The San Francisco 49ers are evaluating the relocation and enhancement of their practice facility to address ongoing injury concerns, though team officials have dismissed theories linking player ailments to a nearby electrical substation.
49ers CEO Al Guido stated that the team is focused on improving its practice facilities, which are currently situated alongside Levi's Stadium. These potential upgrades are aimed at enhancing the weight room, hydrotherapy, and rehabilitation areas. "Everything is geared to winning the Super Bowl," Guido told The Athletic. "We have been to three in the last 30 years and not won any. That's the appetite with everyone here, and this is the right time to do it."
In addition to facility improvements, the team plans to hire three new members for its physical therapy staff. These measures come after the 49ers concluded an investigation into the electrical substation bordering their practice facility. According to findings released in March, independent scientists found no basis for conspiracy theories that the substation was responsible for the team's high rate of injuries.
"He basically said it was a big nothing burger," 49ers General Manager John Lynch told reporters. "We're safe. We're in a safe place of work. The levels are 400 times less than an unsafe zone. So it's a normal place of work, it's a normal gym. We are safe, we're healthy, and we feel really good about that."
The conspiracy theory gained traction in January when researcher Peter Cowan posted on X, suggesting that the power station's low-frequency electromagnetic fields might be contributing to the 49ers' fitness issues. The theory intensified after tight end George Kittle suffered a season-ending Achilles tear in the playoffs, with Kittle himself acknowledging the possibility. He recalled that trees between the substation and the practice facility had appeared dead year-round and were later removed by the NFL.
Former 49ers tight end Delanie Walker also voiced concerns, claiming that discussions about the substation's proximity and potential health effects, including cancer and weakened ligaments, were ongoing during his tenure with the team from 2006 to 2012. Walker recounted an incident where a transformer explosion near the practice field amplified his fears. He noted that players were reportedly given assurances of safety and may have signed waivers.