Chargers make it official, bolt to Los Angeles

Just hours after reports said the Chargers would be making the move to Los Angeles, they have made it official. The Chargers have their website all set up and everything; fightforLA.com.

Dean Spanos put out a statement in the official announcement of the move:

“San Diego has been our home for 56 years. It will always be part of our identity and, my family and I have nothing but gratitude and appreciation for the support and passion our fans have shared with us over the years.

“But, today we turn the page and begin an exciting new era as the Los Angeles Chargers. L.A. is a remarkable place, and while we played our first season there in 1960 and have had fans there ever since, our entire organization knows that we have a tremendous amount of work to do. We must earn the respect and support of LA football fans. We must get back to winning. And, we must make a meaningful contribution, not just on the field, but off the field as a leader and champion for the community.”

Yup, they are officially now the Los Angeles Chargers. Complete with a logo which looks like a takeoff of the Dodgers logo.

Eventually they will move in with the Rams in the new state of the art 80K seat Inglewood facility. Until then they will play in the 27K capacity StubHub Center, which is home to the LA Galaxy MLS Soccer team. That seating should be plenty to hold the few Chargers fans left.

The site boasts that the stadium is “intimate” and fans will be “close to the action”. Another way of saying it’s tiny.

Last game in San Diego against the Raiders the 70K capacity Qualcomm Stadium was about 75% Raiders fans. That will only stand to get worse in Los Angeles where the Raiders once made their home. Subtract all the now disenfranchised and disgruntled Chargers fans, and well...

The Padres reacted to the news with a statement.

Farewell, San Diego. I will miss having an excuse for an annual trip to that wonderful city I once called home during my Navy days. The perfect weather, vibrant nightlife, and laid back attitude were always refreshing. Sure, we make jokes, but honestly it’s a sad day in sports.