As it turns out, the 49ers messed with the wrong people: the Girl Scouts.
The Girl Scouts of Northern California gave its troop members incentive to sell a lot of cookies over the next month. For girls who sell 50 cases, they’d be treated to an overnight party at Levi's Stadium in May. The organization signed a contract with the 49ers in September to host the party. The Girl Scouts estimate 1,200 girls and their fathers would attend.
This week, the 49ers backed out, saying a concert was just scheduled for that date.
“The girls were going to get to run through the tunnel and burst through a banner celebrating their
accomplishments. Just cool. The girls were excited,” said Marina Park, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern California.
The Scouts knew the cancellation was a possibility. Still, the girls were devastated.
After news organizations, such as the Mercury News, which broke the story, started asking questions Wednesday night, the 49ers backpedaled. The team released a statement saying the Scouts can host the overnight party the following week in May. It also stated the team will now cover the cost of the event, which the Girl Scouts estimate is around $70,000.
“It feels good, I have to say, to know we're appreciated and supported by our community,” Park said.
