The Chargers are "looking to leave a mark in their new city" of L.A. in part by "paying for team-themed tattoos," according to Sam Farmer of the L.A. TIMES. During a 12-hour window tomorrow from 1:00pm-1:00am PT, the team will "foot the bill for anyone who wants to get inked with one of an array of Chargers tattoos at the Shamrock Social Club in West Hollywood." Chargers Special Advisor Jeffrey Pollack said, "It's just one way to show our appreciation for the fans, and to let them know that we're always thinking creatively about how they can put their hand up and say they love the Chargers." Pollack said that there are no plans to "pay for the removal of Raiders tattoos" (L.A. TIMES, 8/14). In California, Jack Wang note the Chargers face a challenge in carving out a "significant footprint in a crowded" L.A. sports landscape. It is one thing to convince people who had not attended an NFL game since the Rams and Raiders moved away in the mid '90s to come out to StubHub Center "out of casual curiosity." It is "another task entirely to build a dedicated fan base." The Chargers for months have marketed StubHub Center as a "unique venue, one that will provide an intimate viewing experience unlike any other" in pro football. Even from the very worst seats, fans can "still read the numbers on the players' jerseys." Wang: "The problem? Opposing fans might be just as eager to visit." Last night's preseason game against the Seahawks "drew 21,054, but Seahawks fans dotted the stands with neon green" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 8/14).
FIGHT OR FLIGHT: In California, Ryan Kartje notes last night's game featured banners "plastered on every wall declared a 'Fight for LA,' even as the city remained wary of those claiming to fight for it" (ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER, 8/14). In L.A., Vincent Bonsignore writes the Chargers "make no secret they are fighting for all of our hearts and attention spans." Bonsignore: "Fight For L.A., right?" It "probably won't matter to the legion of Rams fans who have no intention of taking the Chargers up on the offer." There also are likely a "whole bunch of local Raiders fans who have no intention of switching allegiances any time soon." However, there are "plenty of fans to go around" and enough to "tap into and build a strong base." L.A. and the surrounding area has "proved over and over, time and time again, it opens its arms in support of the local sports teams as well as any region in the country" (L.A. DAILY NEWS, 8/14).
