SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — Wednesday was a special day for the San Francisco 49ers, as the team returned to where it all started.
The franchise paid tribute to its San Francisco roots Wednesday morning by moving training camp to Kezar Stadium.
The team turned the clock back to the 1940s. Before Levi’s Stadium, before Candlestick, there was Kezar stadium.
The 49ers called the place home from their first season in 1946 to before moving to Candlestick in 1970.
On Wednesday, both the team and the fans soaked in the trip down memory lane.
There was no better way for the 49ers to open its 70th season than to salute its city beginnings.
For many of the Niner faithful, the trip to Kezar reignites fond memories.
While many of the fans hearken back to the past, the current Niners were wide-eyed at the new surroundings.
“I’ve never been here, so just to see where it all started, see the fans come out and really be happy to see where we are going right now, it was just great to get on this field now and say that I’ve played and practiced at Kezar stadium,” 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman said.
“The bathrooms in there are like from the 1940s. I thought that was cool,” 49ers offensive tackle Anthony Davis said. “I was talking to Fergus about it. This is some greats played in here and set the foundation for our organization. I think that’s cool.”
After practice, players took the time to blend in with the crowd, and perhaps, they left inspired to restore this team to its former glory.
The 49ers plan to make this an annual event.