Allowing two teams to go to Los Angeles caused the NFL to lose an important piece of leverage for future stadium deals. However, if one San Diego resident has his way, the city that lost one of those teams could take over as the next possible relocation. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, developer and former owner of the Union-Tribune, Doug Manchester, has contacted NFL commissioern Roger Goodell about his desire to build a privately financed stadium on the site of the old Qualcomm Stadium.
Manchester explained to Goodell that he had “assembled a powerful group of associates” to develop the property, and they could “provide an immediate opportunity” for the Raiders if the deal falls out with Las Vegas, or even as another location for another team.
There was a sense that no one on either side of the transaction wanted the Chargers to go to Los Angeles, but the lack of any stadium deal made it inevitable. Since the city was unwilling to come up with the money, it appears Manchester is willing to step up and finance his own stadium there.
“Our group will provide the funds previously allocated to be provided by the City of San Diego and guarantee the stadium’s expeditious construction,” the letter read. “Accordingly, this project will not require voter approval.”
There was also a promise to upgrade Qualcomm Stadium by providing new scoreboards during construction of the new stadium. Time will tell if the offer is taken seriously by the league, and whether or not the league is willing to take Manchester up on his offer.
