Former NFL exec Carmen Policy, who is the lead consultant on the Carson stadium project for the Raiders and Chargers, yesterday said NFL owners know the group is “not only ready but ... anxious to get started," according to Sandy Mazza of the Torrance DAILY BREEZE. He said, “We guarantee success in Los Angeles. We have the best football location, no question about it. A Southern California megamarket will be created which will extend the reach of both teams.” He added, "Southern California will become the NFL’s largest market. More populous, faster growing, younger and more diverse than New York.” Policy’s presentation to potential financiers was made as the Rams "began a three-day training camp" with the Cowboys in Oxnard, Calif. Policy "steered clear of mentioning" Rams Owner Stan Kroenke's proposed stadium in Inglewood (Torrance DAILY BREEZE, 8/18). In California, Scott Reid notes yesterday was the "first public showing" of a video trailer Policy "made to the NFL’s 32 owners and Commissioner Roger Goodell last week." He detailed for the "first time to a non-NFL audience the argument for Carson to be the league’s landing spot" in the L.A.-Orange County area "after a more than 20-year absence" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 8/18).
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN: The Chargers and Raiders yesterday also unveiled the latest renderings of the planned stadium in Carson at the L.A. Area Chamber of Commerce and L.A. Sports Council luncheon. Gone, as expected, is the ceremonial flame honoring late Raiders Owner Al Davis, which was included in the initial drawings in February. Instead, a giant replica Lombardi trophy stands in an end zone area overlooking both the field and the exterior of the stadium. The stadium is open-air, with openings in the stadium also in the end zone sides of the venue. The designs are by Manica Architecture. The insides contain plaza and public group spaces, with some open-air premium areas. Like many newer NFL stadiums, there are event level clubs, with players passing by them to reach the field. The outside has room for amenities, including a youth football field and a farmers market. The NFL is not expected to decide until January which teams can relocate and to which proposed venue (Daniel Kaplan, Staff Writer).
JACK BAUER POWER: In L.A., Fenno & Farmer note stadium backers offered "no reason" why the tower that would display the ceremonial flame as well as a giant lightning bolt for the Chargers was "scrubbed from the plans." Officials said that the previous renderings "were preliminary in nature." The concourse around the trophy’s top has been "reimagined as a 56,000-square-foot bar with sweeping views of the field." The remainder of the stadium’s design -- including "flowing bands that wrap around the outside of the structure -- is largely unchanged." The trailer, "narrated by actor Kiefer Sutherland," touted an "on-site campus for the NFL that would 'power every important league initiative for the next 50 years' as well as a farmers' market and space for the 'sacred ritual' of tailgating." The video also "showcased several premium seating options, including the field-level Directors Club and the Academy Suites, which feature a 'club within a club'" (L.A. TIMES, 8/18).
DIVISION BELL: Policy added that if necessary, the Raiders and Chargers "have agreed to shift divisions" to make the project "acceptable to the league." The AP's Michael Blood noted the clubs are "rivals in the AFC West, which could make game scheduling and other issues difficult in a shared stadium." Policy said that they have "made clear to the league and NFL owners that 'you send us to L.A. and you'll make the decision as to who plays in what conference or division'" (AP, 8/17).
