The bell is tolling for San Francisco's hopes of keeping the 49ers. Late last week in Santa Clara, city officials recommended an entry into formal negotiations with the team. The 49ers want their $854 million stadium by 2012 and are asking the city of Santa Clara to invest $160 million, although the official recommendation calls for spending no more than $136 million. At a meeting tomorrow (gulp) city council members will vote on the matter, potentially making San Francisco's already uphill battle much steeper, despite a windfall of federal money to the tune of $82 million and a public plea by Mayor Newsom, DiFi, and Pelosi. This calls for a press conference. Stat.
· Santa Clara ready to begin formal negotiations to build 49ers' stadium [SF Gate]
· Federal Funding to Save the 49ers? [Curbed SF]
· Newsom Makes Public Plea to 49ers, DiFi Admits Envy [Curbed SF]
[image via NBC 11]