Local favorite, the San Francisco 49ers lost in overtime ending their chances at an undefeated season. But nonetheless, the team's success this year is leaving an impact on fans in Reno and businesses too.
From the joy of forcing overtime, to the sorrow of losing the game in the final seconds, the San Francisco 49ers versus the Seattle Seahawks game was a roller coaster of emotion. The 49er's eight game winning streak is over, but it's left an impression on 49er's fans.
“We still have a lot of faith that they are going to make it all the way. And go to the Superbowl and take home that win,” said 49ers fan Charles Kazemi. “We've been losing fans the last 10 years or so. But a lot of them are jumping back on the bandwagon,” said 49ers fan Sam Ghaddar.
Restaurants and bars have been riding the winning streak as well.“People are coming out to watch them stay undefeated. I definitely think that plays into what’s going on. But more or less Niner fans come out,” said Kazemi.
It’s also affected the local sports books. “We've taken so much money on them that we have to continually lower and lower the odds,” said Mark Nelson who is Corporate Director of Race and Sports at the Atlantis Casino and Resort Sportsbook.
49er fans have not given up hope. Their team still leads the division after the loss. And the history of the 49ers fandom sticks with them. “The family that owns the Stick Sport Lounge, they happen to be huge 49ers fans. And some of the fondest memories that the owners had was going to Candle Stick Park with their family. And when when they had an opportunity to open the bar with the name The Stick it resonated with them, “ said Kazemi who works at the Stick Sports Lounge.
Longtime fans are hoping the winning streak has the same affect that the history of the franchise has had on them and maybe created some new 49er fans.
