From February 6 through 8, Downtown San Jose pulsed with the energy of Super Bowl fans who turned streets into a whirlwind of celebration. Tens of thousands gathered for a block party, two major concerts, a dazzling drone display, and endless options for food and beverages.
The concerts stole the show, with Bay Area native Kehlani commanding the stage on Friday and Australian DJ Dom Dolla following up on Saturday. Throngs packed the area from the Fourth Street stage clear to Sixth Street, leaving barely room to breathe amid the sea of swaying bodies. City planners had hoped for around 10,000 attendees per night, yet the turnout shattered those figures, proving the draw of free, high-caliber entertainment in the heart of the city.
Over in San Pedro Square, an entertainment zone let revelers carry drinks from bars straight into the open streets, amplifying the festive chaos. Come game day, fans without stadium tickets crammed around venues like O'Flaherty's and Dr. Funk, spilling onto sidewalks to catch glimpses of the action on indoor screens. Local business owners noted surges in activity, with some spots pulling in three to four times their usual weekend haul, thanks to the influx of out-of-towners seeking a lively spot to root for their teams.
This whirlwind weekend showcases how San Jose has sharpened its edge in hosting big-league gatherings, narrowing the distance from events of a decade past. With eyes now on upcoming spectacles like the World Cup and NCAA West Regional, San Jose will build on this success to draw even more visitors. Leaders grade the execution as top-tier, a solid affirmation that thoughtful planning yields lasting ripples in community spirit and economic vitality.
Source: SVBJ
