Niner Noise
FanSided

San Francisco 49ers: Top 20 games in franchise history

By Jerod Brown

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Aug 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Denver Broncos long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) snaps the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the inaugural football game at Levi’s Stadium. The Broncos defeated the 49ers 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 17, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; General view of the line of scrimmage as Denver Broncos long snapper Aaron Brewer (46) snaps the ball against the San Francisco 49ers in the inaugural football game at Levi’s Stadium. The Broncos defeated the 49ers 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The First Game At Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara

As I mentioned, not all of the games on this list are because of what happened on the field. If anything, this game makes the list because of what didn’t happen on the field.

If we are discussing the rich history of the 49ers then we have to include the current history playing out in Levi’s Stadium. No matter how ugly the production might be, it is a piece of this franchise’s history.

The first sporting competition held at Levi’s Stadium was a competition between two MLS teams. The relation to the 49ers was hardly present as the stadium opened to 40,000 soccer fans.

The transition from Candlestick Park to Levi’s Stadium has been difficult for many fans. Candlestick, every bit of grime and character, was the ultimate home-field advantage for San Francisco residents to come cheer on their 49ers in the fog and cold. Now, at the posh Levi’s Stadium in sunny Santa Clara, fans feel less at home and more at an upscale hotel boasting impeccable WiFi.

Tim Kawakami of San Jose Mercury News recently tweeted a photo of Levi’s Stadium. It’s not exactly pretty.

Two weeks after the MLS game, Levi’s Stadium opened for the 49ers. The Denver Broncos beat the 49ers 34-0 in a preseason game that felt like foreshadowing for a tumultuous season. 

While the preseason game was nothing special it was the beginning of a new chapter in 49ers history. For better or worse, the 49ers have found a new home.

Next: A New Star Emerges