The San Francisco 49ers hosted the Chicago Bears Sunday at Levi's Stadium, marking the first regular season NFL game held at the new complex.
The game started at 5:30 p.m. and was televised nationally on NBC's "Sunday Night Football."
San Francisco 49ers Host Bears at Levi's Stadium
But football fans were ready to occupy the new Santa Clara stadium before kickoff. Fans were so riled up for the game, Levi's Stadium was packed hours before kickoff.
"The tour was incredible, the stadium was amazing," 49ers fan Stefanie Yoshihara said. "And then we had reservations here [Michael Mina restaurant], and it was packed and great energy, and I think everyone is gearing up for the game. So, it should be really fun."
On Friday, two days before the 49ers take on the Chicago Bears, the stadium's tours were sold out, the Michael Mina restaurant was packed, and the team store was winning rave reviews.
Greetings from Levi Stadium #SNF #CHIvsSF @49ers pic.twitter.com/nxJpdhw8Wa — SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 13, 2014
"The team store is great," shopper Gil Salazar said. "I live in Southern California, can't find any 49ers stuff. It's great. I'm in heaven up here."
Although many fans said they would not miss the Sunday home opener for anything, a few expected the traffic to be brutal.
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"It's going to be a nightmare," said one football fan, who did not want to give his name. "Sorry, it will. It's going to be crazy. I won't be here."
For all the preseason games and events at the stadium, fans said Sunday was the true traffic test, but they said they hoped the excitement would reign over any traffic headaches.
Catch NBC Bay Area's coverage of the game during our weekend newscasts, online and on Facebook and Twitter.
NBC Bay Area's Peggy Bunker contributed to this report.
Is it Sunday yet? #CHIvsSF preview: http://t.co/l0TjSW8osw pic.twitter.com/UJTxEcCqUW — San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 12, 2014
#49ers remember @Kaepernick7's first @nfl start vs. Bears. Where were you on 11/19/12? READ: http://t.co/04E6cAI6iI pic.twitter.com/3WgKD5gubG — San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 12, 2014
Everything you need to know for the #49ers home opener. #ComeToPlay GAMEDAY GUIDE: http://t.co/lQW2F2yrKP pic.twitter.com/Q4axx8vfZH — Levi's® Stadium (@LevisStadium) September 12, 2014