The 49ers lost 1 ½ acres of practice-field space this year due to stadium-related construction, which means there's no room for the bleachers that have lined the field in recent years or for the parking spaces that used to surround the facility. That means none of the team's training-camp practices are open to the public ....
... except today's. The 49ers will hold their annual fan fest at Candlestick Park from 11:30 a.m. to about 4:45 p.m. Tickets cost $5 - they are still available on the team's website, 49ers.com -- although kids 12 and under get in free. Parking also is free and tailgating is permitted.
The main attraction, of course, is a 49ers practice that begins at 2 p.m. Afterward, attendees will be able to get autographs from coaches and players. I'm being told that Matt Maiocco also will make a brief appearance. So bring a pen.
Because of the new space restraints in Santa Clara, it's hard to see any training-camp practices being open next year, either. The year after that, however, the new stadium is expected to open, which would allow the 49ers to have a few fan-friendly practices there.
-- Matt Barrows
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.