Every so often I get press releases sent by the 49ers publicity and community relations folks.  Professional sports teams are of course very active in getting folks out to the stadium.  However, they also mix in a variety of other promotions for the simple purpose of getting publicity for the team.  Obviously minor league teams go crazy with promotions, but even the highest level of teams mix in fun promotions.

The 49ers are just as active with these kinds of promotions as other teams.  The team has a couple of these promotions coming up and I thought it was worth mentioning for folks that will be attending home games at any point this season.

Early Fan of the Game
The 49ers will be rewarding fans on a random basis for entering the stadium prior to 45 minutes before kickoff by way of a new program acknowledging "Early Fans of the Games."  Fans who enter the stadium early have the opportunity to be selected to receive 49ers rewards ranging from seat upgrades to food and beverages vouchers to pregame field passes.

49ers representatives will be circulating throughout the stadium and at entry gates selecting fans who enter early to receive these complimentary rewards. Some lucky fans will also be recognized on the Video Boards each game.  This particular promotion kicks off tomorrow against the Titans.  I'd imagine the team is looking to cut down on the fan traffic coming through the gates close to kickoff.  Delay in getting into a stadium is one of the bigger complaints fans tend to have.  This kind of incentive to get in early could help remedy that issue.

Largest Northern California Tailgate
The 49ers and Safeway will be hosting a 20,000 square foot tailgate party prior to tomorrow's game from 10am to kickoff at 1:15pm.  Anybody attending the game is allowed to attend the tailgate, which will be taking place at Candlestick Park’s interior parking lot, near letter pole "R" – just outside of entrance gate E.

The event will include free food, a media room with ten large screen televisions and large couches, a free lock room souvenir picture for those in attendance, and a variety of interactive games.  Apparently Safeway has done this in other cities, so hopefully that means they've got the process perfected.

We have a bit more after the jump...

Kids entertainment
The 49ers are partnering with Dreamstar Properties, Inc, to provide its character entertainment services at the 49ers "Faithful City" prior to all 49ers home games throughout the 2009 season.  Faithful City is an area at Candlestick Park where families can enjoy interactive games in addition to appearances by the 49ers mascot Sourdough Sam and the San Francisco 49er’s Gold Rush Cheerleading team.

Dreamstar Parties has customized special activities from its signature character service for 49ers games to include face and hair painting featuring team designs.  Dreamstar Parties was signed to perform at all pre/regular/post season games throughout the 2009 season. Performances in the "Faithful City" will begin when gates open (three hours prior to kick off) and run up until 15 minutes before opening kick-off.

Community Relations Events
The 49ers have developed their theme for November community relations events: Respect for Family.  During the month of November, the 49ers will focus on spending time in the community to demonstrate respect for families through various events across the Bay Area.

Throughout November, the 49ers will participate in several community-related, hands-on volunteer projects in the Bay Area.  The featured event of the month will take place on Tuesday, November 24, 2009, when the team will participate in Serving Thanksgiving Meals at the Ray and Joan Kroc Salvation Army Corps Community Center and Railton Place in San Francisco. Players and their families will be serving a Thanksgiving meal to youth who have aged out of the foster care system as well as chronically homeless adults, veterans, and low-income seniors.

On November 3, the 49ers will participate in The Red & Gold 52 for 49ers Card Game Tournament with Seniors. At this event, residents of the Valley Village Senior Center in Santa Clara will play card games with current and former 49ers. Games included are Spades, Hearts/Crazy Nines/Golf, and Go Fish. Prizes will be awarded to all who participate.  I have to say, it's events like these that make me think it won't be half bad being old!

On November 17, 2009, the team will participate in Stocking the Food Bank at the San Francisco Food Bank. Players and their families will help sort Thanksgiving food and load the items into vehicles for delivery to needy families in San Francisco.