It is becoming increasingly clear the NFL San Diego Chargers intend to move to Los Angeles and no
longer want to remain in San Diego. When the Mayor and the larger community
realize this, they can refocus their attention on an alternative plan.
Plan B for the City should be developing a soccer stadium
downtown and working with investors to secure an MLS franchise. In 2011, the City of Houston developed BBA
Compass Stadium primarily for the Houston Dynamo of the MLS. The 22,000 seat outdoor stadium is located downtown
and cost less than $100 million to build. Of the total cost, the public
taxpayer was responsible for about $35 million.
This compares with over $300 million taxpayer support suggested for an
NFL Stadium but regarded as inadequate by the Chargers.
The MLS plays 34 regular season games compared to 16 for the
NFL, and the top 12 teams make it to the playoffs. With more home games, the
soccer team should generate more economic benefit than an underutilized NFL
stadium. In Houston, the new NFL Stadium (2002) has generated little economic
benefit to surrounding neighborhoods while Houston’s downtown is booming
supported by baseball and soccer stadiums.
Soccer is popular in San Diego as evidenced by the extensive
youth soccer program, the successful staging of games between the US national
team and others including Mexico, the large and soccer focused Hispanic
population, and historical support for the indoor professional soccer team.
Tickets for soccer would be much more affordable. In
Houston, good seats for the Dynamo sell for $30 while similar seats for the NFL
Texans typically cost patrons $250. Why should the San Diego taxpayer support a
venue that is unaffordable to the average resident when an affordable sports
and entertainment venue is available?
The MLS now has 20 teams and is expanding with 4 new teams
announced. They clearly want to expand
further, building a national platform. San Diego would be an excellent
candidate to secure a new franchise if the community can deliver a new stadium.
It is time to say “good bye” to the Chargers and “welcome”
to a less expensive MLS alternative.
