Behind the Scenes with the 2016 49ers' Gold Rush

You see them on the field every Sunday. They wear red. They bleed gold. They work hard. And I’m not talking about the San Francisco 49ers. I’m talking about the Gold Rush, the dancers and cheerleaders who support our guys in Santa Clara and help rally the fans. Let’s be honest, recently, we fans need to be rallied.

Behind the Scenes with the 2016 49ers’ Gold Rush

Though it looks all glitz and glamour, it’s hard to become a member of the Gold Rush. And there are no guaranteed contracts; the women have to audition year after year for a spot. For fourth year member Nina, who grew up a 49er fan, it’s worth it.

“This is going to be my fourth season going into Gold Rush. I love this organization, and I love all the girls that I get to work with. My coaches push me to my highest potential, and it’s just grown me every year, so I keep coming back to set my bar a little bit higher with what I’ve done here.”

Photo provided by 49ers.com

Is it pure luck that Nina happens to be lifelong Niner fan? Not exactly.

“I was born into it. My grandma was a 49er fan. She was all about Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, so she loved it. Went on to my mom, and my mom and dad were both 49er fans, so it’s been in my family since I was born.”

Gold Rush for Life #49ers #niners #goldrush #49ersfaithful #goldblooded #cheer #dance

A video posted by Tracy Sandler (@49ersfangirl) on Apr 7, 2016 at 5:08pm PDT

Joe Montana, Jerry Rice. The good old days. But I digress. Back to the here and now.

Last week, auditions for the 2016 Gold Rush were held at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Over 300 women tried out, with 70 making it to the finals and 40 making the team. Just like the guys, the women of the Gold Rush are truly a team.

“We have girls that come in and we’re friends for life,” said Nina. “We always say, Gold Rush for life. Because we’re literally sisters from the moment that we meet and we’re on a team together. Even until we see each other 10 years from now, girls will come back and still be a part of this team, even if they’re not dancing with us anymore.”

Photo provided by 49ers.com

As I attended the final round of auditions, it was obvious to see how bonded the girls are and how much they mean to each other.

“My favorite memory from a game has to be every breast cancer awareness game we have.” shared Nina. “To me, it’s so incredible to see these women who are just warriors, and they come out so empowering and they walk on the field and we get to perform for them and meet them. It’s just a really cool experience for me overall.”

“…[E[very game during the National Anthem when the whole stadium’s on their feet and everyone’s standing…every time, I pretty much cry. I’m out there getting tears in my eyes because it’s incredible.”

So are the Gold Rush and the work they put in. You can see a full list of the 2016 Gold Rush here.

This seems most appropriate now – Go Niners!

More photos from the event: