For the first time since 1999, I attended an NFL game on the regular season’s opening Sunday. We arrived at Candlestick Park early in order to tailgate. Parking cost $25, which seemed low for an NFL game.

Tailgating Tip at Candlestick Park: Try to arrive at Candlestick Park before 10 am if you are planning to tailgate. We arrived at 9:45 am and were able to park close to the stadium while ample parking was available. However, within an hour the lot was filling up and people had to “squeeze” into spots surrounded by tailgaters.

Ticket Scalping Advice: Plenty of ticket scalpers walked by our car as we ate. If you have 4 or less people, I would recommend waiting for the scalpers to walk by your car and see what you have. Another tip is to give the scalpers your price point. If they realize demand for tickets is low, they will come back to find you and sell you tickets for your price. It is much easier than walking around the parking lot looking for your own tickets.

If you just want to get into the game (meaning sitting in the upper rows of the upper deck) and cannot find tickets for less than $35 each, then buy tickets from the 49ers box office. We learned this tip from a season ticket holder tailgating next to us. Since the 49ers game was not sold out yesterday, the 49ers sell day of game tickets for $35 from the box office.

The Game
The Cardinals beat the 49ers 23-13. The 49ers turned the ball over 5 times (losing 4 fumbles and throwing one interception). While watching the game, Banjo Man made a trip around the upper deck as did 49ers Elvis.