49ers Fever Across SF, City Lit Up In Red & Gold
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- At San Francisco City Hall, Mayor Ed Lee raised a 49ers flag and the dome was illuminated red and gold in anticipation of the NFC Championship Sunday.
"Go into your closets ... pull out those lucky shirts, those lucky ties, those lucky hats, because 49ers fever is right here in San Francisco," Lee proclaimed.
But support for the 49ers, who are facing the New York Giants at Candlestick Park at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, cannot be contained to city streets.
San Francisco International Airport's International Terminal has
been bathed in red and gold lights to support the team and remind visitors worldwide they have arrived in "49er Country."
"We are looking forward to assisting all the players, coaches,
management staff, and of course, the faithful 49er fans, when they depart (we hope!) next week for Indianapolis and Super Bowl XLVI," SFO Airport Director John L. Martin said in a statement.
Many other city landmarks have been lit up in 49er colors since the
team's big win against the New Orleans Saints last Saturday.
Amidst the city skyline, Coit Tower atop Telegraph Hill shines red and all four Embarcadero Center buildings have also been trimmed with 1,600 red and gold lights.
City officials said the excitement for this weekend's game has been far-reaching, with the mayor's office receiving calls of well wishes from all over.
"We are celebrating this at the highest levels because we know how exciting this is to the whole country, if not the world," Lee said. "I've gotten calls from friends in China and if there's any colors they like it's red and gold."
The 49ers' run to the NFC Championship game has brought back the memories of championships past and the team's six prior Super Bowl trips.
As a result, the city is prepared for the Niners' potential win Sunday and the celebration that would follow.
"We are prepared for celebration in this city. We have to be and we want to be," Lee said. "We should be ready to host every degree of celebration we could have."
(Copyright 2012 CBS San Francisco. All rights reserved.)
