The Qualcomm Situation

[RandyC]

To recap what is happening and where we are.

We almost exclusively autocross at the parking lot of Qualcomm Stadium (the old Jack Murphy). We have autocrossed at some other places in the past. Most of those places are no longer available to us. One still remains an option, though the lot is not very large, that would be the Soak City parking lot. Because we have a good number of days available at Qualcomm, there is not much incentive short term to find another lot to run on. Qualcomm lot is a great autocrossing lot.

Many lots have major problems. Parking berms. Lots of planters. Trees. Lightpoles. Small size. Used on weekends. Abrasive to tires. Close to homes where noise will be a problem (difference from Qualcomm is that homes were build later...and the other homes across I-8 are relatively far away).

Even if you can find a lot that is large enough, that is not filled with planters and berms, and it is not being used on a Sunday.... and it is not too close to existing homes... you have to convince the owner of the lot that it is in his best interest to allow a bunch of cars to autox on the lot, for relatively little money.

This is not easy and the problem with venues being lost is happening all across the US as regions scramble for places to autocross. The basic issue is that autocross requires a large lot (which is expensive) and is a cheap sport that can't support those lots without a lot owner that is willing to rent it. Often lots used to autocross on are abandoned or under-used airports (El Toro, Norton in San Bernardino). The other sources are sporting venues like Qualcomm or Hollywood Park. Then there are smaller parking lots such as a school's lot. Schools work because they are often not used on Sundays, as compared to shopping centers or large stores.

Which brings us back to Qualcomm and why we are very fortunate to have a such a large lot available to us, being run by people willing to work with us, for a reasonable fee. What we have in San Diego is not normal in most regions. A place to run our cars that is this close to town (most places you have to drive to somewhere far away). Where it is cooled by the ocean. In a nice area of town. Easy access. My point... enjoy it. Appreciate it.

So what is the issue then?

[RandyC]

Qualcomm is run by the Stadium Authority which answers to the city. The stadium exists to serve the major tenants. These are the San Diego Chargers, the San Diego State Aztecs. And of course this used to include the San Diego Padres, but they have moved to Petco Park downtown.

Of the two tenants, the real money maker that justifies the existence of Qualcomm is the Chargers. Without the Chargers, there is not enough reason for the stadium to exist. The occasional monster trcuk event, soccer game, and the lot renters like us, are not enough money to justify the upkeep on the stadium, and the sitting on MILLIONS of dollars of valuable land.

At this point, the existence hinges on the Chargers using it. If they do not, it will cease to exist.

The Chargers have said they need a new stadium in order to be competitive and offer a competitive product. Without a new stadium, they will leave for greener pastures. They have tried negotiating with the city and *might* float a voter proposal to develop the lot. There is a large number of complications here involving the stadium, mayor, city counsel, and the city attorney... with most sides blowing some smoke and rattling some swords.

The bottom line is that the Chargers will leave if they don't get a new stadium. If they leave, the stadium will be bulldozed and we lose the lot.

If the Chargers do get a new stadium, they will build it and a parking structure on the existing lot. We will lose the lot.

There is one other scenario that is unlikely... that the Chargers decide that they were wrong, that they like San Diego and the existing Stadium and want to forget about all of this.

In the first two scenarios, we lose the lot we are running on. A related side to this is that the Chargers have been negotiating an out to their contract with the city that would allow them to leave. The most recent news articles indicate that they might be leaning more towards this scenario. In other words, none of this matters about a new stadium since they will be leaving for other places (rumored LA or Orange County) with a better financial package for the team owner.

We have been seeing this train coming at us for some years now, and the time is getting closer. Depends on the scenario. One possibility could have the Chargers leaving after the 2007 season. Another scenario could have ground breaking on the lot happening at the end of 2007. That is an extreme schedule, but possible. If that happens, we could lose the lot as soon as the end of next year.

That is the issue and why we as a region need to investigate alternative locations or solutions.

[RandyC]

The most recent development-
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20060108-9999-1m8chargers.html


The clock is winding down on the Chargers' quest to find a development partner for a proposed stadium and commercial project and qualify the plan for the November ballot. The team is likely to pull the plug on the ballot initiative if a development partner is not on board in about two weeks, said Mark Fabiani, the team's special counsel.

[frosty]

So what is the issue then?

I don't know, you brought it up.

When I first went to an autox event, I was living in the Chicago area (specifically, Evanston; just north of Chicago proper). The nearest venue for autox was in Joliet; about an hour and a half away. I am very happy with Qualcomm both for it's location and the west lot's size.

Edit: posting mid-multipost explaination makes one look like an idiot.

[RandyC]

Edit: posting mid-multipost explaination makes one look like an idiot.:)

Most people that started out running at Qualcomm have not experienced how other regions do things, so part of my intent is to try to get across how fortunate we are... and secondarily to convey that there needs to be a sense of some urgency... not panic time... but if we wait until it is gone, that would be a bad idea I think.

[frosty]

I know this isn't going to add much to the quest of finding a new venue, but I'm rather confused as to why a new stadium will make the difference between whether the chargers can win games or not.

They asked for a remodel of Jack Murphy Stadium. The city coughed up the money to do it and promissed to buy the unused tickets as the Chargers proceeded to have a lack-luster year that did not fill the stands. Since it was harder to sell out, it meant that more games were not aired locally (they want you to go to the game, ofcourse).

The Padres played the same games, but somehow managed to go to the World Series only weeks before the ballot measure for Petco Park was passed. I remember hearing about them wanting a new stadium through the 90s; that they'd leave if they didn't get one. Well, if a team is going to be dead last always, why keep them around?


Realistically, I guess we need to start cracking on a new place. This town will easily cough up the cash to finance another stadium for the Chargers (only for it to be remodelled 5 years later:( ). I don't think it will get to the Chargers following through on their threat.

[freshspecbluegt]

I should probably duck and run but I'll bring it up.

Wasn't there some talk of using North Island or Miramar, I thought negotiations were happening at some point. Are there any under-used airports in SD?

What about the collective bargaining power (though still small) if we join forces with PCA,BMCCA, Corvette Club, SDKA, Race legal, etc. I think securing a quality facility, if one exists, is going to to take more than just SDR-SCCA.

Also doesn't SCCA have a Committee/Program/Something to help us secure and new venues?

Ross

[frosty]

I don't know what makes for an under-used airport, but I remember at one point that the Ramona airport traffic is so small they don't have a control tower (pilots announce themselves on a given frequency to any other pilots who might be doing the same).

I don't know how much tarmac space they have and so forth. If we held an event there, we shouldn't have much of a noise issue as there is already an airport there.

If this one doesn't work, you could hit up the various local airports (Brown, maybe Montgomery, etc) and see what you find out.

[barkingspyder]

Has anyone been in contact with these folks?
Site Acquisition Committee (http://www.scca.com/News/News.asp?Ref=317)

[RandyC]

I should probably duck and run but I'll bring it up.

Nah... good to bring these things up. Good questions.




