‘Ladies of the Empire’ 49ers fan psyched for Super Bowl
(KRON) — Super Bowl Sunday is almost here, and many 49ers fans are packing up to head to Vegas including “The Ladies of the Empire.”
Ladies of the Empire is a non-profit group of female 49ers fans sharing a love of Bay Area football, while raising scholarship money in the process.
“We are truly an organization of helping each other,” said Oona Smith, Ladies of the Empire board member. “So, these bonds are deep. We are sisters undoubtedly who all love the Niners.”
It started as a fan group, but evolved into a non-profit that raises scholarship money for underserved high school and college students.
“People are so generous,” Smith said. “Our fan base is so fabulous.”
Many members will be at the Superbowl raising money, but also enjoying the excitement of the matchup between the 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
It will be Smith’s second Super Bowl.
“You’re in line to go through security to enter the stadium and the energy just gets so intense,” Smith said.
This year’s Super Bowl will be a first for Karen Friedman from Milpitas.
“I’m a season ticket holder and have been since they came to Levi’s,” Friedman said.
She’s not just known for her good sense of 49ers style, but also her kindness, making friends with just about every fan she comes in contact with. She’s excited to see the big game up close and personal this year.
“You know you can see it on television but being there and being with all the fans and just the energy of the experience of the game is fun for me,” Freidman said.
The Ladies of the Empire raise scholarship money and may be able to get along with fans of other teams, but it’s the 49ers that bring them together. Like others who identify as “The Faithful,” they’re hoping the Lombardi Trophy comes home to the Bay Area.
“No matter what you just know that you just know that your time the niners they are putting in every single effort, every single energy they have to bring home that trophy,” Freidman said.
Both Smith and Freidman bought their plane tickets to Vegas back in December, long before the 49ers even made it to the Super Bowl.
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