Santa Clara County is booting the San Francisco 49ers out of the area. The team can't play its home games at Levi's Stadium or even practice in the area after new COVID-19 restrictions went into effect today.
RELATED 49ers will play next two home games at State Farm Stadium in Arizona
Now, Kyle Shanahan and his 49ers are headed to Glendale, Arizona, to become temporary roommates with the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. San Francisco will play at least the next two home games there, and of course, its Week 16 contest against the Cardinals.
Thank you Michael Bidwell and the @AZCardinals for all of your help. Very appreciative of Arizona welcoming us during these unprecedented times https://t.co/gQBHIkqr0W
— Jed York (@JedYork) November 30, 2020
The Cardinals weren't the only ones offering to lend an assist. The mayor's office in San Diego also offered to help. It's unknown what the Southern California city had in mind, but reports have stated that the NFL was looking to relocate the 49ers to a current NFL stadium. That would eliminate San Diego from the options.
I also want to thank @SDMayorsOffice for immediately reaching out to see if San Diego could help @49ers during our search for a home. While we wish we could keep our players at / close to home with their families during the holidays, that is currently not viable. #OneDayAtATime
— Jed York (@JedYork) November 30, 2020
The 49ers and Cardinals don't have any conflicts on their schedule, and that was reportedly by design. The NFL had been concerned something like this might happen in a season that has proven to be unpredictable. And the league seems intent on plowing through the remainder of the season no matter which obstacles present themselves.
Thank you again to the #Faithful for your support of our players. They truly feel it. We can't wait to see you soon. Stay safe
— Jed York (@JedYork) November 30, 2020
Of course, the venue change isn't necessarily safer for the 49ers. It's just a move to an area with fewer restrictions and where the team can finish out its season.
Tweet that will get me all sorts of fun responses:#49ers will now be playing games in a county where 49/100,000 residents have COVID-19 as opposed to one where 27/100,000 residents have it, per NYT.
Both Maricopa and Santa Clara County rates are on the rise.
— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) November 30, 2020
Note: The Cardinals will not have fans when they host the Rams on Sunday because of an increase in coronavirus cases. They had 4,200 fans for two games in November and 1,200 fans on Oct. 25. #49ers
— Eric Branch (@Eric_Branch) November 30, 2020
The 49ers haven't yet released details on where they plan to hold their practices, which begin on Thursday. San Francisco is scheduled to host the Buffalo Bills on Monday night and then the Washington Football Team on December 13. After that, the 49ers have one more home game — a Week 17 contest against the Seattle Seahawks. But that game is scheduled to take place after the new restrictions are expected to expire.