I've been coming to the old dump (aka Candlestick

) from England every year since 07, and I've pretty much tried the lot with parking etc. My take is:
Unless you can't/don't like to walk, or if the weather is really awful, or if you really need the car (you mention setting up a tailgate, in which case you need it), consider going by Muni to Gilman/Paul station and either taking the complimentary bus to the stadium or walking (a 15 minute walk, tops). That's if you're travelling from downtown. It's not the most picturesque neighbourhood ever, but there are too many people about and I've always felt safe, particularly in company (and there's 7 of you). After trying it once I never took the car again.
If you must take the car, go for the dirt lots. They look grimy, sure, but unless you leave early, get ready to be stuck in a massive traffic jam if you park in the inside lots.
If it rains, the experience may suck for you, so get proper rain gear. I bring my sailing waterproofs, no kidding!
Any entrance is cool.
I generally sit in LB or LR, so I'm not sure about the view from your seat. Only electronics I bring along is my smartphone which doubles as camera. No bag obviously.