In a groundbreaking and unprecedented decision, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York announced that LEVI’s STADIUM will be open free of charge to the public for three consecutive days. Fans will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and pay their respects at the newly inaugurated “Charlie Kirk Legacy Wall.” The event is expected to become one of the most emotional memorials in NFL history.

 

In a groundbreaking and unprecedented decision, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York announced that LEVI’s STADIUM will be open free of charge to the public for three consecutive days. Fans will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes and pay their respects at the newly inaugurated “Charlie Kirk Legacy Wall.” The event is expected to become one of the most emotional memorials in NFL history.

 

 

SAN FRANCISCO SHOCKER: 49ers OPEN LEVI’S STADIUM FREE TO HONOR CHARLIE KIRK WITH “LEGACY WALL”

In a move that has already been described as “the most emotional tribute in franchise history”, San Francisco 49ers CEO Jed York has announced that Levi’s Stadium will be opened to the public free of charge for three consecutive days. The groundbreaking decision, made late Monday evening, comes as the team prepares to honor the late activist Charlie Kirk with the inauguration of a permanent memorial inside the venue: The Charlie Kirk Legacy Wall.

The announcement sent shockwaves through the Bay Area, with fans flooding social media to express their gratitude and anticipation for what is expected to become one of the most poignant events the NFL has ever witnessed.

A FIRST IN NFL HISTORY

Stadiums have often been the stage for celebrations, championship parades, and historic games—but never before has an NFL team opened its home free of charge for such a large-scale memorial. Levi’s Stadium, which seats over 68,000, is expected to see record attendance as thousands line up to walk through the gates and pay their respects.

“This is bigger than football,” Jed York told reporters at a press briefing. “Charlie Kirk’s impact transcends the field, the city, and the sport itself. We wanted to give the community—our community—a chance to come together in a way that reflects unity, gratitude, and remembrance. Opening Levi’s Stadium is the least we could do.”

York emphasized that the 49ers will cover all operational costs, including security, staffing, and fan services, ensuring the event remains accessible to everyone.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACCESS

Fans attending the event will not only walk the main concourses but also have rare behind-the-scenes access typically reserved for players and staff. The locker rooms, players’ tunnel, and press areas will be opened, offering visitors a unique view of the stadium’s inner workings.

At the heart of the tour lies the new Charlie Kirk Legacy Wall—a sprawling installation featuring photographs, video montages, and testimonials celebrating Kirk’s life, his advocacy, and the relationships he built with players, coaches, and fans.

“This wall isn’t just about memory,” explained stadium design director Erica Mendoza. “It’s about legacy. It will stand as a permanent reminder of how one individual can inspire an entire community.”

AN EMOTIONAL TURNING POINT

The announcement arrives at a time when the 49ers organization is already navigating a season filled with both triumphs and challenges. The death of Kirk had deeply shaken the locker room, with players dedicating games and personal milestones to his memory.

Quarterback Brock Purdy, visibly moved when asked about the event, said: “When we walk out of that tunnel on game days, we carry the weight of this city. Now we also carry Charlie’s spirit. This Legacy Wall will remind us what we’re playing for.”

Former legends of the franchise, including Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and Steve Young, are expected to make appearances during the three-day tribute, joining thousands of fans in honoring Kirk.

EXPECTED IMPACT

Local authorities are preparing for massive crowds, with free shuttles and extended public transport schedules set to accommodate visitors from across the Bay Area. Hotels near Santa Clara have already reported spikes in bookings, hinting that fans from other states will travel to witness what some are calling “the Super Bowl of memorials.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a statement praising the initiative: “The San Francisco 49ers have set an extraordinary example of leadership and compassion. This event is unprecedented, and I believe it will be remembered as one of the most powerful moments in league history.”

A COMMUNITY UNITED

For many fans, the tribute offers not just a chance to remember Kirk but also an opportunity to gather in unity during a time of grief. Community groups, local schools, and churches have all announced plans to organize trips to Levi’s Stadium.

As one lifelong fan put it outside the team store on Monday night: “We cheer, we cry, we celebrate together. This time, we’re grieving together. But thanks to this Legacy Wall, Charlie will never be forgotten.”

The gates of Levi’s Stadium will open at 10 a.m. on Friday and remain open through Sunday evening. Entry will be free, but organizers have encouraged visitors to bring letters, flowers, or personal tributes that will be placed at the Legacy Wall.

In the end, the message is clear: this isn’t just about football—it’s about legacy, memory, and the enduring power of community.