49ers fans, dogs pack Chase Center for watch party
A cacophony of cheers ricocheted through the San Francisco 49ers’ official watch party at the Chase Center on Sunday, but if the din bothered Monster Man, he didn’t let on. The 12-year-old Chihuahua-pit bull mix appraised the capacity crowd through custom red goggles and blinked.
“He has multiple changes of clothes,” owner Ron Divino said.
Monster Man wasn’t the only dog at the raucous outdoor party, where he was joined by dozens of canines and 2,500 humans. He may have been the only one in a miniature jersey and cowboy hat, however — a “fashion statement” Divino said was inspired by the 49ers’ Gold Rush namesakes.
The party at Chase Center’s Thrive City plaza was one of three free international fan events where the game was broadcast for fans who couldn’t make the trek to Las Vegas. The other two sold-out parties — in Monterrey, Mexico, and Leeds, England — were chosen because the team has marketing rights and preexisting connections to those countries, 49ers officials said.
The fans’ cheers and boos boomed through the plaza and to the streets beyond, where an overflow crowd craned to catch a glimpse of the 74-foot-wide television showing the broadcast. The mood was boisterous as families, many of whom had camped out for hours to get good seats, took in the lowscoring game.
An on-field whistle prompted a wave of applause, and the highpitched sound caused a drug-sniffing golden retriever working security to bark excitedly. Nearby, a speckled springer spaniel named Cheddar wagged his bobbed tail at the commotion. The 12-year-old hound was unfazed by the hubbub, said owner Greg Lee.
“He goes everywhere with me,” Lee said.
The pair had traveled from Anchorage, Alaska, to attend the party, he said.
“This is the place to be!” he added.
Like their human counterparts, many of the fourlegged spectators had donned 49ers gear for the occasion. A curly-coated labradoodle rocked a red bandana and gold leash. A mottled greyhound-German shepherd mix sported a red sweater while lounging atop a 49ers blanket.
Others cared more about food than fashion. Obi, a 20-pound Alaskan
Klee Kai, turned in circles as owner Elan Arulraj took in the game with friends. Arulraj had nabbed a prime spot at the center of the plaza, but Obi — eyes wide, tail down — was busy surveying a group of passersby carrying hot dogs and fries.