Legends Reunite at Candlestick
The Legends of Candlestick Flag Football Finale (sponsored by HP) offered true fans one final opportunity to see their heroes of olde tromp the grass at Candlestick. Former 49ers Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Dwight Clark and Roger Craig along with a host of other fan favorites gave it a go against Dan Marino and an ensemble of former professional footballers from various NFL franchises.
Grey hairs and failing eyesight were no barriers to both teams enjoying the contest. While some had attempted to get back in shape for the day, others showed up and accepted the inevitable strains and sprains which would accompany a day of acting half their age. Several of those present had their names recorded along the Ring of Honor – a band of wall just below the stadium’s wind break panels – along with their jersey numbers. There they will remain until the stadium is demolished in 2015 to make way for planned residential construction.
Fans brushed away the memories like flies. The nearly 30,000 present recalled frigid days and evenings spent under layers of blankets while they watched their home team. Staunch, yearly season ticketholders were able to again see the seats they occupied over the years and greet the likeminded who held seats nearby. It was both a homecoming and a farewell.
Candlestick Park will host two more events before permanently closing: a soccer game and a sold out Sir Paul McCartney concert.