Chargers Stadium Advisory Committee speaks at Mission Valley location
SAN DIEGO (KUSI) – Adam Day and members of the Chargers Stadium Advisory Committee met at the Mission Valley site to discuss the new Chargers Stadium.
“Our committee has come to a swift and unanimous conclusion,” Day said. “The only site to be considered is right here in Mission Valley — the home of a National Football League franchise and hundreds of other events for the past 50 years.”
Day said the Mission Valley Site was chosen for a number of reasons: cost saving, developable land and transportation options.
According to Day, Mark Fabiani said he was open to either the Mission Valley location or the downtown location.
“Our deadline is the middle of May to develop a plan that works for everyone,” Day said. “We’re focused like a laser 100 percent on developing a financing plan in the next month-and-a-half.”
Former Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman said Thursday’s announcement was a step in the right direction to keep the team from having to share a stadium with the Raiders.
“We all want the same thing, we all have one common goal and that’s to make one thing happen — for the San Diego Chargers to remain the San Diego Chargers,” Merriman said.
Rafael Alvarez, a Chargers ticket holder since 1992, said he is very excited the Chargers will be staying in San Diego.
“I believe that San Diego is ready for a 21st century landmark,” Alvarez said. “I believe we have the leadership, a mayor and a group that will make this stadium a reality.”
Day said the downtown location would be expensive and time consuming as the area would need to be cleared of current business. This could take several years to complete and by then, the Chargers contract with Qualcomm would be expired.
Now, the task force must come up with a payment plan for the estimated $1.365 billion project.
“The Citizens Stadium Advisory Group has gone through the data, reviewed numerous detailed plans, received input from experts and came to the only reasonable conclusion,” Sherman said. “The Mission Valley site is the best option for Chargers fans, the City, and most importantly the taxpayers,” said Councilman Scott Sherman, who represents Mission Valley.
Day said the committee would look into all options, but would ultimately come up with a plan that would work for everybody — and would not require a two-thirds vote.
Day said San Diego is the Chargers’ number one choice for a new stadium location.
Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, will speak to Mayor Faulconer on the phone Thursday afternoon about the plans for the new multi-use stadium.
A full story and recap of the conference will be available on the KUSI News at 5 and 6 with a special Chargers Stadium Exclusive at 9.
