UPDATE From Spanos: Chargers To Stay In San Diego In 2016, Will Pursue Long-Term Deal

By JAMES R. RIFFEL

Chargers owner Dean Spanos announced today that the team will play the 2016 season in San Diego, and he hopes to work out a long-term deal with the franchise’s home of 55 years.

Spanos also said he reached an agreement with Rams owner Stan Kroenke to share a future stadium in Inglewood, in Los Angeles County, but that his focus is on San Diego.

“Today I decided our team will stay in San Diego for the 2016 season and I hope for the long term in a new stadium,’’ Spanos said.

“I have met with Mayor (Kevin) Faulconer and Supervisor (Ron) Roberts and I look forward to working closely with them and the business community to resolve our stadium dilemma,’’ he said.

He said he wants to keep the team in San Diego and provide the world-class stadium experience fans deserve.

“Everyone on both sides of the table in San Diego must now determine the best next steps and how to deploy the additional resources provided by the (National Football League),’’ Spanos said. “I am committed to looking at this
with a fresh perspective and new sense of possibility.’’

He signed his statement “with deep appreciation for your years of support.’’

Spanos has been demanding a new stadium for around 15 years, but has been stymied by the city’s former financial problems, the recession and limited options for sites.

The city and county of San Diego have offered to share in the cost of a new facility in Mission Valley, adjacent to aging Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers, however, ended negotiations on the project last June. Earlier this month, NFL owners voted overwhelmingly to allow the Rams to return to Los Angeles, where Kroenke plans to build a stadium on land he owns at the former Hollywood Park.

The owners also gave the Chargers a one-year option the join the Rams.

After the decision, several owners indicated that they were reluctant to have the league depart San Diego.

“We are very supportive of the decision by Dean Spanos to continue his efforts in San Diego and work with local leaders to develop a permanent stadium solution,’’ NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said. “NFL ownership has committed $300 million to assist in the cost of building a new stadium in San Diego. I have pledged the league’s full support in helping Dean to fulfill his goal.’’

Spanos did not refer to Thursday’s report that the Chargers applied for permits with the city of Santa Ana, in Orange County, to use five acres as a temporary headquarters and practice field while the Inglewood stadium is built.

Special counsel Mark Fabiani said the submission had to happen now because of the long time it takes to get approvals, and install turf to be ready for preseason training camp.

• Previous: SD Chargers: Two Weeks Without Talks Between Spanos and San Diego Officials

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City News Service; Photo via Flickr, Creative Commons