While the Rose Bowl's withdrawal from housing a relocated NFL team "doesn't imperil the league's possible return" to L.A., it "markedly narrows the options for a temporary stadium to fill the gap until a permanent venue is constructed at proposed sites in Carson or Inglewood, especially if two teams choose to relocate," according to Farmer & Fenno of the L.A. TIMES. From the NFL's perspective, the "complication is significant." The snub also "is likely to drive up the asking price" of the L.A. Coliseum. USC, which operates the Coliseum, confirmed Thursday "it will submit a proposal to the NFL." But under the terms of USC's lease with the Coliseum Commission, the university can host "only one team at the stadium on a temporary basis of up to four years." The Rose Bowl decision was "especially surprising" because in '05, when the venue gave up its bid to be a permanent NFL home, Pasadena "funded an environmental impact report to position the Rose Bowl as a temporary site." Rose Bowl Operating Co. President Victor Gordo said that the unanimous decision of the 12-member board was "based on their desire to host an annual music and arts festival." AEG, which owns L.A. Live, is "a partner in the music and arts festival." This year, AEG "pulled the plug on the downtown Farmers Field project and has had a sometimes contentious relationship with the NFL." Gordo said of the decision not to participate in the NFL bidding process, "I can assure you that AEG was not involved in any way, nor were they consulted at any point." Farmer & Fenno note if two teams move to the area, the NFL "would be forced to use an unconventional site such as the 27,000-seat StubHub Center in Carson, or one of the two" ballparks Dodgers Stadium and Angels Stadium. Dodgers Chair Mark Walter said that he is "unsure of where discussions lie but he would be open to it." An Angels spokesperson "wasn't certain of the club's position on the matter" (L.A. TIMES, 7/10). In California, Scott Reid notes NFL officials "continue to be intrigued with the idea of playing games at Dodger Stadium, although there would be a number of logistical hurdles to overcome" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 7/10).
