Levi's Stadium

When I was just a whippersnapper. Circa 1982

I am a 3rd generation 49er Faithful having cheered for the 49ers since I became aware of the world around me. I grew up during the Joe Montana era when his go to wide receiver was...Freddie Solomon (RIP). Bet you thought I'd say Jerry Rice. Well, #88 was the man before Rice joined the team. During my high school and college years, the man under center was Steve Young.

Since I grew up in Southern California, I only got to see them at least once a year. The Rams played in Anaheim at the time, and each year, the 49ers came for their division game. We were always in attendance. (A bit of trivia: Joe Montana NEVER lost in Anaheim.) Sometimes we'd see the Niners at the L.A. Coliseum to play the Raiders or in San Diego against the Chargers. Believe it or not, the 49ers do have a large fan base in Southern California, but nothing is better than being in 49er territory.

I didn't move to San Francisco until 1995 to attend USF. I would always go down to the local pizza parlor located on Clement Street (in what is now called Pizza Orgasmica) to be among my fellow 49er Faithful. I didn't go to my first Candlestick game until...flash forward to 2011. I went to only two games that season. In 2012, I went to six games. During it's final season in 2013, I only attended four games, including the final home game.

Final game at Candlestick

Yesterday was the 49ers regular season home opener at Levi's Stadium. It is now located 40 miles south in Santa Clara. I wasn't planning on attending, but my dad convinced me otherwise. He kept saying, "you gotta go. It's history!" But it's so expensive now; to which he replied, "I'll buy your ticket. Consider it your birthday gift." Well if you insist. So I got a ticket for the game.

I was in awe of the new stadium which sits right next to the 49ers practice field and headquarters. It is absolutely beautiful and definitely state of the art. Free wi-fi! The seats were a lot more comfortable than those at "The Stick". It was also more open with its wide corridors.

When it comes to the concession stands, this stadium considers every type of diet. Finally, there are more options available for vegetarians. They even have vegan dogs!

The field was stunning. I was so used to a faded out field at The Stick. This was more vibrant and the grass much healthier. Though I sat up in nosebleed section, it was still a pretty good view of the field. This stadium also has two megatrons. The Stick only had one, so sometimes if you were on the north end of the stadium, you wouldn't see the replays. But at Levi's, there is always a view of the scores and highlights.

The view from my seat

But that ever glaring sun! At the Stick, there was always shade due to it's cradling design. But Levi's is open. There wasn't any shade until the sun finally set at 7:30. This was a night game, so I can imagine how hot the afternoon games will be. Bring a hat! (The stadium provided free sunscreen.) Although, I'm thinking it is more worth buying a "Standing Room" ticket. You don't get a seat, but at least there is shade. Besides, there is still a good view of the field and more room to roam (and easier access to restrooms and concessions).

Standing room

I couldn't help but notice the terrific view of the Santa Cruz mountains in the distance. It's absolutely breathtaking.

Due to the proximity of San Jose airport, expect to see low flying airplanes above the stadium. You can actually read the airline name on each plane.

Levis wanted to retain some of its Candlestick heritage. They brought the foghorn to signal the time before kickoff as well as a celebration for each score. What I really liked was the return of the old chant GOOOOOO! NINERS! That brought me back to the 1980s when the entire crowd would chant in unison during blowout wins. We did this prior to the kickoff but not during the game. I'm hoping, though, this will be a continued practice for future games. It was always a better chant than the faster rhythm "Let's Go Niners" followed by the clapping.

Though the game didn't end as expected...let's be honest, I was pissed! I'm still upset with the loss...moving along...I may go to one or two more games this year; most likely in December when the temps are cooler and the tickets are generally cheaper. I would love to go when the Seahawks come to town but that is on Thankgiving night and hella expensive. We'll see.

Below is a highlight from the game. Enjoy and GO NINERS!

For Mobile Users: 49ers Home Opener

This pretty much summed up how I feel today...

With my primo photobombing.

The day started off well. The game got off to a good start with the Wilson fumble and the first score of the game. We led at the half and throughout the 3rd quarter. But then Kaepernick choked BIG TIME! 

This is one painful loss. I don't know which NFC Championship loss is worse: Roger Craig fumbling the 3-peat away. The Dallas Cowboy losses back in the 90s. Losing to the Giants (again) in 2012...this was pretty bad (though nothing is worse than losing the Super Bowl and I'm still having a hard time getting over that loss).

But in the end, I'm forever a 49er Faithful. I have been since birth and I'm a 3rd generation Niner fan. You win some, you lose some. For better or for worse, they will always be my team.

GO NINERS!

As for this year's Super Bowl...well this will be the first time that I REFUSE to watch. You can find me at the Alameda Antique Faire that Sunday. Should be less crowded next month.

Birthday weekend

I'm not one of those types who spends the entire month celebrating their day of birth. If my birthday lands on a week day, I'll celebrate the whole week. Since it landed on a Sunday, I shortened the celebration to just 5 days.

