The San Francisco 49ers have announced that their next two home games will be played at State Farm Stadium in Arizona — home of the Cardinals.
"The San Francisco 49ers have come to an agreement with the National Football League and Arizona Cardinals which allows the 49ers to host their Weeks 13 and 14 home games against the Buffalo Bills and Washington Football Team at State Farm Stadium in Arizona," the team said via a statement. "The Cardinals organization, State Farm Stadium, and League officials have been supportive and accommodating as we work through the many logistical issues involved in relocating NFL games."
Thank you Michael Bidwell and the @AZCardinals for all of your help. Very appreciative of Arizona welcoming us during these unprecedented times https://t.co/gQBHIkqr0W
— Jed York (@JedYork) November 30, 2020
The 49ers will still need to locate a suitable practice facility in the area for at least the next three weeks. Due to new COVID-19 restrictions that went into effect today, collegiate and professional contact sports are banned in Santa Clara County. That includes practices at the 49ers' facility, which neighbors Levi's Stadium.
Added via the statement: "Information regarding the 49ers future practice arrangements will be shared at the appropriate time."
San Francisco has three remaining home games. In addition to the Week 13 and 14 matchups, the team is scheduled to host the Seattle Seahawks during Week 17. However, that game will take place on January 3, after the new Santa Clara County restrictions are expected to expire.
Of course, the whole situation remains fluid and could change at any time.
The 49ers will actually play at least three games this season at State Farm Stadium. The Cardinals host the Niners during a Week 16 contest set for December 26.
Following Sunday's win over the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed frustration with Santa Clara County's lack of communication regarding the new restrictions. The team learned the news via social media and text messages from family and friends while boarding a plane bound for Southern California on Saturday.
"For all of our players and coaches, and everyone on the plane, and our wives to find that out while we're getting on a plan, and no one to tell us, it was just extremely disappointing," Shanahan told reporters. "... To find that out through a tweet or a press conference, where I have an entire plane coming to me, I have all wives, everyone's girlfriends, everyone's family members, kids, saying what they heard there."