The San Francisco 49ers confirmed on Thursday that they will travel to Napa Valley to practice against the cross-town rival Oakland Raiders on Monday, August 4. The 49ers and Raiders will square off in the 2008 preseason-opener later in the week with an 8 p.m. kickoff on Friday, August 8 at McAfee Coliseum. The scrimmage will be closed to the public.
"This is an opportunity to work against some unfamiliar faces," said Head Coach Mike Nolan. "Players sometimes become comfortable with the level of competition during training camp. This gives us the opportunity to raise that level and learn more about ourselves both individually and collectively."
The 49ers will travel to the Napa Valley area on Sunday, August 3 following a double practice session. The 49ers and Raiders will practice against each other two times on August 4, with a morning practice and an evening practice scheduled. In between practice sessions, the 49ers will hold meetings at a local hotel. The team will return to Santa Clara immediately after the evening practice.
