First timer - Candlestick/Gameday help!!

If I don't plan to tailgate, then what is a good time to show up. Where I'm not bored out of my mind but have plenty of spaces to park.

Originally posted by boqi:
OK ALSO - if I have to go so early, then why when they show it on TV and pan the stadium like 30 minutes beforehand, the stands are all empty???

Are you telling me to go this early because you are the hardcore fans (and thus on WZ) that are one of the people in the stands when nobody else is?? Thanks. Still trying to figure this out.,..

Because Everyone is still in the Parking lot tailgaiting, trying to park, or on the freeway trying to get in. DOn't underestimate the traffic going into and coming out of the stadium.

I never plan on doing anything before the game. I get there really early and then I don't freak out about finding a place to park. I usually get to the freeway exit at about 11:30 and that gives me enough time to drive in, get to the lot, find parking, walk to the stadium, and then find my seat. I'll have about 10-20 minutes to spare.

Also remember for the dirt lot....the earlier you get there the closer to the front you will be...IE...the less time it will take to get out.

Part of the whiole tailgating thing is not just that its nice to hang out at the game beforhand. Its simply convienient to find yourself some good parking and not stress about getting to your seat in time.

Originally posted by boqi:
If I don't plan to tailgate, then what is a good time to show up. Where I'm not bored out of my mind but have plenty of spaces to park.

Parking is a bear. If you want easy parking, you need to be there WAY early. You aren't competing with peeps who are just trying to make kickoff. You are competing with peeps who show up at 10AM and then setup a tent and BBQ and take up 2 or 3 spaces with 1 car.

There is nothing wrong with that, but that's the reality.

It always hurts a little bit the first time but if you really love him it's WORTH it!

^I'm a dude.

So good times to be in the vicinity are - 10AM if you're tailgating? 11-11:30AM if you're not tailgating?

Dont forget the left handed smoke shifter.

Originally posted by boqi:
So good times to be in the vicinity are - 10AM if you're tailgating? 11-11:30AM if you're not tailgating?

Yeah, but if you get there at 11-11:30, be prepared for lots of peeps (traffic) and it'll likely take an hour or more to get out depending on the score of the game (blowout will get you out of the park quickly because peeps will leave early. If game is close, you may be in the parking lot for a few hours).

I also heard on the radio when I went to the Cards game that the vendors give either free or cheaper food between like 11 and 12 or something like that to encourage peeps to get to the park early. Don't quote me tho.

Originally posted by boqi:
Thanks. So it sounds like I'll end up on the dirt lot. That's fine with me. But I'm still confused on whether I have time to do lunch/breakfast in South SF and what time I should pull into that dirt lot. I actually called the Stadium Operations just now and the lady made it sound like even those spots fill up fast. So again, what time?

I'm not sure why I need to show up so early like at 10am. It seems like we'd be walking around the park with nothing to do. Plus gates don't open until 11 anyway.

I've been to NBA games and 30 minutes early was plenty of time. I'm not sure why Candlestick is any different, plus it's a bigger venue. I just want to know what most people usually do. I don't want to try to be a maverick and end up w/o a parking space or be late to the game. But I also don't wanna be super early and have to twiddle my thumbs. Thanks again,

arite so in theory there would still be enough parking in the dirt if you got there say within an hour before kickoff. the problem is you'd be stuck in the logjam traffic along with everyone else who decided to have their 1030 brunch elsewhere. you'll eventually get a spot after dropping your $30, but odds are greater you'll also be missing the start of the game. part of the ongoing argument for a new stadium is the traffic - and it isn't just AFTER the game. good luck.

The best thing to do is sell your tix, and twiddle your thumbs at home

Originally posted by verb1der:

I go early, tailgate until the last minute, get super duper DUPER high, play Wu-Tang on my headphones, then go in.

Big Wu fan here too...

What song or songs are on your stadium list?

if you have no intention of tailgating between 11-12 is fine but traffic is a b***h getting in and out then depending on staff and your timing you could be in line to get in the stadium for 10-20 minutes.

it will be better to get there early buy a beer/soda and a dog/garlic fries/fish-n-chips/etc while twiddling your thumbs than getting patted down while ginn takes the opening kickoff for a TD.

also i can NOT stress this enough, get a little am/fm radio to wear so you can listen to the broadcast. so much better that way. target, wal mart, radio shack it does not matter 5-20 dollars and you are golden. also know you are extremely unlikely to get any cell phone service.

Thanks jdt84 - very helpful. And the rest of you too.

dont get too drunk you might remember the game lol

Why someone wouldn't want to tailgate is beyond me... Let alone not want to tailgate with us webzoners.