49ers Could End Up Sharing New Stadium with Raiders

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

49ers President Jed York talked with the media yesterday about the new 49ers stadium in Santa Clara, while giving the media information that they expected to hear. However, York stated that if the Santa Clara deal does not go down, the 49ers wouldn't have to move, but rather a refurbished Candlestick Park would also be a great option for the team.

But York was set on moving forward with the new stadium.

However, when the topic of sharing a stadium with the Raiders was brought up, York did say that the option is there. Currently on the team's term sheet on the stadium, another team sharing the stadium is an open option. But York was more focused on just the idea of having bigger and better things for the team and city.

"The 49ers stadium makes Santa Clara a better place to live, to work, and to play," said York.  "And I think that's very evident.  I think anytime you have a deal that makes your city a better place, I think voters will vote affirmatively."

Former TV analyst John Madden was asked about the idea of the Raiders and 49ers sharing a stadium. Madden also said that the possibility makes sense. In fact, he suggested that the 49ers should allow the Raiders to share the facility.

"Both teams need a stadium," he said.

As mentioned before, there are only two instances where two teams of the same league share venues. The Giants and Jets both share their stadium in New Jersey and in the NBA, the Lakers and Clippers share the Staples Center.

It's not something that the sports world isn't familiar with, and I'm sure that sharing the stadium wouldn't be too hard of a transition for the 49ers.

Plus, the money it will cost the 49ers would be significantly less with the Raiders probably paying for half of the costs.

The only problem that I would see would be the fan rivalry. I would imagine that 49ers fans wouldn't like the idea of sharing with the Raiders, and vice versa.

Right now, the option is there, but it doesn't seem like it will happen. And given the way the economy is going right now, the talks could continue if the stadium does get approved. Both teams would look to save as much money as possible.

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