Why did the Chargers leave San Diego?

After more than five decades in San Diego, Dean Spanos relocated his Chargers to Los Angeles. The big news was announced on January 12, 2017.

The Chargers instantly modified their Twitter handle and displayed a new logo resembling the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite keeping their traditional lightning design.

The team also declared that until the construction of SoFi Stadium is completed in 2020, the team will play their matches at the StubHub Center in Carson. The center was subsequently renamed to Dignity Health Sports Park.

In an interview with ESPN, Chargers chairman Dean Spanos said:

"I've been here for most of my life. Life moves on even though I leave many friends and wonderful memories behind. Life is full of transformations and we are aware that this one won't be simple. However, we have made a choice and are dedicated to it, and our family fully supports it. Unfortunately, what has happened has happened."

In a message posted on the Los Angeles Chargers webpage, Spanos stated:

"Today, we turn the page and begin an exciting new chapter as the Los Angeles Chargers."

The franchise and government representatives could not agree on a stadium plan that would have kept the franchise in San Diego. This led to the contentious transfer north. In addition, voters in November 2016 opposed a measure on the ballot that would have increased hotel occupancy fees to contribute to the cost of a planned $1.8 billion downtown stadium project.

Years of poor relations existed between City Hall, which refused to contribute a sizable amount of taxpayer money towards a new arena. The team requested a major public subsidy to replace the deteriorating Qualcomm Stadium, but was turned down.

Evidently, Los Angeles had more financial potential. As a result, team owner Dean Spanos wrote a brief letter, which was then released during the press conference he chose to miss.

But it wasn't the first time the team has played there. The 1960 AFL franchise operated in Los Angeles during its initial campaign before relocating to San Diego.

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What happened to the Chargers' San Diego stadium?

The San Diego stadium was demolished starting in December 2020. The final freestanding portion of the stadium's framework was taken down on March 22, 2021. The stadium was demolished and the land was used to build the new Snapdragon Stadium for the San Diego State football team.