One last Paul McCartney gig at Candlestick Park?

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One last Paul McCartney gig at Candlestick Park?
By Daniel Brown
POSTED:   12/17/2013

SAN FRANCISCO -- Paul McCartney's long and winding road might lead him back to Candlestick Park.

Park officials remained hopeful Tuesday that Sir Paul would sing the 'Stick's swan song before the wrecking ball strikes the place down late in 2014.

The sides are trying to schedule a date that would return McCartney to the site of the Beatles' final concert in 1966.

"Keep your fingers crossed. It's a possibility," said Phil Ginsburg, the general manager for San Francisco's Recreation and Parks Department.

The 49ers will bid farewell to their home since 1970 when they play the Atlanta Falcons next week on "Monday Night Football." Barring a shocking twist in the playoffs, it will be the last NFL game ever played at Candlestick Park.


The Beatles' John Lennon (left), George Harrison (middle) and Paul McCartney (right), head to the stage at Candlestick Park in 1966 for what would be the group's last live concert together. (UPI)

But the place won't be demolished until at least a year from now. And while the seats are for sale as souvenirs, they will remain intact until about this time next year.

RPD officials say plenty more events "large and small" are on tap through 2014, including a community day that will give fans a chance to swing by to pay their respects.

The big prize would be the return of McCartney, 71, who expressed interest while in San Francisco to play the Outside Lands festival in August. The San Francisco Chronicle reported at the time that McCartney floated the idea to Mayor Ed Lee not long before taking the stage.

"And it was him who made the suggestion," Lee told The Chronicle. "Believe me, it wasn't something I, or anyone else, was expecting."

The paper also noted that McCartney did this once before, playing Shea Stadium in 2008 before it was demolished.

During a behind-the-scenes tour of the venerable stadium Tuesday, a park tour guide noted that the Beatles played at the 'Stick on Aug. 29, 1966, setting up stage about where the second-base bag would sit during baseball games. Only the seats in front of the stage were sold -- about 25,000 in all. Fans paid between $4.50 and $6.50 for tickets.

The Beatles played 11 songs before calling it a night and heading back to the parking lot in a Loomis truck.

Now, officials are hoping McCartney comes back for an encore.

"We're working on it. At this point, that's all we can say," Sarah Ballard, the RPD director of Policy and Public Affairs said. "It would be fitting."


Paul McCartney closes out the festivities with Hey Jude during opening ceremonies Friday, July 27 2012 at Olympic Stadium. John Leyba, The Denver Post ( John Leyba )