Limousine Memories of the First 'San Francisco' Super Bowl

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In 1985, the author was tasked with driving three drunk vacuum cleaner salesmen from San Francisco to the Super Bowl in Palo Alto. Along the way, they encountered a strolling Tony Bennett, whom the salesmen failed to recognize. The author reflects on his experience and the history of the Super Bowl in the Bay Area.

Why it matters

This story provides a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the first Super Bowl hosted in the San Francisco Bay Area, highlighting the disconnect between the game's location in Palo Alto and the festivities taking place in the city. It also offers a glimpse into the changing landscape of San Francisco and the enduring legacy of Tony Bennett.

The details

The author, a union tilesetter, was recruited by his auto mechanic friend Walt to drive three vacuum cleaner salesmen from San Francisco to the Super Bowl in Palo Alto. Along the way, the salesmen were rowdy and made inappropriate comments, but the author tried to remain professional. At the stadium, the author watched part of the game from the limo before being kicked out. On the return trip, the author got lost in Palo Alto but eventually made it back to San Francisco, where they encountered a strolling Tony Bennett, whom the salesmen failed to recognize.

• On Sunday, Jan. 14, 1985, the Super Bowl XIX was held in Palo Alto.
• The author drove the vacuum cleaner salesmen to the Super Bowl that day.

What’s next

The author reflects on his later encounters with Tony Bennett, including at a Democratic Convention fundraiser where Bennett sang "I Left My Heart in San Francisco."