Parking is typically not top of mind when considering the fan experience. It isn’t as flashy as concessions, party decks, merchandise or video board entertainment. However, a bad parking experience can boil a spectator’s blood. The San Francisco 49ers are experiencing this firsthand.
According to SF Gate, “The new policy is called ‘directed parking,’ a system where parking lot attendants direct cars into the next available spot.”
The policy was met with immediate backlash. An online petition to return to the old parking system has been signed by nearly 3,300 49ers fans. Started by Joe Leonor, he said, “this prevents parties from parking next to one another, causing problems for large tailgates, and is emblematic of the poor communication between the Niners and season ticket holders.”
For their part, spokespeople for the 49ers say the new parking solution will reduce congestion, ease the flow of traffic and increase stadium accessibility. They hope large tailgates will sync their arrival time or caravan into the parking lot. If fans cannot sync their arrival times, the website says, “Unfortunately, if you do not arrive at the same time, we cannot accommodate this request.”
Season ticket holders have been vocal about their dislike of the new policy. Along with signing the petition, two season ticket holders spoke with ABC7 saying, “We pay $3,000 per seat; we have three. It's like, 'and now I can't park next to my friend?' That's why we have the early tailgate. That's why we write the email. That's why we have this, because we want to be together we want to support our team.”
The San Francisco 49ers season opener is Monday night, and it will be the first night of the new parking policy for fans. Time will tell if the process moves smoothly or if tailgating fans are disappointed with the new set up.
