SAN JOSE, Calif. – A Denver Broncos flag waved from the front window of team’s United plane as it taxied to a stop in San Jose at 2:56 p.m. Pacific time Sunday.

The team then disembarked via stairs in the front and back of the aircraft, with many players holding up their phones to record the scene of about 60 media members gathered behind a barricade at a private hangar at Mineta San Jose International Airport to chronicle the event.

The Broncos were then quickly whisked away in five black buses and escorted by a procession of 10 motorcycles as they passed by a few dozen fans near the airport exit.

All the while, a police sniper carefully watched the scene from a nearby rooftop and helicopters hovered in the air above.

And thus began Super Bowl week in California.

“You just enjoy it. You enjoy what you’re seeing,” said Terrell Davis, the former Broncos running back who was on hand to greet the team and distribute hats. “I didn’t think about the game at that point, you’re just filming everything and taking it in.

“You know why you’re there,” added Davis, recalling the moment he arrived for his first Super Bowl in his native San Diego in 1998. “Remember, the game’s not until a week away. At this point you’re just trying to take in that moment.”

The Bay Area has clearly spent plenty of time preparing for this moment. Signs and billboards can be found everywhere. Merchandise stands clutter the airports. Even hotel card keys are emblazoned with the Super Bowl logo. In this area, it’s impossible to miss the fact that the game is fast approaching.

There was no media availability Sunday as the teams arrived (Carolina landed about 90 minutes after the Broncos). We’ll hear from them soon, and when they talk, there will be dozens – perhaps hundreds – of microphones to hear their words. Yes, Super Bowl week has begun.