A FOOTBALL LIFE: 3RDRAIL9ERS
The original tailgate: a bag of pistachios and an 9inch tube tv w/t rabbit ears. Good times!
Back in the 80’s , The Hartley family bought season tickets to the 49ers. They established themselves at a Candlestick parking space with the goal of attending every game in the Niner Bus, regardless of the circumstances. By painting their names on the ground, they planted the flag and held fast to parking in the same spot every game. At that spot, they met the Greens, who became the other half of the traditional group. Then one day, Director JorgeDebasso was brought to his first game. Already a long time 49ers fan, he realized that this was his calling and that he would take the tailgate to the next level.
The tailgate set up grew and grew, from a small TV with rabbit ears to a LCD flat screen with the SundayTicket. From deli sandwiches and pistachio nuts, to a 5 burner stainless steel grill, deepfryer and smoker. Lessons in creating flair, learned from Kevin Costa, and the need for more room, led to the infamous Ton of Fundra Sidewalls, which allowed people to identify the party from afar with the giant 49er logo painted on the sides.
DeBasso and Director Brenn were in a band called 3rdrail, and when the baton was passed, Debasso needed a moniker so he could paint his name on the ground. After careful consideration, the 3rdrail9ers brand was born. Director Kimo and Director Nick were in a band that had been longtime friends of 3rdrail. After coming to a game, they too realized that this was in their blood. They are truly the other half of the equation. With impressive dedication, they have bought into the commitment of tailgating, and have elevated the setup with a zeal for upping the game. Adding additional TV's, grills, gameday dishes, and much more.
A random breakfast with Debasso, his wife, and her new coworker, Niner Wench, led to a conversation about tailgating. Realizing they were both 49ers Season Ticket holders and staunch tailgaters, Debasso was able to convince Niner Wench to leave her traditional tailgate spot, (no small feat) and join forces. Thus, the 3rdrail9er Tailgate Crew was established!
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The 3rdrail9er Tailgate Crew grew in scope as people started to make the party a regular pre-game stop. Being chosen as Early Entry Tailgaters allowed the Crew to get in early and perfect the set up. Friends and family, local and traveling fans, both national and international, have turned the tailgate party into a raging affair for every game!
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The 49ers organization took notice. Soon accolades and awards started arriving in the form of TV (CSN) and newspaper (CC Times) interviews, Tailgater of the Week awards, and an appearance as a Featured Tailgater on Guy Fieri's Tailgate Warriors series on the Food Network!
The original crew in a rare group shot...
Christmas was always a special day! (Note Dom in the lower right, now currently starting offensive player for City College SF)
Drakes Bay Oyster Co. was a partner and BBQ’d oysters were a traditional menu item at the season home opener and other important games. The 3rdrail9er brand was growing and the menu was a major theme. Every member had a signature dish, and the plan of a $10 donation per member per game program eliminated the redundancy. Thus, allowing the team to cater the menu to the geographic location of the visiting team.
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Sadly, the era of Drakes oysters at Candlestick came to an end, but the new stadium in Santa Clara enabled the 3rdrail9ers to almost double the size of their footprint. It took some diligence to establish the new location, but the name is painted on the ground and the Blue Lot 1 tailgating experience promises to far surpass the old lot.
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As we move forward into the new era, we hold fast to the mantra of Food, Fellowship, and Football, perpetuating the 3rdrail9er Tailgate Crew motto:
EVERYTHING IS BETTER WHEN ITS WRAPPED IN BACON!
2007 Candlestick OG J Pole Crew!!!
