EAGER CHARGERS FANS PACK 13TH AND K FOR CHARGERS STADIUM INITIATIVE

By Liz Alper

Photos by Liz Alper

April 23, 2016 (San Diego) - Chargers fans gathered at the parking lot of 13th and K Streets downtown, the site of the proposed new downtown stadium, to listen to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, Chargers chairman Dean Spanos, quarterback Philip Rivers, former Charger LaDainian Tomlinson and other Chargers representatives and players.

The event featured live music, food and places to register to vote and sign the petition to build a new downtown stadium.

 

Shouts of “save San Diego!” and "save our Bolts!" rang out as the representatives spoke.  Councilman Scott Peters reminded the crowd of the building of Petco Park and said “don't let them tell you we can't do something.”

 

“We truly live in the greatest city that anyone could choose to live in,” Councilman Darrell Issa declared. “we believe in this world-class stadium.”

Spanos thanked everyone for being at the event.  He said that Republicans and Democrats are what it takes to get the stadium built.  He assured fans that there will be a stadium “right where we're sitting.”

 

Tomlinson reminded everyone of Chargers legacy and that if Junior Seau were alive today, he'd go door to door collecting signatures for a stadium in the city he's from.

Rivers emphasized the bond between team and community.  He hopes to be back playing in the new stadium in the fall. 

The majority of Bolts fans at the event were hopeful and emphatically cheering on their councilmen and team, but one fan, Angel Gutierrez, says he is still skeptical. “I won't believe it until I see it,” he said. He thinks the Chargers are committed to downtown, but in the back of his mind, Los Angeles is still their “scapegoat.”