49ers defend controversial tailgating policy, citing 'safety'

San Francisco 49ers fans gather for tailgating festivities in the parking lot prior to the NFC Wild Card playoff game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 14, 2023 in Santa Clara, Calif.The San Francisco 49ers are standing behind a new tailgating policy that has enraged some longtime season ticket holders.

Over 2,500 people have signed a petition demanding to speak with the 49ers over rule changes for the Levi's Stadium parking lot before games. The new policy is called "directed parking," a system where parking lot attendants direct cars into the next available spot. The petition, started by Niner Empire's Joe Leonor, says this prevents parties…