Nvidia’s GTC Technology Conference near the SAP Center in San Jose is expected to attract more than 30,000 visitors. Some roads are already closed for the week-long event, and more closures are planned.
Starting Monday, the so-called Super Bowl of AI is in full effect. Sharks Way, North Montgomery Street and Barrack Obama Boulevard closed on Monday in both directions and will remain closed through Wednesday, according to San Jose PD.
Other full and partial road closures will remain in place through Sunday, March 22, as crews tear down stages and attractions after the massive AI conference.
On Monday, additional streets will close near the downtown and the convention center, starting with full closures of Elmando Street and Santa Clara Street between Barrack Obama Boulevard and Delmas Avenue from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Then, from noon until 3 p.m., west Santa Clara Street and South Almaden Boulevard will be closed in both directions.
Despite the closures and expected traffic, people who lives in the area said they’ve learned to cope and accept traffic jams as part of doing business in the Silicon Valley.
“It’s good man. It’s just for a few days, for a few days, and as I said Nvidia is changing the world,” Howard Lauron of San Jose said.
“It’s great for the city – bringing in new people that are interested to learn about AI,” Georgie Sawyers of Concord said.
And someone who has been to a number of these conferences before has some good advice.
“Try not to drive, because like you said, there are so many people,” Sam Ziari of Fremont said. “Parking is going to be a nightmare. So, I personally would take any of those rideshare services and just get dropped off. You might have to do a little walking, but it’s a lot better than trying to find parking and then paying for parking too.”