49ers unveil design plans for new stadium at Candlestick Point

By Ari Burack, Bay City News Service

July 18, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) - The San Francisco 49ers on Monday revealed updated design plans for a new stadium to replace Monster Park at Candlestick Point that would be privately financed and ready to use by the 2012 National Football League season.

In a statement, 49ers co-owner John York confirmed the goal of paying for the new venue without using the $100 million in revenue bonds approved by San Francisco voters in 1997 under Proposition D.

Instead, a "retail, entertainment and mixed-use development'' in the empty lots next to Monster Park, authorized by voters under Proposition F, is intended to be used toward paying for the new stadium, which York estimates will cost between $600 and $800 million.

The team's development partner, Lennar Corp., plans to present an initial land use plan for the area to the City of San Francisco and the public later this summer.

Incorporating designs from sports venues throughout the county, the new open-air stadium would feature large lower bowl seating for most fans, an upper deck that is lower and closer to the field, seats with "optimal sightlines,'' and an open section at the north end of the stadium to allow for views of the San Francisco skyline and the bay.

According to Tony Gonzalez, principal-in-charge of the team's architecture firm, HNTB Architecture Inc., "The new 49ers stadium will be representative of the unique urban, architectural and social qualities of San Francisco.''

The new venue would be built next to Monster Park so that the team can continue to play there until construction is complete.

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