It’s been a long time since Super Bowl XLVII ended in New Orleans with a 49ers comeback falling just short in a 34-31 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Five months later, the Niners – many remaining from that team, joined by some young (and old) newcomers -- are ready to get back on the field.
Rookies were due to report to the Marie P. DeBartolo Sports Center in Santa Clara Friday (July 19), with veterans required to report Wednesday, July 24. The first official full-squad workout of this summer training camp is expected the next day. Ninety players are on the 49ers’ roster heading into camp at Santa Clara, where the team’s practice facility is adjacent to the construction of the new Levi’s Stadium.
Two weeks after the first workout, the 49ers will play their first preseason game against the Denver Broncos on Aug. 8 at Candlestick Park. The other scheduled exhibition games are against the Kansas City Chiefs (and former 49ers quarterback Alex Smith) on Aug. 16 at Arrowhead Stadium, Aug. 25 vs. the Minnesota Vikings at Candlestick Park and Aug. 29 against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium.
Because of the construction of the new stadium, public access to 49ers training camp practices is closed this summer.
Key dates during camp are:
- Aug. 10: 49ers Fan Fest at Candlestick Park, from noon to 4 p.m. The day at Candlestick includes the team’s only open practice to the public this summer, from 2 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Aug. 27: First required roster cut, to pare the roster to 75 players.
- Aug. 31: Final roster cut, to 53 players.
- Sept. 1: Final day of training camp.
The 49ers will open the 2013 regular season on Sept. 8 against the Green Bay Packers at Candlestick Park.
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This is the 11th year the 49ers have trained at Santa Clara. Over the past four decades, the 49ers previously trained at the University of Pacific in Stockton (1998-2002) and Sierra College in Rocklin (1981-1997).
Among the familiar faces missing from this year’s camp are safety Dashon Goldson, tight end Delanie Walker, defensive linemen Ricky Jean Francois and Isaac Sopoaga and Smith, but the 49ers are welcoming veteran free agents such as receiver Anquan Boldin, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, place-kicker Phil Dawson and a slew of draft picks, led by No. 1 pick, safety Eric Reid.
Niners coach Jim Harbaugh has said he’s excited to see how this team comes together through camp and the preseason games.
“It hurts and (is) sad to see those guys in other uniforms,” he told Cam Inman of the Bay Area News Group this spring. “But yet there’s an opportunity now for other younger guys on our team. … So you’re excited for those guys as well. All those challenges get the blood pumping.”
