49ers Legends Reunite at Super Bowl FanFest

Joe Montana and Jesse Sapolu headline events at Gold Bar Whiskey in Alameda ahead of Super Bowl LX.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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As San Francisco prepares to host Super Bowl LX, former 49ers stars Joe Montana and Jesse Sapolu headlined a series of fan events at Gold Bar Whiskey's headquarters in Alameda. The events, part of a 'Celebration of Champions', drew thousands of old-school 49ers fans eager to reconnect with the players who led the team to five Super Bowl titles in the 1980s and 1990s. Montana and Sapolu reminisced about their playing days, with Montana admitting he still wishes he was 'still playing' and that the 2025 49ers team should have made it to this year's Super Bowl.

Why it matters

The 49ers' dynasty in the 80s and 90s remains one of the most iconic eras in NFL history, and the team's continued popularity with fans underscores the enduring legacy of that era. As the 49ers prepare for another Super Bowl appearance, these fan events allow the team's legendary players to reconnect with the community and celebrate the franchise's storied past.

The details

The three-day 'Celebration of Champions' featured multiple parties at Gold Bar Whiskey's headquarters, a converted naval aircraft hangar in Alameda. The events catered to old-school 49ers fans, drawing thousands who still idolize the team's five-time Super Bowl champions from the Montana and Young eras. In addition to Montana and Sapolu, other 49ers greats like Roger Craig and Jeff Garcia made appearances. The festivities also coincided with the debut of the AMC docuseries 'Rise of the 49ers', which Montana said he 'thought they did a pretty good job' on.

  • The events took place from Thursday, February 4 to Saturday, February 6, 2026, leading up to Super Bowl LX on Sunday, February 8.
  • On Thursday, February 4, a concert headlined by rapper 2 Chainz drew around 2,000 attendees.
  • On Friday, February 6, Montana and Sapolu headlined the main FanFest event.

The players

Joe Montana

A Hall of Fame quarterback who led the San Francisco 49ers to their first four Super Bowl titles in the 1980s and 1990s.

Jesse Sapolu

A center and guard who blocked for Montana on three of the 49ers' championship teams, and also won a fourth title blocking for Steve Young. Sapolu was recently named a 2026 inductee into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Roger Craig

A running back who won four Super Bowls with the 49ers and was just named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Jeff Garcia

A former 49ers quarterback who is scheduled to attend the Saturday, February 7 FanFest event.

Kyle Shanahan

The current head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, whose son Roman Sapolu just joined the team's coaching staff.

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What they’re saying

“It makes me a little bit sad because I go back in time and I wish I was still playing. You know what's sad? We should be playing this weekend. I still think (the 2025 Niners) were good enough to be here this weekend, right?”

— Joe Montana, Hall of Fame quarterback (San Francisco Chronicle)

“We're so happy for Roger, it's been a long time coming and hopefully they'll show him some love always.”

— Jesse Sapolu, Former 49ers center and guard (San Francisco Chronicle)

“We were 5-0 (in Super Bowls) and dominated. The Buffalo Bills (who went 0-4 in the '90s) almost have as many guys (in the Hall of Fame), or maybe more than we do.”

— Jesse Sapolu, Former 49ers center and guard (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The Saturday, February 7 FanFest event will feature a youth football skills and drills session, as well as appearances by former 49ers players Jeff Garcia, Tom Rathman, and Merton Hanks. The evening's party will be led by hip-hop artist Travis King.

The takeaway

The 49ers' dynasty in the 1980s and 1990s remains a source of immense pride for the team's fanbase, who continue to celebrate the accomplishments of those legendary players. Even decades later, the team's five Super Bowl titles and dominance during that era have cemented the 49ers' status as one of the NFL's most iconic franchises.