The Gold Rush was founded in 1983 by e2k sports. e2k is recognized around the world as a leader in sports entertainment, and has produced the entertainment for the San Francisco 49ers for over 25 years. The 49ers cheerleaders were named the "Gold Rush" to commemorate the excitement that brought millions of people to California in the search of gold.
The Gold Rush started an upward trend for professional cheerleading and has developed the reputation as the finest dance team in the NFL. Members range in age from 18 to 28 years and average 15 years of dance and entertainment experience. All team members are full- time college students or graduates, representing such schools as M.I.T., Stanford University, UC Berkeley, University of San Francisco, UCLA, and San Jose State University. Many of the Gold Rush members balance their 49ers involvement with full time careers. These women advance in their distinguished careers as corporate marketing directors, doctors, e-commerce analysts, teachers, account executives, therapists and even presidents of their own companies, to name a few. Their success exemplifies the intelligent, talented, and beautiful image that the Gold Rush women uphold.
Because of their reputation as a premier dance team, and the popularity of the San Francisco 49ers, women audition from all over the world, including Florida, Nevada, Utah, Illinois, Hawaii and Tokyo, Japan. Many dedicated Gold Rush members travel from outside the San Francisco area to be a part of this trend setting team. Team members travel from Fresno, Sacramento, and even southern California each week for rehearsals, appearances, and games.
The 49ers Gold Rush have performed across the United States and throughout the world to millions of fans who enjoy their high- energy dance style. Every year, the team's presence is requested at over 300 special appearances and charity functions. Because of their national acclaim, the Gold Rush has also been featured on numerous local and national television shows, including ESPN, Entertainment Tonight, MTV, Extra!, The Leeza Show, The Total Football Network, and the FOX Network.
In addition, the Gold Rush is involved in many charity events that have a positive impact on the San Francisco Bay Area community, and society at large. The cheerleaders have volunteered to work along with the American Diabetes Association, Special Olympics, Shriner's Hospital, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Susan Komen Foundation, Children's Miracle Network and the Ronald McDonald House, as well as local fundraisers and charity work.
The Gold Rush is representative of the San Francisco Bay Area community; bright, talented, diverse, and concerned about the community we live in. The Gold Rush has established a reputation as an amazing group of young women. Their combination of dance ability and community involvement has set a standard for other NFL professional cheerleading teams. The San Francisco audience loves their team, and welcomes the Gold Rush with open arms. The 49ers Gold Rush program will continue to set trends for many years to come.