49ers vs. Lions: Here’s what you need to know about getting to and watching Sunday’s NFC Championship Game

SANTA CLARA — For the third straight year, the San Francisco 49ers have cemented their spot in the NFC Championship Game, and this year they play at home among the red and gold.

Whether you’ve already snagged your ticket, are looking for a place to watch with other 49ers Faithful or have a spot reserved on your couch, here’s what you need to know about Sunday’s game.

The 49ers kickoff against the Detroit Lions at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, making it the first time since 1983 — and the third time ever — that the two teams have met in the playoffs. The game will be broadcast on FOX, and is the second of the two games on Championship Weekend. The Baltimore Ravens will face the Kansas City Chiefs at home at 12 p.m. for the AFC title.

For fans looking to make the trek to Levi’s Stadium using public transit, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority will be running extra light rail service to the game. Additional service will start at 12:24 p.m. from the Santa Teresa Station and 1:15 p.m. from Diridon Station. The light rail drops off right in front of the stadium at the Great America Station.

The parking lot and box office will open at noon, with premium gates opening at 12:30 p.m. and general stadium gates opening at 1:30 p.m.

Nick Clarke, the 49ers’ senior manager of fan engagement, said they are expecting a packed house.

“In one word, I would call it electric,” he said of Sunday’s predicted atmosphere. “This is a historic franchise that has done a really good job being in games like this.”

With a forecast of cloudy skies on Sunday, Clarke said they’re excited to not just hear the 49er Faithful, but “see the Faithful this week” after last weekend’s rain game against the Green Bay Packers forced many fans to cover up in ponchos.

The 49ers will also be hosting watch parties across the Bay Area starting at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at San Pedro Social in San Jose, MoMo’s in San Francisco and Plank in Oakland. A fan rally will be held on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Plex in San Jose. All events are free to attend, but the 49ers require fans to register online ahead of time.

Clarke said they’ll be handing out rally towels and the 49ers Faithful should expect the watch parties to be equally as packed.

“We’re trying to replicate the spirit of Levi’s Stadium in all these venues,” he said.