The builders of Petco Park have unveiled a $1.4B plan "that could produce more space for conventions and a new stadium for the Chargers at less cost than if built independently," according to Roger Showley of the SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE. The plan "comes just as city officials and the hotel industry are trying to decide what do about an Aug. 1 appellate court decision" that threw the proposed $520M San Diego Convention Center expansion "into jeopardy." It also "offers the chance to solve the Chargers’ objections to playing at Qualcomm Stadium." JMI Realty, the real estate firm owned by former Padres Owner John Moores, "has shared its ideas with the city, Chargers and other stakeholders, and plans to meet with other groups in coming weeks." Unlike an earlier Chargers proposal, "the stadium playing field would not be designed to accommodate convention exhibitors but other aspects of the stadium could be designed for convention use" and thereby save $400M million off the $1.8B pricetag "for a stand-alone stadium and an expanded convention center." Chargers Special Counsel to the President Mark Fabiani "declined to comment publicly on the JMI plan" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 8/10).
