Members of the 49ers front office welcomed eight high school-aged students and their friends and family to the Marie P. DeBartolo Training Facility in Santa Clara on Sunday for a viewing party of the 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals game.
These lucky eight students were chosen at random as part of the 49ers Youth Football "Headquarters Viewing Party Sweepstakes" contest. Fans were asked to submit entries throughout the month of November in hopes of winning a behind-the-scenes experience, including a luncheon and a private screening of Sunday's football game.
Stephanie, a student from Lowell High School in San Francisco, said, "My reaction when I first found out was that my world came to a pause and I processed the greatest news I ever received. Overall I was pretty speechless."
The students were given a tour of headquarters which kicked off with a glimpse of the team's five Super Bowl trophies. The group also strolled through the 49ers locker room and viewed the team's practice fields.
"From start to finish, my son JP was so excited to see the memorabilia and the locker room, and seeing the 49ers workplace showed us where hard work and dedication can take you. The experience is something we will never forget," stated Maribel, a viewing party guest.
Helen, whose son Charles attends Wilcox High School in Santa Clara, stated, "We loved everything about the event. We especially enjoyed the upstairs tour and being able to see all of awesome memorabilia from the past to the present; it was truly amazing to see. "
Following a lunch catered by Chipotle Mexican Grill, the students and their families were surprised by former 49ers quarterback Steve Bono and former defensive end Dennis Brown, who dropped in to welcome the group.
Guests then enjoyed watching the 49ers game in the team film room where their own 49ers icons study film and their upcoming opponents.
During halftime, signed footballs and an autographed jersey were raffled off to the delight of the participants. Although the Cardinals edged the 49ers in the 4th quarter, the 40 visitors to step though headquarters doors will surely remember this experience for years to come.
For more information on 49ers Youth Football programs and events, visit Facebook.com/49ersYouthFootball.
