x
Breaking News
More () »

State of the Stadium, Part 1

State of the Stadium, Part 1

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (CBS 8) - If you want to get a lively debate started, all you have to do is mention the new Chargers stadium. Emotions are high and opinions are strong on both sides of the issue.

Larry Himmel begins a series of reports entitled, "The State of the Stadium".

Before I get started on this project, I need to tell you a little bit about myself. I was not born here, but I have been in love with San Diego since I first moved here in 1972, and for the past 31 years I have been doing feature stories in neighborhoods all over San Diego.

I am a football fan. I root for the Chargers. I work for the Chargers station and at times I am part of KFMB's Chargers post-game show. I've met the Spanos family and I like them. But when it comes to building a new stadium, I am as perplexed and confused as many of you are.

There's a lot of misinformation out there and at this moment more questions than answers.

If we build a new stadium, who should pay for it? How can it be done without overburdening taxpayers? Where should it be built? What's the economic impact if the Chargers leave? What are the benefits if they stay? Do they really want to stay? How have other cities funded stadiums?

The more we ask these questions, the more varied the answers and the more emotional the issue becomes. What I have in mind is to examine the stadium issue from all sides. To ask the tough questions to the right people, not to persuade anybody or to change anyone's mind, but rather to bring the facts forward.

So what are the facts that we do know for certain?

1. Most of us enjoy watching Chargers football. It's the highest-rated programming in San Diego County, and,

2. The majority of area residents don't want to be taxed to build a new stadium.

Can we make it work? I'm not sure, but we'll all know for certain in the weeks ahead.

Before You Leave, Check This Out