Image Source: NBC Sports
The 49ers game plan for next week includes an unusual but carefully considered detour. Rather than returning home after Sunday’s game in Dallas, San Francisco will fly directly to Colorado Springs and begin preparing for its upcoming matchup with the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico City.
The 49ers are scheduled to spend the week at altitude before taking the field next Sunday night at Estadio Azteca. Head coach Kyle Shanahan believes the extended stay could help his players adjust to the thinner air and demanding conditions they will face in Mexico.
A Bold 49ers Game Strategy for Mexico City
Shanahan explained that altitude acclimation is not a guaranteed advantage, but it can provide a meaningful edge. Drawing from his own experience growing up mainly in Denver, the coach said even well-conditioned athletes can feel the effects of elevation.
“I think it helps,” Shanahan said. “It’s not make or break, but I do think it makes you a couple percent better.”
That small improvement could matter during a game in which players may have to manage their breathing, recovery and energy more carefully than usual. The 49ers’ decision reflects a broader effort to remove as many logistical challenges as possible before an important international contest.
Colorado Springs Offers a Critical Preparation Base
San Francisco will use Air Force’s practice facility in Colorado Springs, with Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun allowing the team to train there. The 49ers used the same arrangement before their Mexico City game in 2022.
- Falcon Stadium is located at approximately 6,621 feet above sea level.
- Estadio Azteca sits at about 7,280 feet.
- Mexico City’s stadium is roughly 2,000 feet higher than Denver’s Mile High elevation.
- The 49ers will have nearly a full week to adjust before kickoff.
The altitude in Mexico City is among the most demanding conditions on the NFL schedule. Estadio Azteca is the highest stadium where the league regularly plays, making preparation especially important for teams traveling from lower elevations.
49ers Continue Their International Preparation Formula
This is not the first time San Francisco has committed to an early arrival before an international game. The 49ers opened the season in Australia and arrived a week ahead of schedule to adjust to the time difference.
That decision was credited as one factor in the team’s impressive performance against the Los Angeles Rams. San Francisco now hopes the same advance-planning approach will produce another strong result, this time against Minnesota.
The trip to Colorado Springs also allows the team to maintain a familiar practice routine while avoiding the disruption of traveling directly into Mexico City shortly before the game. Players can focus on conditioning, hydration, recovery and the tactical details of the Vikings matchup.
What the Altitude Could Mean Against Minnesota
The physical demands will affect both teams, but the 49ers are taking specific steps to limit the adjustment period. A full week in Colorado may help players become more comfortable with the thinner air before they move to Mexico City.
For Shanahan, the goal is not to create a dramatic advantage. Instead, the team wants to avoid losing energy unnecessarily and give its players the best possible chance to perform late in the game. That could be particularly valuable if the contest remains close in the fourth quarter.
The 49ers’ early departure also highlights the importance of preparation during a season that already includes multiple international challenges. After beginning the year in Australia, San Francisco will now face another road test outside the United States.
As reported by NBC Sports, the team plane is expected to leave for Colorado Springs Sunday night. The 49ers will then spend the week acclimating before heading to Mexico City for their Sunday night meeting with the Vikings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the 49ers traveling to Colorado Springs?
The 49ers are traveling to Colorado Springs to begin adjusting to high altitude before their game against the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico City.
When will the 49ers play in Mexico City?
San Francisco is scheduled to play the Vikings next Sunday night at Estadio Azteca.
How high is Estadio Azteca?
Estadio Azteca is approximately 7,280 feet above sea level, making it the highest stadium where the NFL regularly plays.
Has San Francisco used this preparation strategy before?
Yes. The 49ers used Air Force’s practice facility before their 2022 Mexico City game and also arrived early in Australia this season to manage the time difference.
