Broncos Arrive In California For Super Bowl 50
SAN JOSE, Calif. (CBS4) - The Denver Broncos have landed at San Jose International Airport for Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara next Sunday and were greeted by former Broncos running back Terrell Davis.
The team took off from Denver International Airport Sunday afternoon on their United in Orange plane. A small crowd of airport workers and some die-hard fans were on the tarmac to see them off.
They're pulling out all the stops for the ultimate Super Bowl experience. Some locals in California said the area has been buzzing for weeks now with the anticipation of hosting the Super Bowl and the excitement was building Sunday as the Broncos arrived. The Carolina Panthers were expected to arrive later in the day.
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Head coach Gary Kubiak and the entire team were on the plane. Unlike two years ago, injured players were included in the travel party. Kubiak said they are all in this together.
Carolina is in the Super Bowl for the second time in franchise history and first since the 2003 season. Quarterback Cam Newton was 14 years old when they lost to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXVIII.
Levi's Stadium on Sunday was getting some final touches on the outside and fans have already been showing up to try and get a peek inside. Outside of the stadium everyone wants to get a picture with the Super Bowl 50 sign.
"We wanted to take a look at decorations before it's too full of people and we can't see it anymore," Santa Clara resident Javi De La Cruz said.
De La Cruz and his family rode their bikes over to the stadium. They figure it will be the best way to get around this week. Streets will be shut down this week, so that's why Judy Homen just walked over from her house under the watchful eye of dozens of security guards -- both seen and unseen.
"The security is very tight. We're being observed right now and you don't even know it because they are everywhere. No doubt it will go off without a hitch," Homen said.
Security is even tighter down the street at the Broncos hotel with a bomb squad parked outside and heavily armed guards walking the perimeter. But for locals likes Homen, it will all be worth it.
"Little hassle, but heck it is not going to be back here for 20 years, very excited," Homen said.
The game will be in Santa Clara, but the host city is San Francisco which is about an hour northwest where Super Bowl City was created.
Super Bowl City on Sunday was packed with excited fans. It was opened to the public Saturday and the line to get in was long with thousands of people. The free festival of sorts takes ups a few city blocks and offers fans all kinds of free things to do and learn, such as a "virtual experience" at Levi's Stadium. There's a small football field where fans can catch a few passes and get their picture taken. And what seems to be a fan-favorite -- the zipline.
The entire City by the Bay is getting amped for the big game.