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From Candlestick to Levi's
On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers christened their new home, Levi's Stadium, when they took on Jay Cutler and the Chicago Bears in a prime-time matchup. Since their final game at Candlestick Park last December, it's been a busy time for both the 49ers and their former home.
Dec. 23, 2013: After 43 years, the San Francisco 49ers play their final home game at Candlestick Park. The night is highlighted by NaVorro Bowman's 89-yard interception return with 1:10 remaining in the game that seals a 34-24 victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Jan. 5, 2014: The Niners take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in the Wild Card round. Despite the kickoff temperature being 5 degrees, with a wind chill of minus-10, the Niners pull out a 23-20 victory.
Jan. 12, 2014: In their Divisional Round game against the Carolina Panthers, the Niners walk away with a 23-10 win in Carolina and advance to their third straight NFC Championship Game.
Jan. 19, 2014: The 49ers travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick rushes for 130 yards on 11 attempts, but his end zone pass to Michael Crabtree gets tipped by Richard Sherman and intercepted by Malcolm Smith with 22 seconds left. The Niners lose, 23-17.
June 4, 2014: Colin Kaepernick and the 49ers reach an agreement on a six-year contract extension worth up to $126 million, with $61 million in guaranteed money.
July 7, 2014: Kaepernick posts a photo of his new tattoo on Instagram. It's a picture of a hand extending upward holding an apple with $100 bills at the bottom and a snake wrapped around the wrist. Kaepernick says the tattoo shows that money is the root of all evil.
July 12, 2014: Joe Montana and other former 49ers take on Dan Marino and a group of All-Stars in the Legends of Candlestick flag football game, which pays tribute to the stadium. Fittingly, Montana rallies the Niners to win, 45-40.
Aug. 14, 2014: Former Beatle Paul McCartney performs the last show at Candlestick Park. McCartney and the Beatles held their final live concert at Candlestick in August 1966.
Aug. 21, 2014: After halting practice at Levi's Stadium the previous day due to poor field conditions, a grounds crew begins the process of replacing the turf at the new $1.2 billion stadium.
Aug. 29, 2014: Aldon Smith gets suspended nine games by the NFL for violating the league's policy on personal conduct and substances of abuse.
Sept. 7, 2014: The 49ers open the 2014 season on the road in Dallas. The team takes a 28-3 halftime lead and ends up winning 28-17.
Sept. 14, 2014: The 49ers host the Chicago Bears in the first regular season game at Levi's Stadium. Colin Kaepernick's first career start came against the Bears in Week 11 of the 2012 season. The Niners won that game, 32-7.
