Chicago, ILL – Shout out to all the faithfuls that came out to Chicago and represented at Cheesies Pub and Grub for the meet and greet as well as Soldier Field for the game. What a successful 49er Invasion we had in Chicago. 49er fans are the best fans in the NFL, we travel with the team and take over every city we roll up in. We are very proud to be able to say this! We had a blast meeting so many new people in Chi Town.
Last but not least…Shout out to Blain Gabbert and Torrey Smith for this great victory on the road!
San Francisco, CA. – As a fan base we come from all walks of life and recognize our foundation comes from those who built our city. Those whose passion and love for their city would go on to inspire music legends, the likes of Tony Bennet, Scott Mckenzie, Journey, and Otis Redding to put our city into song. Deep inside the heart of that foundation, directly at its core is that old school blue collar community. The ones who truly earned us the titles of “Diehard” and “Faithful”. No matter where in the world they represent from today, this album is for them. It’s their voice that is showcased in this first ever dedicated 49ers album titled, “KINGS OF THE TAILGATE”.
Santa Clara, Levi’s Stadium – The game, well it was depressing to watch to say the least but as fans that is out of our hands. We don’t stop having a great time no matter what. On Thursday Empire Row happened to be set up right next to the “Thursday Night Football Bus”. They captured a majority of the pre-game footage right there inside Empire Row. As usual we welcomed and hosted our 49er family who traveled in from out of town!
Among them where Braxton Gaskins and his son Logan of “Hampton Roads Chapter” who traveled to California for the first time ever on their dream trip to see their favorite team play. They were right at home at Empire Row. He even had his with his wife calling him from home in Virginia saying I see you guys on TV.
Laura Reis brought her dad Darren, a life long 49er fan from Glasgow, Scotland who never dreamed he would one day make it to San Francisco let alone to see a 49ers game.
In September of 2014, Laura had reached out to The Niner Empire Organization and told us she wanted to surprise her dad for who was a lifelong Diehard. Her idea was she wanted to tell him on Christmas day that she would be taking him to San Francisco during the 2015 season to watch his favorite team play. TNE went to work and put together a video with the help of chapters around the world to help Laura surprise her dad. Here’s the video of Darren on Xmas day as he watched the video.
And Thursday was the day they finally realized the game day experience starting at Empire Row. Pictured below are Laura Reis in the center and dad Darren Reis next to her in representing in his kilt.
Laura told us her dad was in tears in the hotel room before heading out to meet us at the game and what a surreal experience the entire thing was. Darren said after all these years of sitting alone and watching the game on TV with no one around you getting it, it was incredible to be surrounded by nothing but faithful around him.
Among other out town guests were the founder of the newly established Vancouver, WA Chapter of The Niner Empire, Brandon Mackey along with his wife. This couple from Alberta, Canada who said it was their first time ever and made it clear they were definitely not Seahawk fans.
One Team, One Love, One Family
Represent with Class!
A few additional picts of NFL Networks coverage of the pregame show next to Empire Row
Forty Niner Mark and West LA Chapter President Ed Umall made it on NFL Network
Santa Clara, CA – If you’re heading to a 49er game at Levi’s Stadium, you deserve to treat yourself to a great tailgating experience. Head over to Green Lot 1, Pole 12 directly outside the stadium and get a taste of Empire Row.
The tailgate is run by some true diehard fans who are just having a good time. Each one of them will tell you they do it for the fans. This fact becomes obvious when you feel the warm and friendly environment that is Empire Row.
Traveling fans from around the world including those of opposing teams have begun making it a destination before going in to the game. Bring something for the grill and something for the cooler and join in the fun.
Levi’s Stadium – Empire Row grilling!!! Abel Rueda of Empire pictured in Aussie Newspaper article.