Wasn't there some talk of using North Island or Miramar, I thought negotiations were happening at some point. Are there any under-used airports in SD?

Yes, there was talk. And more talk. Nothing came of it and there is still talk going on. Getting use of a military site is not simple, specially post 9/11. There was some more encouraging news at the e-board meeting in November last year, but I don't hold out much hope. The person who was in charge of negotiations for our group also asked for someone else to take it over. Frankly, I can't recall what was decided.

IMO... we need one or two people to take on this task. One should have a military background. One should have a business background. The perfect person has both and is also a good communicator and personable. We may have more success with a small team. What does not work is to have various people calling on base commanders on their own. This tends to kill the deals is what we have been told.

The main underused airport in San Diego... probably Naval Auxiliary Landing Field, Imperial Beach (the old "Ream Field"). This is a helicopter base with HUGE concrete pads. HUGE. Next to the border and the beach. Easy access. The homes are used to helicopters. Trust me, I lived there as a child.

There is also potential use of North Island, they use it now for the Speed Festival in the fall. One key may in convincing someone in charge what is in it for them. How does this benefit the serviceman, etc.



What about the collective bargaining power (though still small) if we join forces with PCA,BMCCA, Corvette Club, SDKA, Race legal, etc. I think securing a quality facility, if one exists, is going to to take more than just SDR-SCCA.

I have always thought this would be a good idea. There are a lot of people involved in motorsports also beyond these groups. We just don't know about them.



Also doesn't SCCA have a Committee/Program/Something to help us secure and new venues?

Ross

No offense to those involved in this, but I am not impressed with what I have seen from SCCA in this matter. They send out pamphlets and flyers that we are supposed to use... and they really miss the boat. A lot of stuff about the spending power of the typical spectator or driver. Not as much about things that lot owners really care about.

[RandyC]

Has anyone been in contact with these folks?
Site Acquisition Committee (http://www.scca.com/News/News.asp?Ref=317)

Yes. See above.

[frosty]

There is also potential use of North Island, they use it now for the Speed Festival in the fall. One key may in convincing someone in charge what is in it for them. How does this benefit the serviceman, etc.

Tell them it'd be good practice for the servicemen to drive Humvee's fast around a course for when they get deployed. Well, that and give a huge discount (or make it free) for active duty military.

[RandyC]

http://www.chargers.com/news/headline_detail.cfm?news_key=2517

The Chargers announced today via a press conference that they will not be able to find a developer and meet the deadline to get this on the ballot this year.


Now that we will not be on the ballot in 2006, the Chargers will take some time to reassess the viability of the Qualcomm redevelopment proposal. Our goal is the same: To remain in San Diego. But we must decide whether it makes sense to continue to pursue this tremendously difficult project in light of the City’s gigantic political and financial crisis and with Mike Aguirre throwing up one hurdle after another.
Over the next year we will continue to meet with the residents of San Diego. Public input has been invaluable to us over the last three years, and perhaps new ideas will emerge from our continued meetings.
In addition, as soon as the team is legally allowed to do so, we will explore all viable solutions within San Diego County. This will occur no later than January 1, 2007 under the team’s current lease.
At the beginning of the New Year 2006, then, here is where we stand:
First, we are as determined as ever to find a way to keep the Chargers a permanent part of the <st1><st1:city w:st="on">San Diego</st1:city></st1> community.
Second, because of the city’s difficult circumstances, we will not be able to place a measure on the 2006 ballot, and we will now reassess whether it makes sense to continue to pursue the Qualcomm redevelopment concept in light of the city’s situation.
Third, we will continue to do what we have been doing for the last three years – meeting with anyone and everyone who has an interest in working together – and we will explore every idea with the goal of finding a publicly-acceptable solution.The bottom line is this: The team remains committed to building a new, Super Bowl caliber stadium for the greater San Diego region, and we are determined to do everything possible to keep the Chargers in the San Diego area.

[freshspecbluegt]

One key may in convincing someone in charge what is in it for them. How does this benefit the serviceman, etc.



How about some brain storming around this idea?

Is cheap, on base entertainment lacking?

Does the military have a problem people speeding/street racing etc., The stereotype is young solidiers with fast cars (Hey F-stock would be huge!!!!:D )

Are the base commanders looking for community outreach?

I've never considered the military and only know a couple guys who went in. Does the military actually care about any of this?

Who in our region has served/is serving that could give some insight?

Somebody get on google earth and start looking for big concrete patches.

[wolfgang]

I don't know what makes for an under-used airport, but I remember at one point that the Ramona airport traffic is so small they don't have a control tower (pilots announce themselves on a given frequency to any other pilots who might be doing the same).

I don't know how much tarmac space they have and so forth. If we held an event there, we shouldn't have much of a noise issue as there is already an airport there.

If this one doesn't work, you could hit up the various local airports (Brown, maybe Montgomery, etc) and see what you find out.

:cool:
Ramona has had a tower for at least 5 yrs., Hangers every where and not enough taxi ways to even incorporate the rwy into a decent road course. Montgomery is far from a low use airport. As Randy said Imperial Beach (NRS) the old Ream Field would be great! 10 yrs ago I used to pull air-ads (banners) down that way and vary rarely saw any aircraft on the tarmac. Of course that was before 911. NAS North Island would be great, lots of training goes on there though.
karl

[wolfgang]

:mad:
P.S. Probably all kinds of security issues in regards to Homeland Security and TSA (Thousands Standing Around). But you never know until you try!
Karl

[KennyB]

Hello,
I am a lurker on this board and have been envious of my old stomping grounds for years. I started autocrossing in San Diego in 1970 and later moved to Northern California.

You guys have been so lucky to have a consistent site like Jack Murphy Stadium (sorry can't call it by the corporate name). I live in Sacramento now and we had two great sites on now defunct military bases, both are still active airports. Since September 11th we have had little or no access to these sites. The next site, the state fair grounds, dried up when they realized they could make a ton more money from RV shows than from autocrossers.

Our nearest venue now is a postage stamp size lot an hour away. It is in one of the finer neighborhoods of Stockton California. This means if you want to keep something, keep it locked and secure, entire race cars and tow rigs have been known to leave the lot without the owner's knowledge.

The next closest venues are the bay area and Castle in Atwater (site of the pro and national tour). The lots in SF area are not the greatest and are 2 1/2 hours away from Sacramento. Castle is 2 hours away and there is word that we will lose it in the coming year.

San Diego is now being confronted with the realities may areas have had for years, the limited access to a site to autocross. Get started now in your search, be persistent and good luck.

[RandyC]

The latest rumors seem to point to an interesting idea. The Chargers want to build a new stadium. The Chargers want to stay in San Diego. There is a possibility of a new stadium being built somewhere in San Diego county, perhaps east Chula Vista or North County. Somewhere that there is enough (cheaper) land and a friendly political climate to deal with. Dealing the San Diego County government might be the answer, as compared to dealing with the cash strapped City.

What does this mean to us? Small possibility that the new site would include a large lot. Since it would be built in a different area that is not as constrained in size, they might not go with the parking structure idea and instead go back to a wide open parking lot. Maybe. A small maybe.

