Monster Park Stadium

Monster Park Stadium History

Stadium Information:
Name: Monster Park (Candlestick Park)
Inauguration: 20 April 1961
Cost: $24 million
Capacity: 69,800 seats
Address: Jamestown Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94124

Pictures:

Stadium Directions:
3Com Park is located app. 10km (6 miles) South of downtown San Francisco. Take the 101 Freeway to the 3Com Park exit and follow the signs to the park.

Stadium History:
Originally built for the San Francisco Giants (MLB), Monster Park has been the home of the 49ers since 1971. Talk of building a stadium in the San Francisco area first began in 1954, when mayor George Christopher promised to build a stadium if a major league team would move to the area. Later in the year, a $5 million bond was issued to build a stadium. Along with the Brooklyn Dodgers (MLB), the New York Giants (MLB) decided to move to the west coast after the 1957 season. The Giants moved to San Francisco, while the Dodgers moved to Los Angeles. Two locations for a new stadium in San Francisco were discussed. One in downtown, and one at Candlestick Point. The site at Candlestick Point, located near the San Francisco Bay, was chosen because of the price of land. Construction on the stadium began in August of 1958. Immediately after construction began, problems arose. Neighbors complained about numerous things, grand juries investigated irregular funding in the stadium, seats were delayed being installed because of a Teamster strike, and the stadium was called a fire trap. However, the stadium was completed. The stadium was named Candlestick Park, after its location. The Giants played the first game ever at Candlestick Park was on April 20, 1961. In September 2004, Candlestick Park was renamed Monster Park after Monster Cable Products Inc. purchased the naming rights for four years.

When it opened, Monster Park had around 45,000 seats. While the Giants were playing at Monster Park, the 49ers were playing at Kezar Stadium. The 49ers had played at Kezar Stadium since 1946. After only several years of existence, Candlestick Park began to deteriorate. At one point the mayor of San Francisco proposed that a new $50 million stadium be built in the downtown area, but his idea was dropped. However, the city spent $16.1 million in 1971 to improve and make the stadium multipurpose, where the San Francisco 49ers (NFL) would also play. Monster Park was enclosed, increasing the seating capacity to 59,000, retractable seats were added in right field to allow the conversion to a football field, and the grass field was replaced by Astroturf. The 49ers played their first game at Monster Park on October 10, 1971. Very few changes have taken place since 1971 at Candlestick Park. In 1979, the Astroturf was replaced by grass. In 1995, Candlestick Park was renamed 3 Com Park after 3 Com Corp. bought the naming rights. After the 1999 MLB season, the San Francisco Giants moved into SBC Park. Since then, the 49ers have had the stadium to them self. After the 2001 NFL season, 3 Com Park was renamed Candlestick Park and is now known as Monster Park. The 49ers continue to sell out every game. However the team hopes to move into a new stadium in the future.

Stadium Tickets:
Tel: (415) 656-4900 (Ticket Office)