49ers Host Bears in First Regular Season Football Game at Levi's Stadium
By NBC Bay Area Staff and Wires ••
The San Francisco 49ers will host the Chicago Bears Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, marking the first regular season NFL game held at the new complex. Cheryl Hurd reports from outside the stadium.
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.
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The San Francisco 49ers will host the Chicago Bears Sunday at Levi's Stadium, marking the first regular season NFL game held at the new complex.
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NBC Bay Area's Peggy Bunker interviews members of the 49ers Gold Rush.
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Raj Mathai interviews 49ers President Paraag Marathe
Francis Son
Chief Meteorologist Jeff Ranieri shows some 49ers swag you can get at the Levi's Stadium 49ers team store.
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A shot of Raj Mathai and Jessica Aguirre anchoring a newscast from the Comcast SportsNet studio inside Levi's Stadium.
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Another shot of the Comcast SportsNet studio inside Levi's Stadium.
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Chef Michael Mina shows his new restaurant inside Levi's Stadium.
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The visitor's locker room.
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The Sunday Night Football bus is parked in the Levi's Stadium parking lot.
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An inside look of the Sunday Night Football bus.
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A close-up view of the Sunday Night Football bus.
The first regular season gameday proposal at Levi's Stadium, and in case you're wondering, she said yes.
Damian Trujillo
Decibel reached 98 on Justin Smith Sack.
Vinnie Najera
Snoop Dogg performed at the Levi's Stadium halftime show.
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Wide receiver Brandon Marshall #15 of the Chicago Bears gets hit by strong safety Jimmie Ward #25 and defensive back Dontae Johnson #36 of the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Tight end Martellus Bennett #83 of the Chicago Bears makes a play for the ball against inside linebacker Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the game at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers gets introduced before their game against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Wide receiver Brandon Marshall #15 of the Chicago Bears catches a pass for a touchdown while defended by free safety Eric Reid (L) #35 and strong safety Jimmie Ward #25 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Wide receiver Brandon Marshall #15 of the Chicago Bears catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Colin Kaepernick #7 of the San Francisco 49ers runs with the ball during the second quarter of their game against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Tight end Vernon Davis #85 of the San Francisco 49ers gets hit by cornerback Kyle Fuller #23 of the Chicago Bears during the second quarter of their game at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Tight end Martellus Bennett #83 of the Chicago Bears looses the ball during the second quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by defensive end Justin Smith #94 of the San Francisco 49ers during the secnd quarter of their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Tight end Martellus Bennett #83 of the Chicago Bears makes a play for the ball against inside linebacker Patrick Willis #52 of the San Francisco 49ers during the second quarter of the game at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
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SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: A general view during the singing of the national anthem before the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium on September 14, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
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.
"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.