If that were to happen, it could also mean that our loss of Qualcomm would be delayed as they would continue to play there until the new stadium is built. And we could keep using the lot since they won't be tearing up the existing parking lot to build this new stadium. Maybe.

[frosty]

Ramona has had a tower for at least 5 yrs.

I did not know it had changed. One of my friends flew me over there when I was in highschool, which was more than 5 years ago. I just hope we don't get with a place like KennyB spoke of where we have to worry about theft in the paddock.

[RandyC]

San Diego is now being confronted with the realities may areas have had for years, the limited access to a site to autocross. Get started now in your search, be persistent and good luck.

Thanks for your input Kenny. I know one of our long term active members is moving up to Sacremento this spring and will probably be interested in your data about where to run.

I might make it up to Castle for the ProSolo. Always a good time.

[ASP 159]

The next closest venues are the bay area and Castle in Atwater (site of the pro and national tour). The lots in SF area are not the greatest and are 2 1/2 hours away from Sacramento. Castle is 2 hours away and there is word that we will lose it in the coming year.


Sorry to change the subject Randy.

Kenny, Jesus has 16 dates for Castle this year listed on the AAS site.

Bob

[CNaylor]

One (venue) still remains an option, though the (current) lot is not very large, that would be the Soak City parking lot. Because we have a good number of days available at Qualcomm, there is not much incentive short term to find another lot to run on. Qualcomm lot is a great autocrossing lot.


What about the collective bargaining power (though still small) if we join forces with PCA,BMCCA, Corvette Club, SDKA, Race legal, etc. I think securing a quality facility, if one exists, is going to to take more than just SDR-SCCA.

Also doesn't SCCA have a Committee/Program/Something to help us secure and new venues?

Ross
Randy brings up Qualcomm about every 6 months. I then bring up both of the above in every thread. Combining these two posts above are our best chance for the future of Autocross in S.D. YES! the lot we ran on a few times is small. BUT there is a large lot on the Northern edge along the river (creek's) edge. It is currently dirt. The lot is part of Soak City, but they don't use it even during the summer. Only Coors Amp. uses it for their events. What we need is our racing community of clubs to come together and negioate a contract with Soak City to have them develope (ie pave) this land. When the Q goes, groups like the RV lots, Auto Dealers, the Auto Swapmeet (all those other groups that pay more than we do to use the Q lots, and currently get priority) will need somewhere to go also. If we were to negioatate a contract for a fixed number of weekends, or all of them as there is only one vs. three lots. Our combined barganing power could land us a site.

I disagree with Randy on one thing. The incentive in the short run is USING this site, even if for practice dates, to KEEP (if not lost already) the communication open.

Soap Box available for the next person.....

Craig

[RandyC]

I disagree with Randy on one thing. The incentive in the short run is USING this site, even if for practice dates, to KEEP (if not lost already) the communication open.
We are not disagreeing here. In my past postion at e-board meetings I have said the same thing, repeatedly. Just no sense in me continuing to say it, if nobody else agrees.

Or... everyone nods agreement, but no one club is willing to put on an event there.

[mcontour]

I have a concern about soak city....there are houses all along the cliff above the lot. I wonder how the residents would react to loud cars and voices over PA systems on a weekly basis.

[froggy47]

I have a concern about soak city....there are houses all along the cliff above the lot. I wonder how the residents would react to loud cars and voices over PA systems on a weekly basis.


When was the last time an event went off there? Has to be over 2 years. Were the houses there last event? Sound is funny, maybe it doesn't project up to the houses?

[mcontour]

The last time we were there was January '04. I remember because it was the first time I drove my shifter kart on an autocross course.

[wolfgang]

WHERE IS SOAK CITY?

[RandyC]

WHERE IS SOAK CITY?

http://www.knotts.com/soakcity/sd/imgs/map.gif

[AMast]

Randy, when you said the ideal person to scout a new autocross site should have military and business background, etc., I immediately thought of Gordon Anderson. You probably know he runs the BMWCCA SD Autocross Events. They are always excellent and he is a great guy. Perhaps you should contact him. I also know a person who runs with the Porsche club in SD regularly if that is helpful. Email me if I can assist.

[RandyC]

Thanks Andi, I have met Gordon. Might be a good idea.

P.S. The site will email you when the practice flyer is available.

[Bimota Guy]

Randy, when you said the ideal person to scout a new autocross site should have military and business background, etc., I immediately thought of Gordon Anderson. You probably know he runs the BMWCCA SD Autocross Events. They are always excellent and he is a great guy. Perhaps you should contact him. I also know a person who runs with the Porsche club in SD regularly if that is helpful. Email me if I can assist.
Andi, I just sent you a PM about getting in touch with these people. Thanks.

-Steve

[Larry]

WHERE IS SOAK CITY?
If you've ever been down by Ecology off Nirvana Way, you'll pass it on your right as you go to the Ecology by Brown Field.

[wolfgang]

WHERE IS SOAK CITY?

Thanks guys!:D

[RandyC]

More on the situation from the County and City Counsel in today's paper. Proposal is being discussed to allow the Chargers to talk to the County or nearby cities to locate a new stadium somewhere in the county, with focus being on North County, or maybe Chula Vista.

As of right now, the Chargers are not allowed under the present contract, to talk to any other city. The idea is to allow them this option. It does seem that this is a positive step for all concerned and may be a positive for our autocrossing, if we end up with a large parking lot.

[MX5bob]

More on the situation from the County and City Counsel in today's paper. Proposal is being discussed to allow the Chargers to talk to the County or nearby cities to locate a new stadium somewhere in the county, with focus being on North County, or maybe Chula Vista.

As of right now, the Chargers are not allowed under the present contract, to talk to any other city. The idea is to allow them this option. It does seem that this is a positive step for all concerned and may be a positive for our autocrossing, if we end up with a large parking lot.

The more outlying the area, it would seem the better the chances of a lot instead of a structure.

[woodrufj]

The "Ramona Chargers"?!?

Jay W
505/287 Dakota

[cshodges]

More likely the "Ramona Rebuilders." :)

[Pervis]

How about the Brawley Brawlers ?

[MX5bob]

How about the Brawley Brawlers ?

Alpine Anteaters!

[froggy47]

The last time we were there was January '04. I remember because it was the first time I drove my shifter kart on an autocross course.


Don't tell me? I missed an event in 2004? Or was it a practice? I might have missed a practice.

[CNaylor]

I have a concern about soak city....there are houses all along the cliff above the lot. I wonder how the residents would react to loud cars and voices over PA systems on a weekly basis.

The houses were there before we ran, but after the ampatheater and Soak City were built.

Re: Noise. Do the concerts at Coors Ampatheater use a PA system, do concerts exceed 93db?????????:eek: :D


Don't tell me? I missed an event in 2004? Or was it a practice? I might have missed a practice.

It was a SCAT only practice, with an invitation to SCNAX members as the other clubs were poo-pooing the usage of the lot. We used it for the exact purpose of keeping the communication lines open.

