Lyons’ class eyes all things 49ers

Hope rises every autumn for the San Francisco 49ers’ chances to win an NFL Championship.

This year, those hopes and expectations are higher than ever, based on the past three years.

With this in mind, Vintage House will add to the excitement by offering a five-week course on all things 49ers football. The classes will meet on Thursday afternoons from 1 to 3 p.m. beginning Oct. 9 through Nov. 6. The class will be taught by local teacher Mike Lyons, whose experience includes attending training camps and games beginning in the ’50s, serving as an usher at games, playing high school football at Kezar Stadium and as a “49er Faithful” fan for nearly 60 years.

Each class will be devoted to a particular theme, including: overall franchise history; championships; players, coaches and innovative strategies; the fan experience, memorabilia and venues; the business of football, media coverage and the popularity of fantasy leagues. A scouting report on the next game will conclude the subject matter of each class as well as a breakdown of the previous contest.

There will be an ongoing consideration of the influence of NFL football and the 49ers on the Bay Area and national cultures. However, each class will offer its own self-contained content and it will not be necessary to take all the classes to appreciate any of the individual classes. The rise of the 49ers from “lovable losers” to one of the most powerful and iconic sports franchises in history is full of fascinating drama and many ups and downs.

Vintage House is located at 264 First St. E., Sonoma, and people can register at the site or by phone at 996-0311. The five-week course fee is $75. Drop-ins can also attend by paying a $20 fee per class. The dates for the class are Thursdays Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30 and Nov. 6.