Quick Take
Watsonville Municipal Airport is welcoming tourists from all over the country as they arrive in the region to watch Super Bowl LX this weekend. Watsonville is one of 16 regional airports selected by the FAA to help support the increase in air travel for the big game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara.
Watsonville Municipal Airport is welcoming visitors flying into the region from all over the country to watch Super Bowl LX this weekend at Levi’s Stadium in neighboring Santa Clara County.
Watsonville is one of 16 regional airports selected by the Federal Aviation Administration to help handle the anticipated influx of air traffic tied to the sporting event, according to city spokesperson Michelle Pulido.
This season’s NFL championship game pits the Seattle Seahawks against the New England Patriots; it kicks off around 3:30 PT on Sunday and will be televised on NBC and Peacock.
Airport staff are coordinating with the FAA to manage planes arriving and departing, said Pulido. Private pilots flying into Watsonville will need reservations to ensure there is enough space on the field for aircraft to land and park. She added that the airport expects to see a variety of planes arrive over the weekend, such as private jets and single-engine planes.
The airport will provide 24-hour operations, security and fueling services to meet the anticipated influx of visitors, said Pulido. There will also be additional equipment and services to accommodate aircraft that are not part of the airport’s typical daily traffic.
This is not the first time Watsonville has welcomed visitors for the big game, said Pulido. In 2016, the airport was selected as a regional airport for Super Bowl 50, also played at Levi’s Stadium.
Watsonville generated a lot of revenue from participating as a satellite airport in 2016 from private flyers purchasing fuel and reservations. The city expects the increased activity at the airport will help Watsonville’s economy with increased demand for rental cars and ride-sharing services, and visitors checking out local restaurants and shops.
The Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce is also partnering with the airport to provide a warm welcome with berries, honey and other goods from local businesses to travelers as they fly into Watsonville this weekend.
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