[mcontour]

It was a practice.

Michael

[Bimota Guy]

The more outlying the area, it would seem the better the chances of a lot instead of a structure.
Indeed. I seem to recall it costing about $6k-8k per parking space when my company built a single level, approx. 100 space underground garage back in about 1990. I know above level was a bit cheaper.

Anyone really know?

[Bimota Guy]

It was a SCAT only practice, with an invitation to SCNAX members as the other clubs were poo-pooing the usage of the lot. We used it for the exact purpose of keeping the communication lines open.

Were we (SCAT) the only practice in 2004? Then there must have been several in 2003, because I recall there being several practices over a few week period by different clubs

[RandyC]

I believe there was 3 events in 2003. And then only the one early SCAT event in 2004. That was the last one.

As far as a parking garage, a lot has to be cheaper.. but also a lot allows tailgating. Which I think the Chargers would recognize that the fans want. A parking garage makes sense when there was no other option.

[Bimota Guy]

As far as a parking garage, a lot has to be cheaper.
Definitely is far cheaper where land is (relatively) cheap.

[CNaylor]

Indeed. I seem to recall it costing about $6k-8k per parking space when my company built a single level, approx. 100 space underground garage back in about 1990. I know above level was a bit cheaper.

Anyone really know?

Here’s the best example I can provide. I'll let someone else do the extrapolations. For our HOA we are required by law to estimate, and set aside reserve funds to complete future maintaince projects. One of those items is a 20yr live on our private streets. (This is separate from every three years patching, seal coating, and re-striping our streets) We have 168,627 sq. ft. of asphalt. The reserve study firm we use tell us at ~ year 20 we will need to rip out the top 3-4 inches of the existing pavement, and re lay a new layer of asphalt (plus repair any issues found). The estimate (by CA HOA law) a 4% inflation rate compounded yearly. At current time they estimate in 2009 it will cost us $138,828 to do this work. Historically we have found (painting buildings, repair work on roofs, the seal coatings ect) they overestimate the actual cost (mostly due to state law requirements, to guarantee HOA's don't underestimate costs) by about 20%.

If the work were to take place prior to 2009, the "inflation costs" would be reduced. Assuming said lot was to get similar life they could amortize the cost over a similar period. If they were to charge us the same $1500 per day the Q charges, and were to rent it to us (automotive racing community) 3 out of 4 weekends a month (2 days each weekend) they would receive $117k a year. Bring in the drag racers (south bay has a huge problem still today) and other users, and the break-even point would move forward (the costs of that section of pavement would probable increase also).

I called the company we use for the HOA. He estimated for a lot no smaller that the SE lot at the Q cost for a 3" (no grading required) installation at about $1.10 per sq ft. (ok that doesn’t quite compute with the above example, but that one has hard specifics, I asked for a guestimate with no hard details.) He's also not the cheapest company, be he warrants the seal work in our HOA for 2 years, of its three-year life.

[Bimota Guy]

I called the company we use for the HOA. He estimated for a lot no smaller that the SE lot at the Q cost for a 3" (no grading required) installation at about $1.10 per sq ft. (ok that doesn’t quite compute with the above example, but that one has hard specifics, I asked for a guestimate with no hard details.) He's also not the cheapest company, be he warrants the seal work in our HOA for 2 years, of its three-year life.
Interesting. But as you mention, no grading, nor acquisition costs are included. Of course, any entity building a lot is building it anyway, so the income from these other activities is perhaps mostly gravy (?) as I can't really say how much wear and tear it contributes compared to normal use. Probably safe to say more than normal parking on a per car basis! :D

So at approx. 44k sq ft/ acre, you get approx. $48k/acre for the 3" repaving. Let's call it $50k for simplicity. And the SE lot is how many acres? Bueller, anyone?

[bluethunder28]

PIR did the quick pave job on their lot. AZ used it and the site makes the west lot look small. AZ lost the site this year because of the site breaking up. You must remember that "racing" asphalt is different than "quick and dirty" asphalt.

[RandyC]

Los Angeles Chargers??? <hr style="color: rgb(209, 209, 225);" size="1"> <!-- / icon and title --><!-- message --> http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/5526234


SAN DIEGO (AP) - Cash-strapped San Diego doesn't have the money to help the Chargers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67068) build a new stadium, Mayor Jerry Sanders said Friday, opening the door for Southern California's only NFL team to leave the city it has called home for 45 years.

Sanders said he plans to ask the City Council to amend the Chargers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67068)' lease to allow the team to begin looking at sites elsewhere in San Diego County before the end of the year. If the team fails to find a new home in the county before Jan. 1, the Chargers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67068) would be free to negotiate a deal anywhere in the country.
The Chargers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67068) can leave San Diego after the 2008 season if they pay off the approximately $60 million in bonds the city issued in 1997 to expanded Qualcomm Stadium.
"I do not think it would be prudent or honest for me to say to taxpayers 'We can't resurface our roadways, but we can finance a stadium,"' the mayor said.
Chula Vista and Oceanside, two smaller cities south and north of San Diego, have been mentioned as possible new homes within the county.
San Diego is facing what the mayor called a financial and a managerial crisis, which includes a $1.4 billion city employee pension fund deficit and federal investigations into city finances.
The Chargers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67068) have been in San Diego since 1961, the year after they started playing in Los Angeles under the ownership of hotel magnate Barron Hilton.
Last year, the team proposed building a $450 million stadium as part of a commercial development the Qualcomm site, but dropped the plan because it could not find developers to share the estimated $800 million upfront costs. The team offered to pay for the stadium and traffic improvements, but wanted the city to give it 60 acres for development to recoup its costs. Earlier this year, the mayor of San Antonio signaled that his city would welcome the Chargers (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67068) to fill the Alamodome, where the displaced New Orleans Saints (http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/team/67055) played three games last season.

[RandyC]

Mayor Jerry Sanders:




I strongly believe that the Chargers are a regional asset. They are part of our social and cultural fabric and as such, I would like the Chargers to remain in San Diego County. But it is my respectful assessment that the City, at the moment, has far greater financial and resource priorities than providing the Chargers with a new stadium. I don’t personally believe that any taxpayer funds should be used for a new stadium.

In order to have the best shot of keeping the Chargers in San Diego, I will ask City Council President Scott Peters to docket a resolution on May 1 that would amend the Chargers lease and allow the team to search for a new stadium location outside of the City’s limits but within the county. I wanted to allow the team the opportunity to look elsewhere in San Diego County so that we have the opportunity of keeping them a regional asset. I think this proposal is in the best interests of the city’s taxpayers.

This lease amendment is especially important because of the City’s various challenges at the moment. As you all know, the City is faced with various financial and managerial challenges. I have said that I believe that our various challenges are manageable given the proper discipline and reforms. But as mayor, I also have a responsibility to assess the various issues that confront us and then to prioritize them so that we can be most effective.

