Since Levi’s Stadium opened in 2014, the 49ers haven’t exactly been a juggernaut at home. In the seven seasons played there, San Francisco is 23-20 in the regular season. In the playoffs, however, the fans definitely made their presence felt. It was clear from their comments yesterday; the 49ers expect more of the same this week.
Kyle Shanahan called the electricity in the stadium for the 2019 NFC title game one of his favorite moments in all of sports. Fred Warner said he expects a special environment considering fans haven’t been back since that playoff game. Jimmy Garoppolo was even blunter than that when asked if he’s excited about the return of the Faithful.
“Hell yeah. Yeah, it’s been awhile. The Packers were the last team actually with a crowd here. So, it’s a kind of coming full circle now, but it will be exciting getting the Faithful back in the stands. I can’t wait to get all them screaming and everything like that. It’s going to be a fun atmosphere.”
As Kyle Shanahan pointed out, even the timing of the game works in the team’s favor. “The more rowdy the fans are, the better, and usually the longer they have to play corn hole and tailgate, usually the better for us.”
There are certainly a lot of things for the 49ers to be excited about Sunday night. It’s the home opener. Fans are back. The team is 2-0. Nick Bosa will be on the field in a Week 3 game for the first time since 2019, and oh yeah, the team will be wearing the best 49ers jerseys in the history of the franchise.
Here’s one more thing working in the 49ers’ favor - this is also the first real road game of the year for the Packers. Their Week 1 “road” game against the Saints was moved to Jacksonville thanks to Hurricane Ida, and the stadium was half empty. I think it’s safe to say this is going to be a slightly more hostile place to play than that.
For more on the 49ers, including why Kyle Shanahan says he doesn’t need a burner at running back, make sure you download the 49ers in Five podcast!
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