This offseason, the San Francisco 49ers have made it a point to connect the team's home, Levi's Stadium, to the franchise's rich history. Since opening in 2014, the stadium has been criticized by fans for its sterile feel and separation from the team's past.
As an answer to that criticism, the 49ers have brought back the Ring of Honor that once decorated Candlestick Park in addition to banners hanging in the concourse areas that honor the team's five Super Bowl championships and legendary players. For most fans, Saturday's exhibition game against the Denver Broncos will be their first opportunity to see Levi's Stadium's new look.
Earlier today, 49ers president Al Guido shared photos of the new additions to the stadium.
Who's ready for Saturday? #FaithfulThen #FaithfulNow pic.twitter.com/L6HLJ66JVC
— Al Guido (@AlGuido) August 15, 2017
Later, the media had a chance to see the changes that have been made and many shared photos and video via Twitter.
New signage honoring #49ers alumni in Levi's Stadium. pic.twitter.com/PyltI6QDHp
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) August 15, 2017
One of the banners that will greet fans for SAT's game at Levi's. Stadium had been criticized for being too bland. pic.twitter.com/J7PDMDlPia
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) August 15, 2017
#49ers recognizing past greats with banners in concourse. pic.twitter.com/qNdSzy3I0S
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) August 15, 2017
#49ers new look stadium includes retired numbers above the press box! -#BEASTwriter #SpotTheBEAST pic.twitter.com/FnmKvJbG36
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter_) August 15, 2017
Current #49ers players are hanging from the rafters inside @LEVIS stadium- #BEASTwriter #SpotTheBEAST pic.twitter.com/wcbgYLOr5z
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter_) August 15, 2017
#49ers @JerryRice hanging from rafters inside new look @LEVIS stadium #BEASTwriter #SpotTheBEAST #GOAT pic.twitter.com/i9Zpq4DEhY
— Ryan Sakamoto (@BEASTwriter_) August 15, 2017
The 49ers received 130,000 fan survey responses about Levi's Stadium and made a number... https://t.co/Ss9GXCC0ih pic.twitter.com/SYSAtWVcGb
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 15, 2017
A few more shots of the banners and graphics added at Levi's Stadium. Looks pretty sharp. pic.twitter.com/RRlULmR00P
— Nick Wagoner (@nwagoner) August 15, 2017
More new stuff in the concourse pic.twitter.com/ZCGDQ1ZEf2
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) August 15, 2017
Super Bowl XXIX banner, Steve Young, Patrick Willis pic.twitter.com/pNT18cEkFX
— Chris Biderman (@ChrisBiderman) August 15, 2017
Another interesting note is that former 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis and defensive lineman Bryant Young may soon be joining the stadium's Ring of Honor, according to Grant Cohn of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Of course, no time frame for those additions has officially been announced.
49ers will add Willis and B. Young to the ring of honor when they're inducted into the team's Hall of Fame, according to a team spokesman.
— Grant Cohn (@grantcohn) August 15, 2017
"There's a lot of new signage going up in the building," said 49ers president Al Guido on KNBR in July. "I think you'll see what our fans were looking for is a little bit more nod to our history, our Super Bowl trophies, our Ring of Honor...There's not massive changes this year but I think what our fans will love the best is seeing more red and gold in the building and honoring our past."