It’s my job to protect the taxpayers’ best interests. It’s also my job to move this City forward: to get the investigations and the audits behind us so that we can re-access the public credit markets and rebuild our water and wastewater infrastructure; to make the city financially stable once again; to find solutions to our beleaguered Pension System; and to restore core services after three years of cut-backs. All of those solutions take plenty of time, brainpower and resources. That’s what I think the citizens elected me to do.

Assuming that the Chargers are not able to find a location elsewhere in the County and want to reconsider Qualcomm, I think it’s important that they understand that my #1 goal is to protect the City’s taxpayers. As such, I would not be able to support the use of any public funds toward the construction of a new facility.
Further, the only way that I would be able to support the use of public land is if there is a positive revenue stream back to the City from the use of that land. These are two conditions that I will hold fast to because I think they are in the best interests of taxpayers.

I intend to have conversations with the Chargers. This is not the end by any means. In fact, I view this as a new beginning with clearly spelled out parameters being set for our discussions.

I am hopeful that the Chargers will understand the City’s distinct set of challenges and priorities at the moment. That they will understand that we want them as our team. That we prize them and respect the Spanos family’s many contributions to our community. I am hopeful that they will understand all of these things and continue to call San Diego their home.

Thanks.

[RandyC]

Summary notes:

San Diego is not going to work on a new stadium for the Chargers but instead allow them to talk to Chula Vista, Oceanside, etc. This year. The contract amendment means that the Chargers could be leaving Qualcomm Stadium in a relatively short amount of time.

Once a new deal is done, there will be the time to build a new stadium and then the time to bulldoze Qualcomm also after the new stadium is complete. How long is all of that? 2, 3 or 4 years from now? Less?

Also my editorial comment, Chula Vista or Oceanside will not be able to pony up much incentive as compared to Los Angeles. I have long held the perspective that the Chargers/Spanos were just waiting and doing what they could, to allow the team to move to a much more lucrative market, which would be Orange County or Los Angeles. Move and they would still keep most of the San Diego fans (the SD fans have nobody else, another team is not moving in here) and they could develop many more fans in LA.

IMO... the possibility of talking to cities in San Diego county is just talk and the real discussions are probably being held behind closed doors and in the open after January 1st, 2007. A deal will get done and the Chargers will leave Mission Valley. Qualcomm could be without a major tenant anytime after 2007.

What does that add up for us? We could lose the lot for our use as early as next year.

And my other 2 cents. Since there seems to be zero movement forward on finding or developing an alternate lot to run on, we will probably be caught flat footed and without a place to run. That would leave Soak City in the winter as our only alternative, and running in Los Angeles. Imagine no local autocrosses from April to September?

[froggy47]

This IS our big problem, not sound, course design, drift, or any of the other stuff we talk/post about. So where does it stand? Not much good news that I know of (not that I'm in the loop especially re: a new venue).

[RandyC]

Hey... a response. Someone does care. :)

And I agree. I think about that a lot when people are discussing sound and other issues. We can get all kinds of heated conversations and opinions.... and if we have nowhere to run... it will all be for nothing.

Not to say those things are unimportant. But it sure seems to me that I have been beating this drum about Qualcomm for about 4 years now. Maybe even 5 years. And I said then that this would come up sooner than most people think. And here we are. Chargers are free to look elsewhere as soon as the council agrees, which is in May. Or even if the council does not agree, in January... 8 months from now.

I recall one person mentioning "chicken little" back then... but I had some inside information. Wonder why the Stadium was not spending money on maintenance? Repairs?

The problem we all have though.. is that there does not seem to be a solution except the military bases. And we have been told that getting the base commanders (or whomever) to allow that to happen is not an easy thing. Maybe impossible.

Navy Auxiliary Landing Field Imperial Beach
North Island Naval Air Station (Coronado Island)
Miramar

Anywhere else?

[frosty]

There's Camp Pendleton, but I don't know for sure if they have a place for it.

From what little I've heard on the Charger thing, (and while yes, it is a business) I almost think of them as cry babies about it. We modified the stadium for them ~10 years ago because they wanted it. We did it so much to their demands that we ignored the Padres and then they wanted their own stadium. They got such a sweet deal on that expansion that the city was buying some portion of the un-sold tickets. Now they want a new stadium when the city is still trying to pay off the loan from the last remodel.

So why is it that the city basically released the Chargers from their obligation to stay in San Diego? Was the time about to expire anyway?

I don't think I have any contacts that can get you on bases. I don't know of locations to go to. Frankly, I don't think I'm of much help in this area. All I know is that, should SD-R not be able to find a new home, I won't be autoxing any more (yeah, I know I could go up to LA, I won't).

[barkingspyder]

Hey... a response. Someone does care. :)

What can we do?

[magicman]

OK....at the risk of looking even more stupid than usual.

I have thought about just buying some property and laying down some asphalt.
Where to start?
Can't see the enviromentalists letting anything happen after all they would rather see raging fires than let people clear dead brush.

Contacted a couple of real estate agents and no one seen to want to take this on.

Would like to stay in San Diego County.

From what I've heard thru the grapevine, SCCA has been trying for 10 years to do something and so far nothing. Looks bad for me if the SCCA can't do it.

Any Ideas anyone?

Terry

[woodrufj]

What can we do?
Bug your club rep about it.




Doh....




Airports are often a good source too. A lot of municipal airports you never knew where there have large open paved areas.

Retired bases are a lot easier to work with than active ones since 9/11.

Jay W
505/287 Dakota

[RandyC]

I don't believe there are any retired air bases in San Diego. We had NTC but that was developed into housing.

Airports. I think someone mentioned Ramona once. We have Carlsbad, El Cajon, Brown Field. Not sure about any others.

Terry, the problem with a private venture is first finding the available land in an area that is not close to any housing and paying for that land. And then paying to pave it. It would be close to, or over, one million dollars to pave it properly.

[froggy47]

Hey, we all switch to Rallyx and fugeddabout the paving cost.

:)

[RandyC]

Hey, we all switch to Rallyx and fugeddabout the paving cost.

:)
Or get a kart and set up autocrosses at local school parking lots. :)

Or one of my plans... get a kayak and go ocean fishing off La Jolla. And still autocross in LA. Seriously.

[froggy47]

On a more legit note, my old Vette club has a captain that used to be able to get us on Camp P. pretty often. Granted this was for shine/show stuff not autox. I almost bought his old Vette when I was looking for my 1st one.

I will call him up & see what he thinks, I'm sure we would have to do like a demo/practice & they always had a list of people who were showing up at the main gate for each event so I seriously doubt that this would work for champ events "open to the public".

Maybe practices though.

You can all pass a security check, right?

:eek:

[cshodges]

frosty, they're not releasing the Chargers from the contract completely. It is about to expire soon, so the city is allowing the Chargers to look for a location in San Diego County, instead of being restricted to the City, to hopefully keep them nearby. I wouldn't hold my breath.

As for airports, they've closed down the El Cajon Speedway for expansion of Gillespie Field. I don't know what the plans are, but hopefully it'll have a large expanse of tarmac they'd be willing to rent out. I think they're planning hangars and other facility buildings, though.

