End of an Era

As with all things, the end is hard to take. It was announced that Candlestick Park, a fixture in the Bay Area since 1960, will be closing its doors at the end of the San Francisco 49ers season in January.

A little history.

The Stick was built, starting in 1958 as a result of the baseball Giants' move from New York after the 1957 season. It opened in 1960, as the Giants moved there from old Golden Seals Stadium.

The Oakland Raiders played there for part of 1960 and all of 1961, until moving across the bay. The Beatles played their final concert there in 1966 and discussions are ongoing for Paul McCartney to return to close the park with one final concert,

1971 saw the move of the 49ers into its confines and the apparent championships, both NFC and Super Bowl champs multiple times. Also, the Giants brought several National League championships to this historic venue. The Stick hosted several World Series and All Star games, as well.

In 1989, before the Giants-A's game three World Series game, a 7.1 earthquake struck the San Francisco area, causing minor damage to the famed arena. Fortunately, no injuries were sustained and no one died as a result. Its construction was credited by many, including Al Michaels and Tim McCarver, who were on hand to call the game.

The ballpark has been used for several movies including, Experiment in Terror, Freebie and the Bean, and Contagion.

The names were changed several times over the years, until it was once again named Candlestick Park in 2008.

Even for this outsider, Candlestick holds a special place for me as a baseball fan, a football fan and a Beatles fan. Over the years, it has become familiar territory, knowing that it has such a cherished history. It is one of the last standing museums of a time gone by. It will be sad to see it no more.

Farewell, old friend, as you host your final events this fall and winter. You will be missed.