attendance.
Christie’s, a major auction house, was showcasing items from the collection of Jim Irsay, the longtime owner of the Indianapolis Colts who died last year. A few of the items included Muhammad Ali’s boxing gloves, a bat from Jackie Robinson, and even the saddle belonging to famous racing horse Secretariat.
Nathalie Ferneau, who is organizing the sale of these rare items, said the items were at the fan experience event because they wanted to expose a part of sporting history with fans while also raising awareness of the high-profile auction.
“If you’re here for the Super Bowl, you’re here to witness great sporting moments,” said Ferneau. “And here we have some artifacts of some of the greatest sporting moments around, available for people to look then bid on.”
Hours before the experience was open to the public, fans lined up at the entrance excited to enter and explore inside the convention center.
Beth and Betty Ann Perry, residents of Providence, Rhode Island, said they were excited to see the Patriots play in the Super Bowl. They said they were sightseeing across the country, but didn’t expect to see their home team follow them to San Francisco.
“We’re so excited that they’re here, because this was going to be our ultimate destination no matter who won,” said Beth. “Now it’s just even better, the frosting on the cake!”
Decked out in San Francisco 49ers gear was Jose Chavez and his family, who were also waiting outside before the event space opened. He traveled from Oakland and said he has never had the experience to see NFL memorabilia up close and wanted to capitalize on the opportunity to see it with his family.
“Of course we want the Niners to be playing, but football is football and it’s about the memories made,” said Chavez. “My kids and I like watching the games together so coming out here is us spending time together too.”
Tickets prices start at $40 but will increase starting Friday as demand is expected to swell. They are available online at NFL.com/SBXONSALE or on the NFL OnePass app.
Active-duty servicemembers, veterans, and first responders are eligible for a 50% discount.
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