Santa Clara

Santa Clara Residents, Police Brace for Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium

Neighbors meet with police chief to share their concerns about the big game.

Santa Clara residents living near Levi's Stadium met with the police chief late Monday to share their concerns about the incoming Super Bowl.

In addition to parking and traffic concerns, some neighbors are worried about access for emergency responders during such a busy time.

"How are they going to get out of the neighborhood if it's congested?" resident Richard Evangelho asked during late Monday's community meeting.

Other residents have seen fans on regular game days walk through their yards and trash their streets.

"Due to that I have put cameras around my home, not knowing if I was going to have undesirables come up to my home," resident Roberta Hernandez said.

The neighborhood already has strict parking rules to deter people trying to park in the area and walk to the game. Each resident was given a ticker to show they are not a fan trying to score free parking.

"So that they can go through our checkpoints rather rapidly," Santa Clara Police Chief Mike Sellers said. "If not, we'll ask 'Do you have a reason for being here?' Typically, it's a deterrent to turn people around."

Sellers said all the concerns about what Super Bowl 50 will bring are being addressed.

The biggest impact to the area may be road closures.

Tasman Drive will close from the convention center to Calle Del Sol from Jan. 31 to Feb. 9. San Tomas Aquino Creek trail will also close.

Public transportation will operate on a different schedule, according to officials.

"The VTA, the transportation, the light rail will slightly change Friday night prior to the game until after the game," Sellers said. "So that's going to be a little different than a normal game."

Back in the neighborhood, police will patrol more officers than a typical game at Levi's Stadium.

"I'm looking forward to it," Hernandez said. "As long as things are controlled by the public officers."

Some of the traffic in the area will be eased by traffic plans on Interstate 101.

Sellers said he may take some of the plans from the Super Bowl and incorporate them into traffic plans for next season.

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