49ers look into possible move to Santa Clara

Slimdust

SAN FRANCISCO (Nov. 9, 2006) -- The 49ers have given up hope of building a state-of-the-art stadium in San Francisco and are considering a move to suburban Santa Clara.

Owner John York notified San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom of the team's decision Nov. 8, the mayor's spokesman, Peter Ragone, told The Associated Press.

York planned to hold a news conference in Santa Clara to talk in detail about the decision. But in a news release announcing the decision issued late in the evening of Nov. 8, York said the team will not change its name even if he decided to move.

"Nothing will persuade us to change the name of the San Francisco 49ers, one of the most storied brands in the world of sports," he said.

According to the release, York made his decision after a yearlong study of the area around Candlestick Park determined the area needed too many infrastructure and public-transit improvements to make a new stadium viable.

The team said the cost of those improvements could have exceeded the entire bill for the proposed stadium, which was estimated to cost between $600 million and $800 million.

Also, the team said it was unlikely it could achieve its goal of opening the new stadium in time for the 2012 season.

Now the team is seeking to build a new stadium in Santa Clara, near the Great America amusement park and the Santa Clara Convention Center. The 49ers headquarters and training facility are currently based in Santa Clara, which is located about 30 miles south of San Francisco, near San Jose.

"We have been looking to expand our entertainment options in the Great America-Convention Center area for years, and this stadium can be a great addition," Santa Clara mayor Patricia Mahan said in a statement issued by the team. "The 49ers have been clear that their goal is to put together a project that has no impact on the city's general fund and no increase in taxes, and we are ready to give this project our full attention."

The 49ers and San Francisco officials had been talking over the past few months about building a privately financed stadium at Candlestick Point that was going to be part of the city's bid for the 2016 Olympics.

Ragone did not know how the 49ers' decision would impact the Olympic bid. San Francisco, Los Angeles and Chicago are the three cities competing to be the U.S. Olympic Committee's choice to bid on the 2016 games.

The team's current lease at Candlestick runs through the 2008 season and the team holds three five-year options that could extend it through 2023.

The current stadium at Candlestick is one of the most run-down in the league, leading to the team's desire to seek a new stadium with revenue-generating suites and luxury boxes. The plan to build a stadium also included public housing, retail and office space.

San Francisco was not going to contribute any money to the stadium but was willing to possibly help with some of the infrastructure costs.

The 49ers said if they are unable to move forward with the project in Santa Clara, they would look at other cities in the area.

"The 49ers have called the Bay Area home for our entire 60-year history," York said. "We are a part of the fabric of this region, and we intend to stay right here where we belong."


AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service
NFL.com

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Dr. Giganto

Sports Moderator

See, my girlfriend moves to the Bay Area, and both the Niners and A's decide to leave!

Blitzkrieg

Administrator

I can't believe this crap. The Niners have been such a huge part of the community there for years, I'm not sure who to blame, but I don't like the idea of them playing in another city.

With that said, I'd rather they go to LA than Santa Clara. LA is willing to rebuild the Colliseum with around $800M.

Slimdust

they said that they wont leave the bay area... I heard that today on espn.

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Joe Cool

Administrator

They will end up in Santa Clara. That city has been kissing their butts for awhile now and they are treated well there so...

For anyone who has been to Candlestick you will know why they wanted it remodeled. That stadium is like a deathtrap.

Ugh.

I am curious if they'll remain the team name if they move. 49ers would not fit Santa Clara would it?

Dakstang

MMA Moderator

The Santa Clara 49ers?

No it wouldn't really go good because of the whole gold rush thing in San Fran.

Stop talkin' bout stayin' the course
You keep on beatin' that old dead horse
You know they lied about why we went to War
I can't take it no more

Killswitch

I doubt we will see a move here becuase it takes alot of work and money to switch over and upgrade the stadium to there liking and in the end they realise its not worth the troubles. Ya I am sure they have the money becuase you know are nfl but wont want to spend it on that expecially when there team needs it. Teams but not all are always saying we plan on moving but never do becuase of the hassel.

I honestly couldnt imagine San Fran 49ers anywhere beside the bay area.

Joe Cool

Administrator

John York is determined.

I could see it happening. He has been pissed at SF since he took over the team for not contributing any money.

Santa Clara treats them like kings when they pratice there.

It would be a good fit, imo.

Slimdust

If they move to Santa Clara I am sure they will use San Fransico still. I am assuming that it santa clara and san fran are close together? Like in the bay area...

The Devil Rays play in St.petersburg but they dont call them the St.Petersburg Devil Rays...

Mayne they will call them the San Fransico Bay 49ers...

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www.haulingkings.com

Killswitch

I agree with you Joe, the 49ers would be much better in santa clara only becuase he the team is treated much better and has a much better fit. No doubt in my mind that the 49ers would probally do much better in a new atmostphere.

Just don't see it happening with the money situation and moving just becuase they are treated better and the owner likes it more, the nfl won't let something that nonsense pass right by without ranting involved.