Chargers fans are about to sound off at a public forum on how to keep the NFL team in San Diego. NBC 7’s Artie Ojeda reports.
San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer read to a group of students at Balboa Park Monday morning to celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss. The mayor read "Oh The Place You’ll Go" to a group of elementary school students.
If only financing a new stadium for the San Diego Chargers could be that easy. But on Monday, Faulconer’s stadium advisory group heard many ideas from fans at a public meeting at Qualcomm Stadium.
Though a rally was scheduled for 5 p.m., enthusiastic fans got it started early with chants of "Save our Bolts" in the Qualcomm Stadium parking lot. The blue and gold-clad supporters filled the lot with signs, Bolts gear and costumes to show how much they want the Chargers to stay in San Diego.
Former Charger Nick Hardwick was out there leading the cheers.
The meeting with the group lasted two and a half hours with a long line of speakers allowed 90 seconds each. While the committee may walk away with a handful of ideas, they were more than assured of San Diegans' passion for their team.
"I don't got a great plan. I don't got the solution. All I got is a lot of spirit, want to show it want everyone in here to feel it," saad Ryan Read.
Others came with a plan. Anthony Moratta told the group he spent a month on his that would "generate revenue in the billions of dollars for here."
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The fans were asked to weigh in on two categories: stadium location — either Mission Valley or downtown — and stadium financing ideas.
One fan suggested there should be a $3 surcharge on everything, from ticket sales to concessions.
"We're determined to make sure this team doesn't leave. We're all fighting together to send a message to the NFL, to the city, to the Chargers, that San Diego's not the place you want to leave and this city is ready to fight for its team," said David Agranoff with SaveOurChargers.org.
But will the fans opinions carry much weight as the advisory committee works to come up with a plan within a self-imposed 90-day time frame?
“Most important for me, is that we have a plan with real numbers attached to it. That’s what’s been missing in this dialogue for the last 10 years,” said Faulconer.
