49ers fans celebrate NFC Championship win across Bay Area and beyond
SAN FRANCISCO -- Whether watching the game live at Levi's Stadium or tuning in at bars and parties across the Bay Area, 49ers fans reveled in the team's victory over the Lion Sunday night.
It's official: the Niners are heading to the Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas for a rematch with the Kansas City Chiefs. And fans in San Jose couldn't be happier.
The game was one for the history books, a come-from-behind win that had Niners fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.
"I got a little nervous when the second half came up but as soon as the, I already knew my Niners were pull through man. It's a Niners game. C'mon," said fan Deion Hurst.
"I was at South by South and we were down by 17 at halftime. And so I said, 'Let's go, we're going to lose.' And by the time I get back midway, we're tied! So I said, 'Okay!'" said Niners fan Johnny Gomez.
These fans are ready for the challenge that the Chiefs present and are hoping for some sweet revenge.
"Honestly, it's been a long time coming. Ever since we got to the Bowl against KC, and we lost I just knew that we had to do it and this is our year. We felt it. I'm not worried at all. We got it. It's our time. It's destiny," said Niners fan Rene Molano.
In San Francisco, fans could be seen and heard setting off fireworks in celebration across the city for hours after the game ended.
Video posted on social media showed large groups gathering in the Mission District on 24th Street, where police had closed the area to vehicle traffic, with Muni rerouting bus service around the closures in the neighborhood.
Gaming the Game in Sin City
Niner Faithful who couldn't get a ticket to the championship game at Levi's Stadium made their way by the hundreds to Las Vegas, where San Francisco will face the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl. CBS Bay Area crews were at the Westgate Sports Book in Las Vegas Sunday night.
Palo Alto's Michael Hensley sat through the first half of the game with his hat over his eyes at times.
"When it happens for us, we're on fire," he said when the 49ers began their epic rally in the second half.
Watching the massive TV screens, Bay Area resident Anthony Cuadro said "This is kind of a wow right? This place is where fans are having a good time. There's so much division in the world. Sports brings everyone together. It's what we need these days!"
When the 49ers sealed the win, Hensley and Cuadro leaped to their feet and hugged.
"All the things you hear? Not true! Most beautiful city in the planet and we're going to see today the Niners prove they are the best team in the NFL," Hensley said.