Shifting gear for a second, Sam Levin has been out in San Francisco:
Glenn Murphy and Nicole Eloriaga-Murphy were still hoping to get tickets to the Super Bowl just two hours before the game was scheduled to start. The couple from New York City were two of the thousands of football fans packed into Super Bowl City, the tacky entertainment complex in downtown San Francisco, on Sunday afternoon.
“We’re hopeful we can find something,” said Murphy, 31, who flew in from New York City and has a red-eye flight back on Sunday night before returning to work Monday morning. “We want to go to the game and then go straight home.”
If they couldn’t find a last-minute ticket that was relatively affordable, Eloriaga-Murphy said she was happy to at least join the energetic crowds in San Francisco. “It’s such a great atmosphere here,” said Eloriaga-Murphy, 29. “It’s just a really fun vibe and a lot of sports fans supporting their teams along with tourists … It really feels like home.”
On this sunny afternoon inside the large sports center along Embarcadero Street, many San Francisco 49ers fans wearing their team’s gear said that if they couldn’t root for their hometown favorites, the Carolina Panthers were a great second option.
“We’re 49ers’ fans, but we want Cam Newton to take it home!” said Leila Johnson, a 25-year-old Daly City resident who brought her four-year-old son, Holland. “He’s just a very positive person who does a lot for the community. It’s great to see an athlete that’s active not only in sports, but also in the community.”
She added: “The Panthers have worked hard. They resemble strength – just like the 49ers.”
Her sister, Grace Johnson, 24, said it was rare to see so many diverse people come together for an event in San Francisco. “I’m here to be around all these other people in my community and from around the world. I couldn’t miss this. I don’t know the next time the Super Bowl is going to come to the Bay Area.”
Inside Super Bowl City, fans waited in long lines to take selfies in front of the Super Bowl 50 sign while some kids zip-lined across the complex.
The Broncos’ fans appeared outnumbered at Super Bowl City, but they were equally enthusiastic.
“This is it – we are going to win, win, win!” said Broncos fan Iran Baez, 41, who traveled from Denver to visit Super Bowl City. “This is a great celebration here.”
Ayanna Gandhi, an 11-year-old Hillsborough, California girl, said she was disappointed she couldn’t root for the 49ers, but was happy to see so many sports fans here. “It’s fun to see everybody’s different jerseys here to see where everyone is from … Everyone who comes here is a sports fan.”
Her father, Abhi Gandhi, added, “This just feels very San Francisco to be here in the heart of the city … I love the fact that this is happening in our home.”
Ra’Nika Ivy, a Fairfield resident and big Cam Newton fan, said she was just happy that she was able to get into Super Bowl City – after swinging by Saturday night when organizers closed down the overcrowded complex. “I’ve been trying to get in all weekend,” she said. “I love it here. It’s beautiful.”
