The San Francisco 49ers are navigating a historically demanding travel itinerary for the upcoming NFL season. Their schedule includes a season opener in Australia and a Week 11 matchup in Mexico City. This specific alignment makes the 49ers the first franchise in league history to participate in two international contests during non-consecutive weeks within a single campaign.
Initial projections following the NFL schedule release on May 14 suggested the 49ers were on track to cover a record-breaking 38,105 miles. However, head coach Kyle Shanahan has indicated that the team is evaluating a strategic travel adjustment for their trip to Mexico. If implemented, this logistical pivot would likely prevent the team from surpassing the current all-time mark for seasonal travel distance.
Strategic Planning for High-Altitude Performance
The Week 11 showdown in Mexico City presents a unique physiological hurdle. Situated at 7,350 feet above sea level, the Mexican capital’s elevation significantly exceeds that of Denver, which sits at 5,280 feet. Managing oxygen intake and physical recovery at this height is a primary concern for the coaching staff.
To prepare for these conditions, Shanahan revealed that the team is considering a week of practice in Colorado prior to facing the Minnesota Vikings in Mexico. “The main factor with Mexico City is that it is 2,000 feet higher than Denver,” Shanahan explained. The goal is to allow the players’ bodies to acclimate to the thinner air, similar to the strategy they employed during previous high-altitude road trips.
Following their Week 10 game against the Dallas Cowboys on November 15, the 49ers would ideally transition directly from Texas to Colorado Springs. While a final decision has not been confirmed, Shanahan noted that staying in Colorado for the week is the most probable course of action.
Comparing the Logistical Impact on Mileage
Choosing to stay in Colorado rather than returning to their home base in San Jose significantly alters the team’s total travel mileage. While the primary goal is athletic performance, the secondary effect is a more efficient travel route.
If the 49ers were to follow a traditional home-and-away routine for these two weeks, the travel would look as follows:
Travel Projection: San Jose Base
- San Jose to Dallas and back: 2,876 miles
- San Jose to Mexico City and back: 3,702 miles
- Cumulative Two-Week Total: 6,578 miles
Conversely, a “stay-on-the-road” approach creates a more linear path:
Travel Projection: Colorado Transition
- San Jose to Dallas: 1,438 miles
- Dallas to Colorado Springs: 592 miles
- Colorado Springs to Mexico City: 1,376 miles
- Mexico City to San Jose: 1,851 miles
- Cumulative Two-Week Total: 5,257 miles
By opting for the Colorado Springs residency, the 49ers would reduce their seasonal travel by approximately 1,321 miles. This reduction would bring their season total down to 36,784 miles. While still an immense distance, it falls short of the current NFL record held by the Los Angeles Chargers, who traveled 37,086 miles during the previous season.
Final Thoughts on the 49ers’ Travel Strategy
The San Francisco 49ers are prioritizing player health and performance over statistical records. By utilizing Colorado Springs as a mid-trip training hub, the team aims to mitigate the extreme altitude challenges of Mexico City while simultaneously streamlining a portion of their grueling international schedule. Although this move will likely cost them a spot in the record books for total miles traveled, the focus remains on ensuring the roster is physically prepared for the unique environmental demands of the 2024 season.
