The Oakland Raiders and State Farm partnered to host the State Farm Game Day Fan Experience on Sunday as the Raiders took on the San Francisco 49ers.
Robert Candelaria of San Jose, Calif., was selected as the winner, and as a lifelong Raiders fan he was very excited for the opportunity to be up and close and personal with his favorite team.
"I've been a fan since 1974 and this is a once in a lifetime thing and I love it," Candelaria said. "I'm pumped. We're going to do this."
In addition to receiving four tickets to the Battle of the Bay, he also received four sideline passes, two autographed items and took part in the "Ceremonial First Pass," which he threw to Raiders CB Taiwan Jones.
Candelaria executed the pass without issue, but leading up to the toss he did admit he was a little nervous.
"I'm a little bit nervous about that," he said pregame. "Hopefully when I get on the field, I feel it and it'll be good."
A Raiders fan his entire life, Candelaria said the best part of his day was being on the field to take in the sights and sounds of the pregame festivities.
"Just getting out here on the field and feeling the grass on my feet. That's a real experience," he said. "I've never experienced that in my whole life and this is really great. I'm really excited about this." Sunday's game was one that Candelaria will never forget and the Raiders would like to thank State Farm for their involvement in the contest and the opportunity they provided Robert and his guests.