There was a push to get a chunk of Miramar north of the 52 turned into a motorsports complex, but that fell through. Perhaps a renewed push with the backing of all the local car clubs might revitalize the plan.

[magicman]

Terry, the problem with a private venture is first finding the available land in an area that is not close to any housing and paying for that land. And then paying to pave it. It would be close to, or over, one million dollars to pave it properly.

Then let's talk about the first problem. The land. Suppose someone was willing to take the first step and aquire some with a small motorsports facility ultimately in mind. I'm willing to look but could use some help as I just don't think I have enough knowledge to pull this off alone. I'm sure there are special permits, impact reports, and a million other things I won't have a clue about.
Looking into the second problem and think I may have a connection on that end.

Longshot or not, at least it's a shot.

I know, I know.....Ignorance is bliss you say. Still, any help or advice would be appreciated. Anyone know a good spot? How about the legal aspects? Enviromental hurdles?
Terry

[brian]

if you're really interested in looking to start a dedicated motorsport facility, PM, i can refer you to a person who's been looking into this and has said to have several investors lined up.

[MX5bob]

A site that has environmental "damage" so that it would never be homes or offices has potential. Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama was built on a used up landfill. Opened a couple of years ago and is highly praised as great facility. Of course, we need less than a roadrace course needs, but finding a site that won't be homes or near homes is important.

[RandyC]

A site that has environmental "damage" so that it would never be homes or offices has potential. Barber Motorsports Park in Alabama was built on a used up landfill. Opened a couple of years ago and is highly praised as great facility. Of course, we need less than a roadrace course needs, but finding a site that won't be homes or near homes is important.

Which is why the area north of 52 and east of 805 is perfect in regards that it can't be used for much else. Built on an old landfill (before they developed land fill technology enough it seems). Next to freeways and a military airport. No homes nearby.

Oh well... maybe someday.

It was posted today on the Charger's forum that perhaps the last game that will be played in Qualcomm by the NFL could be the 2008 season. So we still have 2 more years. The Chargers can talk to any other city on January 1st, 2007. Assuming the city council approves the contract amendment, they will be able to talk to other cities in the county in a couple weeks. But building a new stadium in Chula Vista or Oceanside will take a few years, so that would buy us more time... or at least maybe a year more. If they instead move into an existing stadium in Los Angeles, even if temporarily, Qualcomm could be vacant in 2 years.

[RandyC]

Just a bump up and reminder that the end of 2006 is approaching. This means that the Chargers will be able to negotiate with any other city on January 1st.

We are approaching the end of the 2006 season. This leaves us as low as two more seasons/years of having the Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. If the Chargers do leave, one would wonder how soon the stadium lot would go away. I have no idea.

But maybe something unexpected will happen in the next two years?

[mako]

In regards to opening up a motorsports facility, keep the Arizona Motorsports Facility in mind. The Maloney's facility was shut down by developers I believe, even though it's at the end of a military runway!

http://www.na-motorsports.com/Tracks/AZ/ArizonaMP.html

http://images14.fotki.com/v362/photos/4/43793/836092/track_map_lg-vi.jpg

Notice that it borders an AF Base ... and it has a Solo racing pad.

[81MakoJ]

You aren't suggesting we hold events out there, are you? I mean that's like 5 - 6 hours from San Diego...

However, it gives me an incentive to move to Tucson, if I can ever find a real IT job out there.

[RandyC]

No, I think the point is what happened (is happening) with the site in Arizona. There was a load of money spent for this site and it was shut down in a controversial decision. Frankly, I am not sure what the lesson from that is, other than to make sure you have your ducks firmly nailed down before you pour concrete.

[frosty]

I know the area around there, and there are developers building like crazy. Sun City, Sun City West, Sun City Grand, and I don't know if they have a new one now. Basically, retirement homes in the desert that happen to be in close proximity to an air force base. And I guess they didn't want a race track that might lower the property value. :mad:

[81MakoJ]

I'd live next to a race track... That'd be awesome, needa test a new tune? Pull around the corner and gooooo. :D

People that complain about noise and crap like that are annoying. They should be deported to some place like China if they're going to be like that.

[frosty]

I like things quiet around where I live, but I also know there are other people around me. Because I like it quiet, I pick quiet places. I will not move next to a loud stadium or into, say, PB, then complain about the noise. That's just obnoxious. Also, sound exiting the property can be greatly reduced by reflecting it upwards as it leaves the facility.

Now on the other hand, the developers probably already owned the land before the track was built. But once it was built, it should have been too late for them to do anything. Everything goes through an approval process, and once things are approved then that should be it. You should be able to say "you can't build that" after someone has spent millions building it.

[RandyC]

I actually think they have a right to not have a nosiy situation near their home, as long as they were there first. I like a track as much as the next guy, but I don't want one in my backyard. I want one about 1 mile away. :)

Because in this country we have the freedom to not have to endure the next guy's hobby once it disturbs our peace. It would be less like US to force people to not complain or to endure a racetrack next to their house.

Really no different at Qualcomm now. I often have come down on the subject as sound, often more as devil's advocate, but also because I think the rules are missing the big picture, specially in how they are implemented and enforced. But, I am also a huge advocate of the concept that we can't piss off our neighbors. If we do, we are gone. The rent we pay probably doesn't cover the annoyance of dealing with us. Any more annoyance from politicians dealing with upset neighbors, and we would be gone. IMO.

[RandyC]

In regards to the Maloney track, there is more to it than that. There were existing homes and they had a permit, but there is some issue with the stated use of the track.

[frosty]

In regards to the Maloney track, there is more to it than that. There were existing homes and they had a permit, but there is some issue with the stated use of the track.

Thank you for the clarification.

[81MakoJ]

Well this is promising at least for a couple more years.

http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/SD/9855375

"We just want to be clear with everybody, especially the San Diego region and in particular our fans, that we will keep working on a solution in the county," Fabiani said. "Although we'll be eligible on Jan. 1 to talk to other cities, we don't intend to do so. There's no ticking clock."

[RandyC]

Since we passed 01-01-2007, the Chargers are now free to talk to any city about a new stadium, including outside of San Diego County.




Location, politics, cost will influence decision

By Ronald W. Powell
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
January 2, 2007

The San Diego Chargers became free agents yesterday under their agreement with San Diego, allowing them to talk with any U.S. city about relocating.

In the months since negotiations broke down with San Diego officials, the team has focused on finding a stadium site in either National City or Chula Vista. The organization has said several times it won't entertain proposals from cities outside the county, although they won't say for how long.

City and county governments have agreed to work together to support a deal to keep the Chargers in San Diego County. Civic groups have mobilized. Political and business leaders say they want the team to stay local. But a decision on whether a new stadium is a go comes down to location, political will and, most of all, cost.

The Chargers' goal is a stadium stocked with luxury suites and club seats, the kind of premium accommodations that could bring the team tens of millions of dollars annually. If the club can't get that in the San Diego region, team officials may have other options. Mayors in San Antonio, Texas, and Las Vegas have publicly expressed interest in the Chargers. Los Angeles and Anaheim want an NFL team but have not targeted a particular one.

