The Super Bowl is one of the world’s best-known sporting events. And with the 50th Anniversary ‘Golden’ game taking place in the Golden State, this year’s match-up is the perfect excuse to turn your California dreams into real-life travel plans.
The Super Bowl is a showdown of the best, so when it comes to exploring the best of the San Francisco Bay Area, you need to two great options.
So here is how you can travel to Super Bowl 50 in two ways – like a local or a Super Bowl legend.
Which one will you choose?
Accommodation
Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St., San Francisco
Like a Local – Want the local experience? Stay in a local’s home. Eventhomes.com allows travelers to easily find the perfect space for every major sporting event. There are heaps of homes available in the Bay Area, so you’re bound to find somewhere to rest your head, but look for something in the Mission District or SoMA for an interesting local scene. The best part is, if you’re traveling as a group, you can potentially save big on accomodation by splitting the costs.
Like a Legend – Prefer opulent over ordinary? Join the celebrity ranks with a stay at the historic Fairmont San Francisco Hotel. The hotel has been featured in several films and the likes of John F. Kennedy, Mick Jagger, Nat King Cole and Prince Charles have all partied in the 6,000 square foot Penthouse Suite. Plus, you can say aloha to the hotel’s historic tiki bar, The Tonga Room, which has been serving up good times since 1945.
Game day arrival
Start your tailgate early with a ride on the local Caltrain
Like a Local – Start your tailgate early with a ride on the local Caltrain. Drinking alcohol is allowed inside the train cars during the day (for those of legal drinking age!), which means it will at least seem like the fastest way to get to Levi’s Stadium. Cheers!
Like a Legend –San Francisco is home to some of the world’s biggest startups, including Uber, so hire an Uber Black and ride in luxury to the stadium. It may cost more but legends like you don’t sweat fare surges!
Game day experience
Download the official Levi’s Stadium app
Like a Local – You’re in the heart of Silicon Valley so get ready to experience the world’s ‘techiest’ stadium. Download the official Levi’s Stadium app and let it guide you from the parking lot right to your seat. There’s a router for every 100 seats, so fans can stay connected on Wi-Fi and 4G throughout the game and with the help of more than 1,700 beacons, you can get food and drinks delivered right to your seat, find the shortest bathroom line and watch replays like you’re sitting at home on the coach.
Like a Legend – If your mantra is ‘go big or go home’, then a Super Bowl package is the way to go big! We’re not talking about regular corporate box seats. These packages pack in everything from personal staff service, open bars and free merchandise, to opportunities to check out the press box, mingle with the players, and take photos on the field.
Where to eat
Hog Island Oyster Co
Like a Local – There are a number of tried and trusted San Francisco institutions for those who want to sample the local fare. Grab a slice at Za Pizza (I recommend the honey mustard dip), or Zarzuela for Spanish tapas. You can also find the best oysters in town at Hog Island Oyster Co, located inside the Ferry Building.
Like a Legend – Book in early for a table at State Bird Provisions, the place to go for culinary exploration. Those unlucky enough to miss out on a reservation will be stuck waiting for hours. You’ll love the bacon beignets at the Frances or head to French Laundry to enjoy the luxury that comes with three Michelin Stars.
What else to do
Like a Local – For nicer days, join the locals for a few beers at Dolores Park and take in the city views or take a stroll over the famous Golden Gate Bridge. You can also check out the campuses of Facebook and Google or take a drive down to Santa Cruz for some relaxed beach vibes.
Like a Legend – Start your post game party at Casino m8trix. It’s not too far from the Stadium and you might even play the tables with a few famous faces. Ease your hangover by sipping some of California’s best wines in Napa and Sonoma Counties.
