This past weekend, the San Francisco 49ers held their second annual “Football for All” event during the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Levi’s Stadium. The event celebrated the diversity of the Bay Area, the NFL’s broad fan base, and the diverse professionals working in the sports industry.
As the first NFL team to dedicate an entire game to promoting diversity, the 49ers reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation. The event included various in-game activities that emphasized the team’s ongoing efforts to create a sense of belonging for all fans, both locally and globally.
The event began with a heartfelt performance of the National Anthem by Erisa Nicole, a jazz saxophonist from San Diego. Nicole, who has performed at various venues, expressed her excitement about being part of this special occasion, saying, “I’m thrilled to be here for Football for All to play the National Anthem. It’s important because everyone should be included. I love that ‘Football for All’ celebrates the diversity of the NFL, those in professional sports, and women.”
Queen Noveen, an experienced voiceover artist, live announcer, and actor, served as the entertainment announcer for the day, becoming part of the first all-female stadium PA announcer team.
Reflecting on the event’s significance, Noveen shared, “We want fans to see themselves represented on game day. It’s essential to highlight diverse voices and backgrounds in sports. You don’t see many women, especially women of color, in this industry. I’m honored to be in this position and to inspire others by showing that if you can see it, you can be it. There is space for us here.”
Noveen also discussed her journey into voiceover work, which began in her youth through theater and commercials. She now teaches voiceover classes through her school, Ready to Announce, which she launched this year to help others enter the voiceover industry.
The Native American Women Warriors, led by founder Mitchelene Bigman of the Apsáalooke Nation, presented the colors during the pre-game ceremonies. “We are very excited to be here; it’s an honor,” Bigman said. “We have a platform to honor our Native American women veterans. Being a woman in the military, we often don’t receive recognition, so this is one way of being a voice.”
Bigman emphasized the importance of events like this, noting, “It highlights the positive contributions of Native Americans, especially in the military and history.”
The halftime show provided vibrant and dynamic entertainment that resonated with fans of all ages.
As the 49ers prepare for the 2024 regular season, “Football for All” served as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity in sports and the broader community. The event was not only a celebration of football but also a tribute to the many voices and cultures that make the sport and the Bay Area so special.
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