Candlestick Park Implosion Set For End Of 2013 Season
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - After more than half a century of sports, music and civic history - San Francisco's legendary Candlestick Park is nearing the end.
Plans call for the 52-year old stadium to be imploded after next year's football season.
In its place, developers plan to build a new shopping mall and condos as the 49ers move south to their new stadium in Santa Clara for the 2014 season.
San Francisco's Recreation and Park Department will waste no time in bringing the 60s-era relic down soon after the clock runs out on the last game of the 2013. season.
"No one wants a vacant stadium," said Rec and Parks director Phil Ginsburg. "Candlestick has outlived its useful life."
Although it was built for the San Francisco Giants, it was home to some of the most memorable 49er moments as well after the stadium was expanded and team moved there for the 1971 season.
In 1989, the Loma Prieta earthquake struck in the middle of the Giants-A's World Series
In 1966, it was also the site of the Beatles last commercial concert.
But lately it has also become a source of civic embarrassment, like last year when the lights went out in the middle of a nationally-televised Monday Night Football game.
Still, it still holds a warm spot in people hearts. "It's going to be sad to see it go. A lot of memories there … a lot of good games there,"said one fan.
"It's a memory that I wish could last forever. I love Candlestick.
"You know we've had a moderate amount of success bringing soccer games and occasional concerts, but, you know, it is an outdated venue," said Ginsburg.
"And you know all good things come to an end."
Ginsburg said he envisions some sort of auction or sale of pieces of the stadium so die-hard fans could always have a little piece of Candlestick Park with them.
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