Fireworks, Bay Lights thrill crowds at San Francisco's Super Bowl City

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Super Bowl week kicked off in San Francisco Saturday night with fireworks and the lighting of the Bay Lights. The fireworks lasted 12 minutes with an explosive finale. And the lights returned permanently to the Bay Bridge after a nonprofit raised $4 million to bring back the public art piece.

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The first night of Super Bowl City festivities started off with a bang. That show in the sky was the opening act for a show on stage by Bay Area rockabilly crooner Chris Isaak, the first headliner of this week long party leading up to Super Bowl 50 next weekend.

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There were some fans who were disappointed at a lack of access to the main stage of the show. For safety reasons, the fire marshal shut down entry to a large area right in front of the stag, leaving it pretty sparsely populated. Most people had to watch on big screens nearby.

Down along the Embarcadero, some of Northern California's brightest political stars gathered for a show of their own. They re-lit the Bay Lights art project on the Bay Bridge.

WATCH VIDEO: Bay Lights artist gives ABC7 News demonstration in San Francisco

The foundation that initially launched the piece of public art donated the installation to the state of California.

"On behalf of a grateful state, we are honored to be here, thank you all very much," said Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom.

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The strings of lights will now be a permanent part of the Bay Bridge.

For Super Bowl fans, this was the first opportunity to take in the massive spectacle.

"This was pretty much what I had in mind, check this out, hang out, and get excited," said Denver resident Lauren Issaeff.

All the fans ABC7 News talked to said they're excited to see Super Bowl City, but would be even more excited if they could afford tickets to see the Super Bowl.

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