The Chargers can leave San Diego after the 2008 season by paying off $60 million in bonds the city issued to expand Qualcomm Stadium in 1997. But it would benefit the Chargers financially to delay their move as long as possible.

After the 2010 season, the team would have to pay less than half the balance on the bonds in a deal it made with the city in July 2004. Every year after that, the amount the team owes would decrease until it dropped to nothing after the 2019 season, when the city would still owe $30 million.


-snip-


Last January, the Chargers abandoned a proposed stadium development project at the 166-acre Qualcomm Stadium site. The team wanted the city, which owns the land, to give it 60 acres on which it would have built 6,000 condominiums, a hotel and other commercial establishments. The plan was to use the profits to pay for a new stadium at the site.

But team officials could not find a development partner to share as much as $800 million in upfront costs for the project. It also became clear they weren't going to get financial support from the city of San Diego, which is battling a pension deficit of at least $1.43 billion and bracing for future budget shortfalls.

Team officials decided against putting the plan on the ballot for San Diego voters and have dismissed Qualcomm Stadium as an

“We've moved on,” Fabiani said. The team may have moved on, but some San Diego officials may not have. In the last few months, Mayor Jerry Sanders has met privately with Chargers President Dean Spanos at least twice. The two had dinner at The Lodge at Torrey Pines Oct. 16 and had a follow-up meeting Oct. 21 to discuss the stadium.

Sanders said he was keeping communications open with the team while conveying the city has no money for a subsidy. Nonetheless, he said he is open to talking with the Chargers about reconsidering a stadium deal at Qualcomm Stadium if the South County sites wash out.

City officials are already calculating the financial boost they'll get if the team leaves Qualcomm Stadium, the stadium is torn down and the land is sold or leased. Jim Waring, Sanders' chief of land use and economic development, said property at Qualcomm Stadium could be worth $2 million to $3 million an acre – a total ranging from $330 million to nearly $500 million.

“I think it's obvious the city could benefit from capturing that site,” Waring said.
Since the city of San Diego allowed the team to start searching for a new site, local government officials and civic groups have offered to help.

In August, the San Diego Regional Economic Corp. said it wanted to serve as a forum for stadium ideas. It has largely been quiet since.

In September, the San Diego City Council and county Board of Supervisors voted separately on an agreement to work together to support a stadium deal somewhere in the county. Since then, the county has hired legal and financial consultants, but the city and county have done little cooperatively.

Last month, the Fans, Taxpayers and Business Alliance revived itself after being dormant for about two years. The group, which helped the Chargers get a new lease with the city in 2004, is operating a Web site with information supporting the effort to keep the team in the county.

“I'd hate to see them leave,” county Supervisor Dianne Jacob said. “But when you come down to it, it's a business deal for the Chargers, it will be a business deal for whatever city is involved, and I hope we can make it work.”

[froggy47]

Will the last person to leave the West Lot please stack up the cones.

:eek:

[Slick33]

If they instead move into an existing stadium in Los Angeles, even if temporarily, Qualcomm could be vacant in 2 years.

I can't think of any existing football-friendly stadiums in Los Angeles that the Chargers could move to. The GW Forum that the Raiders were using is in even worse shape than Jack Murphy, and if I remember correctly it has also been closed due to earthquake damage. The only other outdoor stadiums would be Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium, both of which would require extensive remodeling to allow for football games (and would undoubtedly see a lot of resistance from the ball clubs playing there).

That's not to say they won't move up to LA or OC, but they'd probably need a new stadium to make it happen.

[wckdsti]

Of course if they move, it would be to a city that would build them a new stadium, and San Antonio and Las Vegas would do that right now. It seems like chargers want to try their best to stay in san diego county, but if nothing works out, they will look at other cities. One thing is for sure, Qualcomm stadium will not be around in three or four years.


I can't think of any existing football-friendly stadiums in Los Angeles that the Chargers could move to. The GW Forum that the Raiders were using is in even worse shape than Jack Murphy, and if I remember correctly it has also been closed due to earthquake damage. The only other outdoor stadiums would be Dodger Stadium and Angel Stadium, both of which would require extensive remodeling to allow for football games (and would undoubtedly see a lot of resistance from the ball clubs playing there).

That's not to say they won't move up to LA or OC, but they'd probably need a new stadium to make it happen.

[CNaylor]

Actually the NFL was looking at two locations for expansion teams. The Rose Bowl, and the Collusium. Pasadena city voters turned down the Rose Bowl in the November election. Status of the Collusium has been very quiet since then.

Craig

[MX5bob]

Actually the NFL was looking at two locations for expansion teams. The Rose Bowl, and the Collusium. Pasadena city voters turned down the Rose Bowl in the November election. Status of the Collusium has been very quiet since then.

Craig

And that's after a bigger, more elaborate plan was rejected 2 years ago. Rich neighbors had no interest in what was being proposed.

[BruceH]

In regards to the Maloney track, there is more to it than that. There were existing homes and they had a permit, but there is some issue with the stated use of the track.

I read an article on this a while back (a year or 2). It had a special permit for "private motorsports use only" or something like that. The owner interpreted that to mean stuff like NASCAR events ! The locals got upset and the local politicos pulled the permit. As of a week or so ago, I read that a court had ruled in favor of the track owner as to the fact the county had no right to pull it or some such thing. He may get it back up and running subject to limitations of some kind.

[bweikert]

There were never any "Nascar like stuff" events run at AMP. The closest to that would be when the track was rented out to some professional racing teams for testing.

The only actual racing on the track was club events - SCCA, NASA, etc.

The court ruled that the owners were denied due process of law, which is true. Other litigation and negotiation is still ongoing I believe.

[medside]

any thoughts about the horse race tracks? I'm not sure if they do anything on sat. and sun. off horse racing season tho. and they might be snobs about it, ha.

