SF readies for Super Bowl Sunday

As The City gears up to watch the 49ers play in their sixth Superbowl on February 3, city officials are preparing in hopes to contain any potential rowdiness.

Anyone living in San Francisco will remember the victorious mayhem that ensued after the Giants won the 2012 World Series last October: riots erupted, cars were overturned, fireworks set off and bonfires lit in the streets. Though the city is hoping to clinch another Bay Area sports victory on Superbowl Sunday, Mayor Ed Lee said he did not want any “instant replays” of last year’s celebrations, according to ABC 7 News.

Last year fans were able to watch the World Series on a jumbo-tron at the Civic Center Plaza, a decision that benefited both fans looking for a central place to watch the game, as well as city officials hoping to contain any out-of-control situations. Unfortunately, this year the NFL said The City couldn’t show the game at the Civic Center due to broadcast copyright laws.

However, with bars across the city promoting game day specials and viewing parties, Mayor Lee plans to ask them to limit alcohol sales and sell beverages besides hard liquor  on game day.

Security preparations also include police requests to bars to sell cans instead of breakable bottles, regular trash pick-ups on game day to prevent fires, and street closures beginning Saturday, February 2. Police presence will be strong as well, with triple the usual amount of Sunday on-duty officers, according to ESPN.

On Thursday at a news conference, Mayor Lee told KTVU:

“We want the city to be both celebratory and safe for everyone.”