Temperature issues at Levi's Stadium have gotten "so bad" that the 49ers yesterday acknowledged that they have hired Populous to "'review a number of aspects of the stadium with the goal of enhancing the fan experience,'" according to a front-page piece by Ann Killion of the S.F. CHRONICLE. The team said it is exploring "feasible solutions to address concerns regarding warm weather days, both for the short and long terms." The team's "lukewarm fan base" is "irritated at being gouged and a blisteringly uncomfortable stadium experience." Temperatures in the high-80s "not only provides a reason to avoid watching mediocre football, but it portends doom at Levi’s." For those in "most of the stadium seats, a warm day means massive discomfort." Given the 49ers’ on-field woes following a 2-14 season, it is "understandable that the stadium wasn’t full, even on opening day" Sunday against the Panthers. Though tickets "were sold -- the pricey personal seat licenses and the tickets were hot stuff back in the glory days under [former 49ers coach] Jim Harbaugh -- it wasn’t full at kickoff or during the first half." The 49ers, who lost 23-3 Sunday, are a "bad team, ripped from its historic roots, playing in a flawed building, charging exorbitant prices." The shady side of the stadium was "full and took in many refugees from the sunny side, but that area accounts for only a relative sliver of seats, below several stories of glassed-in suites." Most of the seats are on the "exposed side." 49ers President Al Guido said that the team is "aware of the concerns and had tried some things through guest services to alleviate the discomfort, including free water, misters and sunscreen" (S.F. CHRONICLE, 9/12). The49ersHub.com's Jay Moore tweeted, "It's a step in the right direction that the team is identifying that there is a problem. ... I hope this talk of a canopy for Levi's stadium is legit. It needs it bad. Want a full stadium, give the people shade (and wins)" (TWITTER.com, 9/11).
 |
| Fans will be able to grab what they want from the ampm store and pay for it on the way out |
QUICK AND EASY: In San Jose, Jody Meacham reported the 49ers are "trying out a concept this season" that allows fans to stop by an ampm convenience store at Levi’s Stadium's northwest entrance and "grab the soft drinks, beer, snacks and candy they want and pay on the way out to their seats." It got its "first full test" Sunday against the Panthers. 49ers VP/Stadium Operations & GM Jim Mercurio said, "We’re not going to cannibalize any sales (from regular concession stands). This is a terrific add-on." The ampm store concept "eliminates the line waiting for somebody to decide what they want and someone else to prepare or go get it." Mercurio: "It’s the convenience of the convenience store" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 9/11).
