The Big Game is this Sunday, and San Franciscans are already seeing an influx of tourists all over the city for the Super Bowl week.
Those who remember the Super Bowl in 2016 reminisce on social media about the free concerts along the Embarcadero, where Alicia Keys played. “So bummed everything is ultra expensive this year,” one person wrote on Reddit.
For example, the general admission for Benson Boone’s concert at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium costs $208. A “Super Bowl Experience” ticket to the fan event at Moscone Center, where fans have a chance to meet NFL players and get autographs, costs at least $47.
But don’t fret. While many official Super Bowl events are ticketed, there are still plenty of free events to enjoy this week.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Block Party
The block party, hosted by BeChinatown, the producer of the Chinatown night markets, will celebrate Lunar New Year and Super Bowl at the same time.
There will be traditional lion dancing and live performances that feature rapper Rudy Ibarra, official 49ers’ DJ DJ E-ROCK, Filipino-Australian singer Ylona Garcia and the “glamorous grandmas” group Grant Avenue Follies.
Come to hear panel discussions with AAPI chefs Francis Ang and Brandon Jew, the Michelin-starred chef at Mister Jiu’s. Or more sports-related conversations with former athletes such as Olympic medalist Kristi Yamaguchi, former San Francisco 49ers player Jesse Sapolu and Golden State Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 4, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Grant Avenue
Admission: Free
Visual Field: Super Bowl LX
For a more artsy Super Bowl experience, head to the Dogpatch for Visual Field: Super Bowl LX, a group exhibition that showcases sports-themed work from 15 Bay Area artists — painting, sculpture, mixed-media work.
Brian Madden, the artist who is hosting the exhibition, has partnered with sports brands NFL and Nike, making designs for their headquarters or creating installations inspired by NBA stars.
When: Feb. 4 to Feb. 7. The opening reception is on Feb. 6 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Brian Madden Studio at 2415 3rd St., Ste. 263
Admission: Free
Big Game Days at Union Square
Union Square is hosting a free three-day fan zone in the days leading up to the big game. Expect family-friendly activities such as inflatable football games, a cheerleading performance and Cal Band playing. You can also dance salsa at Union Square with music by DJ Juan Love.
Perhaps most exciting of all: A spicy hot wings competition with the “hottest sauce” in the city. Participation is on first-come-first-serve basis with a limit of 10 contestants.
When: Feb. 5 to Feb. 7
Where: Union Square
Admission: Free
Ferry Building Projection Show
Walk through the last 60 years of the Super Bowl through a series of illustrations on the Ferry Terminal Building. Between shows there will be an interactive element that allows fans to vote for their favorite team to take over the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
When: every evening from Feb. 5 to Feb. 7
Where: Ferry Building
Admission: Free
Origins: An NFL Collection Launch Event at the NFL Culture Club
The NFL has collaborated with three Bay Area brands to create limited-edition Super Bowl LX merchandise for its Origins collections. The collection will highlight the styles and stories of three Bay Area brands: Aaron De La Cruz, Black Scale and Nostalgia.
Fans are invited to celebrate the brand with shopping, music and refreshments at the Pearl, an event venue in the Dogpatch.
When: Feb. 5, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: the Pearl at 601 19th St.
Admission: Free and RSVP here.
Ghirardelli Square Fan Zone
What makes the big game weekend better is the big game weekend with chocolate and sundaes. For two days, Ghirardelli Square will turn into a fan zone with music, sweet treats and activities for people of all ages.
Get ready for a limited-edition Super Waffle Bowl Sundae, topped with a football made with chocolate (of course) — and to receive a free gift with purchase while supplies last.
When: Feb. 6 to Feb. 7, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Ghirardelli Square
Admission: Free
AMP Sports Block Party
AMP Sports is hosting an all-day block party at St. Joseph’s Art Society in Soma.
Join for a live show with former professional soccer players Landon Donovan and Tim Howard on Saturday. There will also be a show with WNBA and NBA players Candace Parker, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady, where they talk about Super Bowl predictions, dunk showdowns and their post-career ventures.
When: Feb. 6 to Feb. 7
Where: St. Joseph’s Art Society at 1401 Howard St.
Admission: Free, RSVP recommended
Street closures
During the Super Bowl week, some streets near Civic Center, Moscone Center and Chinatown are closed for events. For more street closures and transit updates, check the website of San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency.
Moscone Center
closed 24 hours daily
Jan. 30 – Feb. 10
closed 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily
Jan. 30 – Feb. 10
closed 24 hours
Jan. 30 – Feb. 10
closed 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Jan. 30 – Feb. 10
Chinatown
closed 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 4
closed 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 4
closed 1 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Feb. 4
Civic Center
Source: San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Map by Junyao Yang.
