Fans head to Australia for season opener with surprise sendoff from Steve Young

Dozens of San Francisco 49ers fans traveled from San Francisco International Airport to Melbourne, Australia, for Thursday’s season opener against the Los Angeles Rams, taking a United Airlines flight expected to last 16 hours. Before departure, the group received a surprise sendoff at the gate when 49ers legend and Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young appeared, wishing them safe travels and shaking hands with fans. Fans said the unexpected appearance set a positive tone for the trip. Francisco Vera, traveling from San Jose with his wife for an anniversary, said meeting Young was a memorable start. Others echoed similar excitement. The fans are set to arrive in Australia a couple of days before kickoff.