From the Golden Gate to Gridiron Glory: Celebrating the 49ers Faithful

What it Means to be a San Francisco 49ers Super Fan

San Francisco 49ers superfans have a unique reputation across the NFL. These fans are known as “The Faithful” and they are some of the most passionate and loyal fans across the NFL. The origin of The Faithful nickname is not pinpointed to an exact moment, but it came about during the 1980s when bandwagon fans joined the San Francisco 49ers due to the incredible play and accomplishments of legendary quarterback Joe Montana. The 1970s were a rough time for the 49ers. Fans would sneak into the then-Candlestick Park without a ticket and would not be stopped because there were so many empty seats. The superfans who remained loyal during these tough times were coined The Faithful. The 1980s, led by Montana were an exciting and dominant period for the San Francisco 49ers. Montana led the 49ers to four Super Bowl wins in 1982, 1985, 1989 and 1990. The San Francisco 49ers would go on to win their fifth Super Bowl win in 1995. The Joe Montana years are largely considered to be the golden age for 49ers superfans. Throughout the 49ers’ struggles in the 2000s and their recent uptick in 2010s with Super Bowl appearances in 2013 and 2020, superfans have remained faithful, cheering on their team and packing the stands for their beloved 49ers.

San Francisco 49ers superfans also have a strong community. Fans actively participate in community support events and philanthropic endeavors. Fans are encouraged to join the 49ers Foundation, a non-profit foundation that supports underserved communities in the Bay area. Since 1991, the 49ers Foundation has donated more than $50 million to these communities as well as having constant events to support youth football in the area and raising money for STEAM programs for the next generation.

San Francisco 49ers Fans on Gameday

Tailgating is an important tradition for San Francisco 49er superfans. Although most parking is reserved for season ticket holders, fans are encouraged to take public transportation and join in on festivities. Tailgating surrounds Levi’s Stadium and is available for all fans. 49ers fans show their support by wearing their traditional red and gold colors, painting their faces and even sometimes wearing costumes. This jovial environment encourages everyone to get together for food and games, all while rooting for and cheering on their beloved Niners.

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California has a seating capacity of 68,500, so expect tens of thousands of 49ers fans to come together to kick off the game in spirit. Tailgating has a more competitive spirit at Levi’s Stadium than other tailgates around the NFL because there are secret “judges’” who roam around during the event and award the best tailgate setup with free San Francisco 49ers swag. The winners also get featured on the jumbotron. Fans should plan to arrive early to 49ers games as tailgating starts three and a half hours before kickoff. Historic tailgates for the 49ers include the Red Zone Tailgate Rally at The Pavilion at Great America. This tailgate is a ticketed event and is welcome to all. Tailgate ticket holders will enjoy a wide array of food and drink options, as well as access to the theme park’s Flight Deck roller coaster. Club 49 Tailgate on Patrick Henry Drive is the tailgate for die-hard 49ers fans. Club 49 throws tailgating parties before all the Niners home games and encourages 49er superfans to come enjoy as long as they contribute to the grill and cooler. During the games, fans experience the incredibly talented Niner Noise drumline who hype the fans up before the game. Fans also cheer on their adored mascot, Sourdough Sam, as he rallies fans throughout the game.

Memorable Moments in San Francisco 49ers Fandom

The San Francisco 49ers golden-era of football was during the 1980s and mid-1990s with quarterback Joe Montana and star wideout Jerry Rice. During this time, the Niners gained one of the most legendary superfans in all of the NFL. Stacy Samuels, aka Banjo Man, is the cape toting, banjo playing, propeller hat wearing, superhero that has been rallying the 49ers for four decades. This colorful superfan jams out with others before, during and after every San Francisco 49ers game and has become a cultural icon for the team.

Another important moment in the San Francisco 49ers fandom has been the 49ers dedication to include their LGBTQ+ community members. In 2019 the San Francisco 49ers organization started 49ers Pride. 49ers Pride is believed to be the first fan community started by an NFL franchise to directly encourage and support LGBTQ+ members. LGBTQ+ San Francisco 49ers fans have actively praised the 49ers organization for their support and inclusion into the team.

Famous San Francisco 49ers Fans

 

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The San Francisco 49ers, being located on the West Coast, have many famous fans. Celebrity singers, actors and athletes rally together to support their beloved Niners. Actor Rob Schneider loves the 49ers and even went on social media and criticized the Owner and CEO Jed York during the 49ers struggles in 2015 and 2016, going as far as saying he wanted to buy the 49ers from York. Basketball superstar Andre Iguodala has said he has been a 49ers fan since he was seven years old, cheering on Joe Montana and Jerry Rice during their iconic late 1980s back-to-back Super Bowl wins. Actor Jeremy Renner is a life-long 49ers fan, speaking in length about his life as a Niners fan and his love for the team. Actress and Singer Hayden Panettiere was seen rocking 49ers’ gear before Super Bowl XLVII and has proclaimed she was rooting for them to win the big game. Actor and comedian Andy Samberg actively support the 49ers on social media. Growing up in Berkley, Samberg is very vocal about his love for the Niners and his hate for the Seattle Seahawks.