In a critical city-wide election on Tuesday, voters in Santa Clara approved plans for a new stadium for the San Francisco 49ers. The election clears the way for the project to move forward with the goal of opening the facility in time for the 2014 season.
"For almost a decade and a half, the San Francisco 49ers and our faithful fans have dreamed about playing at home in a world-class stadium, and now those dreams are closer to reality," said team President and CEO Jed York. "We can now proceed with our plans to build the premier, open-air sports and entertainment venue in the world."
Tuesday's victory comes after an extensive grass roots campaign effort. Over 700 people from Santa Clara and throughout the Bay Area volunteered their time in support of the election.
"We are as thrilled by the results as we are humbled by the effort that so many people put into its success," York added.
On the heels of Tuesday's victory, the team today announced the launch of a website for fans: 49ersNewStadium.com. The website is designed to help fans understand the selection process for seats at the new stadium, including a waitlist for fans that are not season ticket holders at Candlestick Park. The website also includes the latest images of the stadium design, and answers to frequently asked questions about the new stadium plans.
Next, the team and the City will finalize all project approvals and finance construction of the stadium. The goal is to begin construction of the stadium in 2012. Centrally located in Santa Clara, the stadium features easy highway and transit access for fans throughout the Bay Area. The completion of this state-of-the-art facility will secure the team's long-term future in the Bay Area. Once the new stadium in Santa Clara opens, the team confirmed that its name will remain the San Francisco 49ers.
"We recognize that there is still a lot of work to be done, and it is now our responsibility to finish the job by delivering on the remainder of the plan," said York. "But, the best fans in the NFL deserve the best stadium, and our new home will continue to make them proud to cheer on the San Francisco 49ers for generations to come."
About the New Stadium
Renowned architecture firm HNTB designed the new stadium to redefine the game day experience for fans and create the premier, open-air sports and entertainment venue in the world. The stadium will capitalize on its location in Silicon Valley to incorporate innovative new technologies. The unique design features one of the largest lower seating bowls in the NFL, and luxury suites stacked on one side of the field, allowing the upper deck to be closer to the action.
About the Seat Selection Process
- Current Season Ticket Holders
Current season ticket and suite holders who renew their seats each season will receive seat selection priority at the new stadium. They do not need to add their names to the wait list for tickets.
- Fans Who Are Not Current Season Ticket Holders
All other fans can still gain seat selection priority by becoming season ticket holders at Candlestick Park starting this season. Alternatively, fans who want to be considered for seats at the new stadium can visit 49ersNewStadium.com* *to join the wait list. Wait list deposit holders will be considered for seats based on availability after all current season ticket holders have had a chance to review their seating options.
Key Stadium Project Dates:
- November, 2006: 49ers announced their interest in building a football stadium in the City of Santa Clara.
- February, 2007: 49ers and City Council of Santa Clara enter a study to explore the feasibility of a new stadium.
- January, 2008: Santa Clara City Council determines that new stadium is feasible. Authorizes negotiations on a term sheet agreement between the team and the City.
- June, 2009: Council approves term sheet for the stadium, calling for $79 million public investment with team to pay all construction cost overruns.
- July, 2009: Draft Environmental Impact Report is completed and released for public.
- December, 2009: Council certifies Environmental Impact Report and selects June 8, 2010 election date.
- February, 2010: Council approved ballot question language for the June election.
- May, 2010: Eight hotels located near the proposed stadium site vote unanimously to form a Community Facilities District to help fund the stadium.
- June, 2010: Voters approve Measure J.
