Discover how NFL broadcasts are shifting the focus from San Francisco to the 49ers’ actual location, offering a more authentic view of the Bay Area.
- For a decade, the 49ers have been based in Santa Clara, not San Francisco. In 2023, NFL broadcasts are starting to reflect this, showcasing the broader Bay Area.
- Broadcasters are reducing the focus on San Francisco in favor of highlighting locations closer to the 49ers’ actual home, creating a more accurate and immersive viewer experience.
- Play-by-play broadcasters are joining the movement, pointing out the distance between the on-screen visuals and the 49ers’ stadium, sparking a change in narrative.
A Decade Later: NFL Broadcasters Acknowledge 49ers’ True Home
The NFL’s broadcasting teams seem to be coming to a realization: the 49ers haven’t played in San Francisco for quite some time. For Bay Area locals, it’s been a given to still see San Francisco featured in broadcasts, even after the team moved to Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
A Geographic Shift in NFL Broadcasting
Yet, in 2023, a decade after the 49ers left San Francisco, it appears that television networks are making an effort to provide a more accurate depiction of the Bay Area. This is a significant development, especially in light of the growing interest in California sports betting, as fans are keen on getting precise information about their favourite teams.
During a recent game between the 49ers and the Bengals, CBS chose not to show a single shot of San Francisco in the first half of their broadcast. Instead, they highlighted Santana Row in San Jose and the Pulgas Water Temple in Redwood City, pointing out that the latter used to be near the 49ers’ practice facility before their move to Santa Clara.
In the second half of the game, CBS showcased San Jose’s Winchester Mystery House and the Dumbarton Bridge, adding variety to their location shots. In contrast, previous primetime home games for the 49ers this season featured numerous shots of San Francisco. However, NBC also took the opportunity to show Mission Santa Clara on the campus of Santa Clara University.
Al Michaels’s Frustration
The constant focus on San Francisco in broadcasts has led to some broadcasters pointing out the discrepancy. NBC’s Mike Tirico consistently highlighted the distance from downtown San Francisco to Santa Clara, offering viewers a more accurate sense of the team’s location.
Al Michaels, a legendary broadcaster with deep ties to San Francisco, expressed his frustration during a 49ers-Giants game. While he acknowledged the beauty of San Francisco and its scenic views, he questioned the relevance of showing these images when the game was happening miles away. He also made a pointed comment about the lack of notable landmarks in the South Bay, sparking discussions among viewers.
Despite the criticisms, Michaels’ commentary has brought attention to the issue, prompting viewers to think more critically about the geographic representation in sports broadcasts.
Santa Clara or San Francisco as 49ers home?
As we move forward, it is clear that the 49ers will continue to use San Francisco in their team name, but their home is in Santa Clara. The broadcasts in 2023 show a promising shift towards showcasing the broader Bay Area, giving viewers a more accurate and comprehensive view of the region.
