Ostler: Niners’ fans’ exit strategy might be hurting team

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It remains to be seen if the 49ers are better than the dreaded Seahawks.

But this much is sure: The 49ers’ fans are getting their butts kicked by the Seahawks’ 12th man.

On Sunday, in the 49ers’ 13-10 loss to the Rams at Levi’s Stadium, thousands of fans began fleeing their seats before halftime, and many did not return. There were areas of empty seats, most notably in the large Club section at midfield, the high-priced seats behind the Rams’ bench. You know, the Red Hole.

In Seattle on Sunday, it was cold and rainy and the opponent was the dismal, winless Raiders. Yet the grandstands at CenturyLink Field remained packed throughout the game. The Seattle fans not only stayed at their seats, but — like college kids — they stood the entire game, an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.

The best seats in Seattle, between the 30-yard lines, require seat-license fees of $10,000 to $50,000 per fanny. That means that many of those people standing, in the rain, to watch the Raiders, are millionaires.

Meanwhile, where were the 49ers’ fans? Thousands were MIA. It was sunny in Santa Clara, but not hot. A high of 64. Apparently, in the cozy confines of the Big Wok, 64 is warm enough to drive fans out of their seats.

Where do they go? To private clubs beneath the stands, wasting away again in Margaritaville? To shaded concourses? Home to their gated mansions?

Early in 3rd quarter, the east side of Levi's Stadium is sparsely populated during San Francisco 49ers' 22-17 win over Kansas City Chiefs during NFL game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, October 5, 2014. less Early in 3rd quarter, the east side of Levi's Stadium is sparsely populated during San Francisco 49ers' 22-17 win over Kansas City Chiefs during NFL game at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday, ... more Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Ostler: Niners’ fans’ exit strategy might be hurting team 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

Levi’s Stadium is flawed, in that it provides no shade. Heat is going to be an issue the first half of every football season (and at summer events).

The larger problem seems to be that the new stadium has a mysterious fan leak.

If a noisy, rabid home crowd is a performance booster for the home team — and players on teams including the Warriors and Seahawks swear it is — the 49ers’ suits are going to have to figure out how to entice fans to stay in their seats.

Take roll and give prizes for perfect attendance? Half-price beer when delivered to your seat? Leaving your seat requires a timed hall pass?

Scott Ostler is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. E-mail: sostler@sfchronicle.com Twitter @scottostler