Thursday, September 19

My students surprised me with birthday balloons and pie; marionberry pie. They knew about my strong aversion to cake, though I have a strong liking for tart tastes especially berries. The pie was lit with only 10 candles; 37 candles would've just burned through the crust.

Friday, September 20
Pampered myself with a hair appointment to touch up my roots and a pedicure followed. Later, I picked up my dad from the airport.

Saturday, September 21

I dragged my dad to the vintage expo and surprisingly, he enjoyed himself. He's more into antiques and not much into the fashion aspect of vintage shopping, but he certainly could appreciate the vintage attire as they reminded him of his dearly departed mother (sigh...I miss my grandma). I didn't find anything at the expo. Most of the attire was mid-century. I already have plenty of 1940s-1950s dresses. I'm on the hunt for more 1920s-1930s. (Here's hoping the Black Coutour Ball or Alameda Vintage Fashion Faire will provide good finds.)

Sunday, September 22 - Birthday is here!!!!!

After 11 long years, my birthday FINALLY landed on a Sunday. I had always made a promise to myself that one day, I would attend a 49er home game ON my birthday. The last time I went to a Niner game on my birthday was way back in 1985...and it was in Los Angeles...when they beat the Raiders (lots of changes to the NFL since then). I've been to plenty of Niner home games, but to go on your birthday would make the tailgating that much better. I spent the whole day at Candlestick tailgating, talking with fellow Faithfuls including one who shared my birthdate and enjoying the game. Unfortunately, the day did not end well. My Niners got their butts kicked. What's worse, seeing the "fans" leave early in the 4th quarter. Real fans stay til the end. I didn't leave my seat until the Niners had retreated to the locker room at game's end. Win or lose, I always support my team.

Later in the evening, my dad and I sat in my living room watching ESPN highlights of other NFL games. He kept staring at one of my posters until he finally asked, "Does that dome exist?" He was referring to the picture of the Cocoanut Grove at Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. I was surprised that he had never been to Santa Cruz.  Since I took Monday off from work, I told him that we could take a cruise along Cabrillo Highway and spend the day in Santa Cruz.

Monday, September 23

My dad and I woke just before dawn; we're early risers. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, so I knew it would be a perfect day for a drive along the coast. My dad was in awe of coastal views, the abundance of greenery, gentle rolling hills and deep valleys. We made a few brief stops along the way. We stopped at Pescadero, Pigeon Point and Davenport.

Davenport was an interesting place. A tiny city with a population of about 100. We stopped for breakfast at one the restaurants where we made small talk with a few of the locals. After eating, we walked about the town admiring the ocean views and picturesque setting of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. 

We reached Santa Cruz around 10am and walked about the wharf, the boardwalk, and downtown. We drove around stopping at antique shops and vintage boutiques. We didn't buy anything, but the browsing is always enjoyable.

It seemed as though my dad was scouting the area more so than visiting it. My parents plan to move to the Bay Area in a few years and have now added Santa Cruz to their short list of possible cities to buy property. It would be nice to have my parents closer to home. Although that would leave my brother alone in Los Angeles. He's perfectly okay with that, though. He says he can always hop on a plane for the short flight to the bay.

Overall, it was great birthday. Despite the 49er loss, the weekend was still enjoyable and I got to spend some time with my dad; I missed having my mom with me, but she felt that my dad needed some father/daughter time which was long overdue.

Forever Faithful

Half my life ago, my Niners won SuperBowl XXIX. It has been 18 long years since that win, and in those 18 long years we've come close. However, the last 10 years saw some below .500 win/loss ratios, a string of lousy QBs and horrible coaching. Last year was a heartbreak as the Niners were stopped short of the SuperBowl.

Today, I watched the game among with my fellow 49er Faithfuls. When we were down 17-0, I never let up hope. My die-hard Raider fan Uncle Joe from Hawaii called to tease me. I just said, "the game is not over, and Falcons are known to blow leads. We'll win this game." My fellow Faithfuls and I watched the game with intensity; we whooped and howled; we exchanged high fives. When the game was over, tears streamed down our faces as we gave each other hugs shouting out "18 Long years!!!" Yes, Faithfuls, our Niners are back in top form.

I never let up hope that my 49ers would come back from dismal past seasons. In Harbaugh I trust, and Kaepernick had my 100% support when he was made the starting QB. I was born a 49er Faithful; and I'm a 2nd generation Faithful. I grew up watching Montana, and my young adulthood cheered Young. It had been a long time coming to cheer a new QB, and Kaep is right up there with greatness. I haven't been this hyped over a QB in years. Kaepernick is incredibly athletic, handsome and tattooed!!! But I digress...

49ers were at the bottom for a long time, but I never jumped ship. I proudly showed my 49er support even in the worst of losses. But hard work and determination gets you out of adversity and on to greatness. Never lose hope.

It may be just a sport, but it's also a life lesson. ALWAYS  a 49er Faithful. GO NINERS!

My 49er game face.

Proof of my long time 49er loyalty.
Sporting my 49er shirt at age 6.