By: Daniel Burt

Few stadiums have been serenaded to in the way Candlestick Park was last week as Paul McCartney performed the final show at the iconic ‘Stick to a sold out crowd. It was a bittersweet moment as San Franciscans wore their Giants and 49ers gear as well as Beatles memorabilia to see the return of one of the Beatles, who played their final live show together at Candlestick Park in 1966.

Candlestick Park opened in 1960 and was home to the San Francisco Giants and 49ers until the Giants moved to AT&T Park in 2000. The 49ers played their last season at Candlestick in 2013 and will relocate to their new home in Santa Clara this year.

The nostalgia could be felt through the cold wind as generations of San Franciscan’s said their final goodbye to a place that served as a setting for many great memories in San Francisco’s history. One of Candlestick’s most memorable moments occurred during the 1989 World Series, when the Loma Prieta Earthquake shook the Bay Area as the Giants and the Oakland A’s prepared for Game 3 of the series. Remarkably, no one in the stadium was hurt, and Candlesticks structure stood firmly.

Farewell Candlestick Park

Demolition of Candlestick has begun, and parts of the stadium are being auctioned off to nostalgic fans. Pairs of seats, signed by Candlestick greats such as Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Willy Mays and Will Clark are selling for as much as $3,500.

Candlestick Park will forever remain a part of San Francisco history and the memories made there forever hold a place in the hearts of San Franciscans.