In an article in the current L.A. BUSINESS JOURNAL, Tim
Deady reports on the options facing L.A. in its attempt to bring
the NFL back and outlines several advantages to a new stadium on
land owned by Peter O'Malley adjacent to Dodger Stadium. Among
the advantages: Plenty of parking since it would share a parking
lot with Dodger Stadium; the land is already zoned for stadium
use; private financing would be likely; a "prime" location near
central L.A. In addition, it is an area in which easy access by
large crowds has been proven. Steve Soberoff, Vice Chair of
Football LA, approached O'Malley with the idea to build a park
earlier this month. As reported, Soberoff is also contemplating
an "NFL Pavilion," which would feature a museum, interactive game
arcade and park celebrating the league. Soberoff: "It could
virtually be another theme park, and it could be an economic
engine that drives L.A." Deady notes that other than Dodger
Stadium, Hollywood Park still draws support from some. David
Simon, President of the L.A. Sports Council: "It seems to me the
Hollywood Park proposal is a lot further along than any other
idea." Other sites mentioned: downtown near the L.A. Convention
Center; El Segundo; the Port of Los Angeles area; and Van Nuys.
Other possible developers mentioned by Deady are oil exec Marvin
Davis and Walt Disney Co. (L.A. BUSINESS JOURNAL, 9/18-24 issue).
MORE FROM L.A.: In the same issue, Dan Turner reports that
even without O'Malley as an owner, the area has several options.
The Seahawks had contacted Creative Artists Agency in July about
finding a stadium site, and a Seahawks spokesperson "confirmed
that the team is considering a move to L.A." Finally, an
editorial expresses hope O'Malley will be involved (L.A. BUSINESS
JOURNAL, 9/18-24 issue).
