NEWS RELEASE
For More Information Contact: Gary Ruskin (202) 387-8030
For Immediate Release: August 6th, 2002

San Francisco Won’t Sell Naming Rights to Candlestick Park; First Pro Stadium to Return to Popular Name

In a major victory for taxpayers and sports fans, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors rejected yesterday a proposal to sell the naming rights to Candlestick Park. The ‘Stick is the first professional sports stadium in the United States to return to a popular name. 

Candlestick Park had previously been named 3Com Park, but the naming rights deal with 3Com expired on January 1, 2002.  The stadium is the home for the San Francisco 49ers.

“This was a very significant vote. San Francisco, which led the nation in the practice of selling stadium naming rights in 1996 to corporations, has in effect reversed itself,” said Supervisor Matt Gonzalez, the lead opponent of the sale of naming rights to Candlestick Park. “I don’t believe the public ever supported the practice and I am hopeful that other municipalities which are already engaged in the practice, or considering such an arrangement for the first time, take note.”

“Like the Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Cars, and Coit Tower, the City has a special place in its heart for tradition.  The ‘Stick is part of that tradition,” said Supervisor Tony Hall.  “This is a victory for the everyday citizen who let us know that some things just aren’t for sale.&rdquop;

"I thought in this case the populist opinion, both liberal and conservative, throughout San Francisco was not to sell naming rights and the Board of Supervisors reflected that,” said Tom Ammiano, President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

“Tradition took a stand against raw corporate commercialism when the San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted against the sale of naming rights to Candlestick Park,” said Ralph Nader.

The Board of Supervisors vote was 5-5.  Proponents of the sale of naming rights could not obtain a majority of the 11 member board.  Supervisors Gonzalez, Ammiano, Hall, Chris Daly and Jake McGoldrick voted against the sale of naming rights.

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