The SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE in a front-page editorial laid out its plan for a new Chargers Stadium, stating it is a "vision that would not just integrate a new stadium with an expanded convention center, but, in phases, would include a sports/entertainment district with a new sports arena, new public parkland, public beach and promenades -- all in an area that today is unsightly industrial property inaccessible to the public." The plan “starts at the 10 Avenue Marine Terminal, just south of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel.” The total tab of about $1.5B would be more expensive than the current plans, but the "rewards would be far greater, too." The editorial: "We believe this vision is not just grand but achievable, financially and politically. It would transform the waterfront into a regional economic powerhouse far beyond what it is today. It would produce a convention center that could compete with any other center in the world. And we believe it is a far better approach than current plans to build a new stadium away from the waterfront and an expanded convention center as separate projects" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/22). The UNION-TRIBUNE in a separate editorial spelled out details of its plan and stated, "Built in sync with a new stadium, sports arena and a sports-entertainment-resort district, the result would be an enormous engine for economic growth and job creation -- a bold project far more likely to attract future Super Bowls, NCAA Final Fours and other mega-events than the present plan" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/22).
REACTION TO THE PLAN: Chargers Special Counsel Mark Fabiani said, "The Chargers are excited about this new and ambitious vision for San Diego’s waterfront. The multi-use facilities envisioned by UT San Diego would allow us to retain the Chargers, attract regular Super Bowls, and put San Diego at the forefront of the national sports, entertainment and convention markets. This is a bold and serious proposal that deserves a vigorous public debate." However, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders said, "I think if we put it down on port property it’s just going to take forever to get it done because there are too many battles to fight" (SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE, 1/22).
