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Candlestick Park Information
When the Giants decided to move from New York to San Francisco in 1958, part of the deal was that they would have a major-league stadium to have and to hold. The City and County of San Francisco came up with 60 acres at Candlestick Park, about 7 miles south of downtown on the edge of the bay, and opened it in April 1960. It went through a series of improvements in the 1970s, when the 49ers joined as tenants. More improvements came in the late '80s.
The San Francisco Giants have since moved into a new ballpark, leaving the 49ers as the lone pro sports team there. Candlestick Park is also used for music concerts, trade shows and other special San Francisco events.
The stadium is located at Candlestick Point on the western shore of the San Francisco Bay. Due to its location next to the bay, strong winds often swirl down into the stadium, creating unusual playing conditions.
Stadium Name
In 1959, the stadium was named "Candlestick Park" in a balloting among fans. More than 150,000 entries were submitted. It was renamed 3Com Park in 1995 when 3Com bought the rights to the name. In 2004, it was renamed Monster Park when Monster Cable bought the rights to the name. After the Monster Cable contract ended in 2008, the stadium returned to its original Candlestick Park name.
Stadium Trivia
The 49ers' first regular season game was on October 10, 1971 against the Rams.
The Beatles performed their final live concert at Candlestick Park on August 29, 1966.
More than 56,000 people were at Candlestick Park at 5:05 p.m. on Oct. 17, 1989, waiting for the World Series game between the Giants and the Oakland A's to begin when a major earthquake struck. The Series was delayed for nine days while the repercussions of the quake were dealt with. The A's won the Series, four games to none.
Faithful City
Starting 3 hours prior to kickoff, the San Francisco 49ers open Faithful City near Gate 4 in the parking lot. Faithful City offers food, interactive games, sponsor booths, and opportunities to meet the Goldrush Cheerleaders, 49ers alumni, and Sourdough Sam, the 49ers' mascot.
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