SF Mayor Daniel Lurie vows ‘safe experience’ Super Bowl week as 1.3 million travelers expected

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The countdown is on as the Bay Area gets ready to host Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie says the city is prepared to welcome football fans worldwide.

“Now that you’ve landed, we’re ready to show the world what makes the Bay so special,” said a virtual Steve Young at San Francisco International Airport.

A hologram of the Super Bowl-winning quarterback is greeting arriving fans at SFO.

MORE: List of Super Bowl events, concerts around Bay Area leading up to big game at Levi’s Stadium

“I am confident we will provide a safe, welcoming experience for everyone coming to San Francisco,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie.

The airport is expecting big travel numbers for Super Bowl Week.

“We’re forecasting 1.3 million travelers from Feb. 1 through 10, so we expect big days around the big game to be busy like holidays,” said SFO Director Mike Nakornkhet.

MUNI and BART are offering transportation options for fans.

MORE: Everything to know about Super Bowl Experience, Pro Bowl at Moscone Center in San Francisco

“We’re going to be running longer trains starting Tuesday through the end of Super Bowl, you’re going to see more security presence and station agents,” said BART General Manager Bob Powers.

The big game will be played at Levi’s, but the Super Bowl Fan experience is happening at Moscone Center, where lots of setup is taking place. There are road closures, detours and increased security.

“If you see SFPD on the street, they are there to keep you safe, not assist with immigration enforcement,” Lurie said.

Lurie said Super Bowl week could bring a $400 million boost to the city’s economy.

MORE: Super Bowl 60: Maps of road closures in San Francisco, Santa Clara and San Jose

“This is a commercial, the visuals people get to see for a week straight. It’s going to help our small businesses and tourist economy,” Lurie said.

Muhannad Izzghayer owns Oasis Grill at Fourth and Howard. He’s brought on more staff and is ordering extra food and drink for hungry fans.

“It’s going to be great. We’re waiting a long time. We haven’t gotten much business since COVID. Now, it looks like the city’s back. We’re expecting a lot of business hopefully,” Izzghayer said.

The Super Bowl countdown is on.