[RandyC]

By Ronald W. Powell

UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

December 21, 2007


CHULA VISTA – The Chargers had hoped to narrow their 19-month search for a new stadium in the county to one of two locations in Chula Vista by the end of the year. But that won't happen. Now the team is adjusting its expectations to determine whether one plan is workable – the construction of a $1 billion stadium on the city's bayfront, where the South Bay Power Plant sits, and the development of a mixed-use development on the east side to help pay for it. The Chargers want to present the plan to the City Council next month, said Mark Fabiani, the Chargers' general counsel and chief spokesman on the stadium.
Fabiani met with Mayor Cheryl Cox, City Councilman John McCann and other city officials this week to review what residents said about a stadium development.
“Our mindset is that we're interested in Chula Vista, although there is a considerable amount of work to be done,” Fabiani said. “We're eager to get started.”
The team had been considering two sites – the bayfront property and a vacant 500-acre parcel east of state Route 125.
But after two town hall meetings and other community forums, the team believes Chula Vista voters would only support a stadium on the bayfront because they fear an east-side facility would dramatically worsen traffic congestion. They also believe a stadium on the eastern site would endanger the development of a university campus the city is planning.
If city officials decide they want the Chargers to study the eastern site for a stadium, the team might pull the plug on Chula Vista.
“If we don't think people would support it, why spend a lot of money to go down that road?” Fabiani said. “If the choice is on the east side, there is clearly a level of concern it wouldn't pass.”
While the bayfront site has access to Interstate 5 and is near the trolley line, it is home to a power plant that may need to continue operating for several years.
“If it's going to be there for seven, eight or nine more years, then it may not be worth our interest,” Fabiani said.
A bayfront stadium plan would also meet fierce opposition from environmentalists who say it would destroy nesting areas for endangered birds and threaten ecologically sensitive wetlands nearby.
The team met with the Environmental Health Coalition this week, and Fabiani said the group remains firmly opposed.
“It's not a project that we can support,” Laura Hunter, the coalition's director of its clean bay project, said yesterday.
City and county officials met last weekto discuss a backup plan in case the Chargers reject Chula Vista. San Diego Councilmen Scott Peters and Jim Madaffer met with county Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Ron Roberts to talk about the possibility of building a stadium at the Qualcomm site or the San Diego Unified Port District's 10th Avenue Terminal in downtown San Diego.
However, the Chargers have ruled out Qualcomm. And about two years ago, the team considered the 10th Avenue property, but the Port District would not shut down the facility for a stadium.
Jacob said she and the other elected officials at the meeting agreed to work together to keep the Chargers in the county if the Chula Vista option fails.
Peters said, “I support the efforts of Chula Vista to reach an agreement with the team, and in light of those talks, it is premature to decide on or rule out any particular Plan B.”

[Bimota Guy]

San Diego Councilmen Scott Peters and Jim Madaffer met with county Supervisors Dianne Jacob and Ron Roberts to talk about the possibility of building a stadium at the Qualcomm site...
I heard a rumor there is already a stadium there they could use. :rolleyes:

[RandyC]

Yep. It is funny how the one option of improving the stadium is not even discussed. Chargers dismissed it as not workable.

[RandyC]

STADIUM SITE SEARCH
Chargers pitch idea for SDSU branch

By Sherry Saavedra
UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER
December 23, 2007
CHULA VISTA – For years, there have been clamors for a San Diego State University campus in Chula Vista.City officials say SDSU's presence would make higher education more accessible to residents and provide an economic boost to the region. Many residents who live near the university want it, too, fearing more problems in their community with the expected enrollment surge of nearly 10,000 students by 2025.
Now an appeal for a campus in the South Bay is coming from an unexpected source – the Chargers. Mark Fabiani, the team's general counsel and stadium spokesman, said SDSU's presence in Chula Vista may help pay for a new $1 billion stadium.
Fabiani talked about one potential scenario where a university complex could be built on a 500-acre property on Chula Vista's east side with SDSU as an anchor tenant. The Chargers could be a partner in the development of adjacent, mixed-use commercial property – perhaps a research center, office space or faculty and student housing.
The Chargers could then use the revenue to help finance the stadium on a Chula Vista bayfront property now occupied by the South Bay Power Plant.
In exchange, the SDSU Aztecs football team would be guaranteed a place to play, and the possibility of earning revenue through opportunities such as selling electronic advertising and renting out luxury suites – options not available to SDSU at Qualcomm Stadium, Fabiani said.
“The stadium may not happen without San Diego State,” Fabiani said. “The university may be essential to making it happen.”
Fabiani acknowledged that the SDSU partnership is only a possibility and that a lot of things would have to fall into place to make it happen. The proposal is so preliminary that the Chargers have not identified a development partner, nor have they brought a formal plan to the city.
SDSU is far from sold on the idea.
President Stephen Weber has not ruled out a Chula Vista campus but said it's not a top priority. Many details would need to be worked out before he could even consider it, including financing, Weber said.
“Our first priority is to get the master plan going,” Weber said of recently approved plans to expand enrollment on the main campus and accommodate the additional students with new classrooms, offices, housing, a conference center and a hotel. “We've been working for almost four years on this.”
Weber said it costs about 10 times as much to educate a student on a satellite campus initially because of startup infrastructure expenses.
Chula Vista city officials say there is a clear need for a four-year university like SDSU in their fast-growing city. Nearly 11 percent of the university's 29,800 undergraduates came from a South County high school or Southwestern College in Chula Vista.
A university in Chula Vista would help create thousands of high-paying jobs, said Jim Sandoval, city planning and building director.
SDSU has been down this path before. Weber said he was turned down about 11 years ago with a proposal to open an SDSU branch in Chula Vista.
The university operated a satellite campus in National City in partnership with Southwestern College from 1999 to 2004. Ten classes were offered in two leased buildings, and enrollment reached 405 students. However, it was closed during a year of budget cuts for being too expensive to operate.
More than half the students lived outside South County, and nearly nine out of 10 took the majority of their courses on the main campus, SDSU spokesman Jack Beresford said.
College Area residents say SDSU should take another stab at a South County campus, but this time it should offer enough classes and ancillary services to draw students away from Montezuma Mesa.
“That's the way Cal State San Marcos started,” College Area resident Ann Cottrell said.
Cal State San Marcos was founded in 1989 as an outgrowth of an SDSU branch campus established in 1986.
SDSU also serves 885 students at two off-campus centers in Imperial Valley.
The Chargers' search for a stadium had been narrowed to two Chula Vista locations – the 139-acre bayfront property and a 500-acre parcel east of state Route 125. Fabiani said the Chargers are zeroing in on the bayfront for the stadium and on the east side for a mixed-use development where SDSU could expand.
For several years, the city has been exploring the possibility of a university park and research center on that site, but it doesn't own all the land. The city is trying to secure the rest from two adjacent property owners. The project could include a consortium of colleges.
San Diego State would be ideal, city officials say, though they've considered other institutions. There would also likely be faculty and staff housing, a technology component and a business park with an energy focus.
However, Mayor Cheryl Cox said the city is many hurdles away from an arrangement like the one Fabiani proposed for financing the stadium involving SDSU.
There have been no discussions about that option with the city, Cox said. And the city can't take a formal proposal to a university until more land is acquired.
The Chargers still must formally tell the city whether they want to further explore a Chula Vista location for the stadium. Fabiani said the Chargers plan to tell the city next month that they would like to pay for a financial study on building a stadium on the bayfront site.
“We haven't begun to make inroads on the financing,” Cox said. “But the city of Chula Vista cannot afford to put taxpayer dollars into a private owner's stadium.”
If the Chargers were to leave the region, SDSU athletics would be in a bind. “We can't play Division I football without a stadium, and we lose our ability to play in the Mountain West Conference,” Weber said.
Wester said he would like to see a new stadium built, but SDSU is limited in how it can help make that happen.

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Wow. I thought public use of my school's campus was already huge thanks to the concert venues, but also the city's football stadium? Sounds like a long shot but who knows if it will happen in the future..