San Diego Chargers New Stadium: Latest Details, Photos and Comments
Tyler Conway@jtylerconway
Featured ColumnistMay 28, 2015
The Chargers are getting a new stadium. The only question is whether they're getting a new city to call home along with it.
Continue for updates.
Chargers To Begin Stadium Negotiations With San Diego
Wednesday, May 27
Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego reported that Chargers brass and San Diego County representatives will meet next week to begin discussing financial parameters of a new stadium. A committee spearheaded by mayor Kevin Faulconer proposed a financing plan for a $1.1 billion stadium earlier this month.
The Chargers are seeking a replacement for Qualcomm Stadium, which has been the team's home since opening in 1967. Qualcomm is the NFL's fourth-oldest stadium, though it might be unfair to compare it to Soldier Field or Lambeau Field, two classics that have received massive renovations. Perhaps the best comparison is Oakland's O.co Coliseum, which opened a year before Qualcomm.
Unsurprisingly, the Raiders and Chargers are each at the forefront of hard-pressing their current cities for a new stadium. Both have been mentioned (along with the St. Louis Rams) as potential relocation targets for Los Angeles. Reports in February indicated the two teams were collaborating on a $1.7 billion joint venture located in Carson, California.
Whether that turns out to be a bluff or a legitimate plan likely depends on how willing San Diego is to push this stadium deal forward. Lacking even an agreement in principal means we're probably around a half-decade away from the Chargers thinking about opening their new digs.
“I think they submitted some sort of framework of a potential financing plan,” Dean Spanos told Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego. “That’s what we’re going to take a look at this week...I’ve always said, and I maintain the fact we want to stay in San Diego. We’re committed to keep trying to see if there is a viable solution. It has now come down to a financing plan, so I am anxious to see what the city puts forth.”
Time is of the essence here, especially with the Los Angeles bogeyman looming. We'll have to see what this meeting brings forth.
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